The Darcy Hotel in Washington D.C. has unveiled its latest culinary venture, Gerrard Street Kitchen, a globally-inspired restaurant that promises a diverse and exciting dining experience. Replacing the Michelin-starred Siren, Gerrard Street Kitchen introduces a menu that skillfully blends international flavors, positioning dishes like Moroccan chicken tajine alongside classic Beef Wellington, and innovative Indian flatbread tacos. Spearheading this new gastronomic direction is Executive Chef Jaime Velasquez, a well-known figure in the D.C. dining scene and a former chef at the esteemed Citronelle by Michel Richard.
The restaurant’s name itself is a nod to Gerrard Street in London’s vibrant West End, a location celebrated for its eclectic mix of international cuisines. This London connection serves as the core inspiration for the menu, which artfully combines British and Indian culinary traditions with influences from Japan, Morocco, and South Asia. Gerrard Street Kitchen aims to offer a culinary journey around the world, all within the welcoming ambiance of The Darcy Hotel.
Embarking on a Global Culinary Adventure at Gerrard Street Kitchen
Gerrard Street Kitchen is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary concept designed to transport diners across continents. The menu is a testament to the diverse flavors of the world, carefully curated to offer something for every palate. Chef Velasquez and his team have meticulously crafted each dish, ensuring an authentic and elevated dining experience. The restaurant seeks to be a reflection of London’s Gerrard Street, a melting pot of global gastronomy, right in the heart of Washington D.C.
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A Menu Spanning Continents: Breakfast, Bites, and Beyond
Gerrard Street Kitchen caters to every dining occasion, starting with a globally-influenced breakfast menu. Guests can choose from savory options like masala scrambled egg whites with baby spinach and puri, a flavorful Indian bread, or indulge in sweeter choices like refreshing açaí bowls. As the day progresses, the bar bites menu takes center stage, featuring creative paratha tacos filled with Indian-spiced beef short ribs, topped with zesty pickled onions and cooling tzatziki – a perfect example of the menu’s innovative fusion approach.
The appetizer selection continues this theme of international exploration. Diners can enjoy double-cooked Korean crispy chicken wings, crispy calamari, and baked oysters elevated with Japanese mayo, panko breadcrumbs, and delicate bonito flakes. Adding a unique touch to the presentation, these smaller dishes are served in custom-made tiffin boxes, traditional stacked containers commonly used for lunch in India, further emphasizing the restaurant’s global inspiration and attention to detail.
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Chef Velasquez highlights the unexpected depth of flavor in dishes like the baked oysters. “The bonito flakes will give that smokiness that you will not expect in an oyster,” he explains, showcasing the thoughtful layering of flavors that defines the Gerrard Street Kitchen experience.
Another visually striking and flavorful offering is the robota lamb mishkaki. This East African-inspired dish features succulent lamb and beef skewers grilled over Japanese binchotan charcoal, imparting a unique smoky flavor. It’s served with warm naan bread and refreshing raita, completing this cross-cultural culinary journey.
For main courses, the menu broadens even further, presenting a diverse array of options ranging from comforting ramen to vibrant bibimbap with hamachi, and classic Maryland-style crab cakes, showcasing the breadth of Gerrard Street Kitchen’s culinary ambition.
“There’s a lot of diversity here,” Chef Velasquez notes about the menu, emphasizing the kitchen’s dedication to authenticity and quality. “I think we are fortunate that we have a great staff in the kitchen, and we have trained and trained and trained until we feel that we are doing a good homage to all these different types of cuisine. It’s not easy but I think we are ready.”
Sweet Endings with a Global Flair
Pastry Chef Marionela Tirsin complements the savory menu with desserts that continue the international theme. Her creations include a delicate tart with yuzu mousse and blueberry cream, a classic apple tarte tatin accompanied by rich brown butter ice cream, and a duo creme brûlée featuring both vanilla and chocolate – a nostalgic nod to a beloved dessert from Citronelle, where Chef Velasquez honed his skills.
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Ambiance and Location
Taking over the space previously occupied by Siren and Lil’B, Gerrard Street Kitchen offers a refreshed and inviting atmosphere. Atlanta’s BLUR Workshop undertook a design makeover of the 2,700-square foot space, drawing inspiration from early 20th-century London design aesthetics. The result is a bright and airy ambiance, a departure from its predecessor, yet still retaining elements like the impressive raw bar and seafood towers, hinting at the location’s culinary history.
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Chef Jaime Velasquez: Bringing Decades of Experience
Chef Jaime Velasquez brings over 35 years of culinary experience in Washington D.C. to Gerrard Street Kitchen. His culinary foundation is deeply rooted in French cuisine, starting with an apprenticeship at Alain Ducasse’s renowned restaurant in Paris, followed by a significant tenure at Citronelle in Georgetown. His time under the mentorship of Michel Richard instilled in him a commitment to precision and quality.
“For him it was crispiness, freshness, quality product,” Velasquez reflects on his time with Richard, “and that’s the sort of stuff I take it to heart.” This dedication to detail and quality is evident in every aspect of Gerrard Street Kitchen.
Visit Gerrard Street Kitchen at The Darcy Hotel
Gerrard Street Kitchen is now open at The Darcy Hotel, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. from Monday to Friday. Weekend brunch is available from 7 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The restaurant’s lounge area is open on weekends from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Located in Scott Circle, Gerrard Street Kitchen is poised to become a dining destination for both hotel guests and local Washingtonians alike, offering a unique and approachable global dining experience.
