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Although José Andrés has dozens of restaurants all over the world, The Bazaar, which has just opened in Washington, is undoubtedly one of the most special for the Asturian. Located inside the Waldorf Astoria hotel, in the historic Old Post Office building from the late 19th century, José Andrés explained that it had been 30 years since his first visit to Washington and “to have The Bazaar open in this beautiful and historic building that has always held a special place for me, is an American dream come true”.
On the other hand, the restaurant is located in a former hotel owned by Donald Trump, which is where it was going to open in 2015. After some controversial statements by the former president against immigration, the Spanish chef decided to stop the project and entered into a legal battle and finally last year confirmed that this long-awaited restaurant would open.
Spanish and American cuisine
There are currently seven The Bazaar stores in the United States. First conceived in Los Angeles in 2008, this new opening is an important step for the Group. “As The Bazaar continues to grow and flourish in new cities, the Washington, DC opening in the Old Post Office is symbolic for many reasons,” said Sam Bakhshandehpour, president of the José Andrés Group. “It is a way of coming full circle for a company long rooted here and focused on the continued economic prosperity of the city, the culinary community and our loyal guests,” he concluded.
So, The Bazaar immerses diners in a sensory adventure paying homage to Spanish roots and inspiration from all his travels, a hallmark of the chef’s style. In addition, The Bazaar’s Washington location will serve fun dishes exclusive to The Bazaar and will also feature a nod to the history of this country.
Among the specialities on offer are the Eisenhower beef cheek stew, dishes such as the Louie crab cone and Philly Cheesesteak air bread or their special polvoron with hazelnuts, banana sorbet, tonka beans, salted almonds and caviar. In addition, the restaurant will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner and bar service throughout the day.
Privileged location
The location of this new The Bazaar is unbeatable. In The Old Post Office, The Bazaar, a historic Romanesque-style building inaugurated in 1899, operated as a Post Office until 1914. The restaurant has been decorated by the Spanish firm Lázaro Rosa-Violán, who have taken inspiration from this grand architecture to create a home for these avant-garde delights and an ode to Spanish craftsmanship.
On the other hand, all the furnishings and ambience are very well cared for, from the bar to the top floor, with emerald velvet banquettes, personalised floral fabrics inspired by Salvador Dalí, and tables with black marble tops, among other eye-catching elements. Of course, there is also a variety of plants, such as Ficus, which will make diners feel at home. This new restaurant joins the other restaurants that the chef owns in Washington: Jaleo, Minibar, Oyamel, China Chilcano and Zaytinya.
This inauguration also coincided with José Andrés’ trip to Turkey to help with his foundation World Central Kitchen for all the victims of the earthquake. The entire team is serving more than 90,000 meals every day and are working with local chefs and restaurants to ensure that all families have fresh, hot meals.
