Back in 2017, when chefs Danny Lee and Scott Drewno met in Washington, D.C, there were few chefs who were bringing Asian cuisine, both Chinese and Korean, to the forefront. Nearly 8 years later, and the duo has launched 7 restaurants under 3 different brands, CHIKO, Anju, I Egg You and one catering service District Catering. While not all of them are Asian eateries, that’s what they’ve built their reputation on.
And the two chefs have been nominated for a 2025 James Beard Award as Outstanding Restaurateur, which honors chefs and entrepreneurs who demonstrate creativity, integrity and building community.
Read MoreWith one of the highest concentrations of restaurants in the city, the options in Dupont Circle feel limitless. On any given Sunday you can find yourself salsa dancing at Cafe Citron, people-watching at the fountain, or eating your weight in bread at a farmers market. Whether it’s a quick lunch while ducking co-workers, date night with someone special, or Happy Hour to melt the stress away, there’s something here for everyone. Here are our picks for the best spots to eat in Dupont Circle.
Read MoreTraditionally celebrated on Christmas Eve in Latin American cultures, Noche Buena is a merry late-night feast that usually takes places after midnight mass. Anju is hosting its own version tonight, December 19, with festive cocktails and delicious food by guest chefs Matt Conroy and Isable Coss (from Lutèce and Pascual), plus Ismael Mendez (Qui Qui DC). Doors open for the special event at 10 p.m., with food available till midnight and cocktails, featuring drink sponsors Mijenta Tequila and Don Q Rum, served till 1 a.m. The vent is first-come-first-served, with plenty of early walk-ups welcome. Be on the lookout for Noche Buena specials across D.C. on Christmas Eve, like duck confit tamales at El Presidente, incorporating mole poblano, sesame seeds, Mexican crema, watercress, grilled persimmon, and pickled red onion 1805 18th Street NW
Read MoreAlso located in Dupont Circle, Anju redefines Korean cuisine with a contemporary edge. This acclaimed spot is led by co-chef Danny Lee, who draws inspiration from his heritage with input from his Korean mother. The menu blends tradition and innovation, offering dishes influenced by Korean street markets and royal palace-era cuisine. Beyond food, Anju's bar elevates Korean spirits, featuring creative takes on soju and makgeolli.
Anju's ambiance matches its dynamic menu. The spacious downstairs bar is perfect for casual outings, while the upstairs dining room offers a more intimate setting. Reservations are highly coveted and released on Resy 21 days in advance at noon. For those who miss out, bar seating is available for walk-ins, and lunch is usually easier to secure than dinner.
Read MoreRomance may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Washington, but the nation’s capital boasts a burgeoning, sexy food scene that’s just as diverse as the 700,000+ people calling it home. The days when stuffy steakhouses ruled D.C.’s dining landscape are over and the District teems with restaurants that attract established couples and young singles looking for love, hopefully in all of the right places. Here are nine of the most romantic restaurants in Washington, guaranteed to make you and your date swoon — regardless of your political affiliation.
Read MoreIn 2017, Lee got a call: the original Mandu location had been destroyed by fire. He decided to stay and rebuild, but it was time for a new concept. He’d also founded The Fried Rice Collective, a restaurant and hospitality group, with his fellow James Beard Award nominee, chef Scott Drewno, who had been running the popular D.C. restaurant The Source. Drewno, originally from the Finger Lakes, spent the majority of his career with Wolfgang Puck. Lee and Drewno opened Anju in 2019.
Their vision for Anju was transformative: a substantive, heritage-minded homage to classical Korean cuisine, but with the confidence and curiosity to continually test and redefine what “classical” means. There was, yes, fried chicken, but also Cornish hens stuffed with sweet rice and dates. It drew devotees, but also critics, expecting more “traditional” fidelity to expected dishes.
Read MoreDC chefs impressing you?
Danny Lee and Scott Drewno of the Fried Rice Collective (tfrc.com), Anju (anjurestaurant.com), Mandu (mandudc.com), Chiko (mychiko.com) and I Egg You (ieggyoudc.com). Also, Micheal Rafidi of Albi (albidc.com) and Yellow (yellowthecafe.com). I also love the work of Zach Ramos and Amy Phan of Ama Ami (amaami.com) and soon-to-open Two Nine Omakase (omakase29.com)
Read More
