Washingtonian: Anju and Chiko Team Is Taking Over Food and Beverage at the Line DC Hotel
In years past, the Line DC hotel in Adams Morgan was home to marquee restaurants from top chefs such as Woodberry Kitchen’s Spike Gjerde and Maketto’s Erik Bruner-Yang. But following a rough stretch that culminated in a foreclosure sale last year, the hotel is hoping to become a dining destination again with a new food & beverage partner. DC chefs Danny Lee and Scott Drewno of Fried Rice Collective—the restaurant group behind Anju, Chiko, and I Egg You—will oversee the hotel’s culinary operations and eventually open a new ground-floor restaurant.
In years past, the Line DC hotel in Adams Morgan was home to marquee restaurants from top chefs such as Woodberry Kitchen’s Spike Gjerde and Maketto’s Erik Bruner-Yang. But following a rough stretch that culminated in a foreclosure sale last year, the hotel is hoping to become a dining destination again with a new food & beverage partner. DC chefs Danny Lee and Scott Drewno of Fried Rice Collective—the restaurant group behind Anju, Chiko, and I Egg You—will oversee the hotel’s culinary operations and eventually open a new ground-floor restaurant.
RESY: How to Get Into Anju
Hear the name Anju, and many people’s first thoughts will float to Korean bar snacks. Pan-tossed pork-and-kimchi mandu with blistered skins and juicy centers. Crisp Korean fried chicken whose juices run with its gochujang glaze at first bite. Tender beef tartare, punctuated by lotus crisps for a compelling crunch.
Hear the name Anju, and many people’s first thoughts will float to Korean bar snacks. Pan-tossed pork-and-kimchi mandu with blistered skins and juicy centers. Crisp Korean fried chicken whose juices run with its gochujang glaze at first bite. Tender beef tartare, punctuated by lotus crisps for a compelling crunch.
If those diners know the restaurant scene in the nation’s capital and its suburbs, those gustatory recollections will be completed with the faces of Danny Lee and Scott Drewno. The chef duo behind The Fried Rice Collective opened Anju in 2019 and have since garnered multiple James Beard nominations, a legion of celebrity fans, and a reservation book that’s notoriously tough to crack.
Forbes: Why Fried Rice Collective Chefs Were Nominated For A James Beard Award
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.
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.
The Infatuation: The Best Restaurants In Dupont Circle
With 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.
With 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.
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Traditionally 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
Traditionally 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
Tasting Table: 12 Of The Hardest Restaurant Reservations To Get In Washington D.C.
Also 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.
Also 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.
Fine Dining Lovers: The Most Romantic Restaurants in Washington
Romance 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.
Romance 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.
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