Wednesday, June 19 marks the grand opening of the new Mexican restaurant from celebrity chef Todd English, the man behind defunct Olives at 1600 K Street, Northwest. (Olives outposts live on in Las Vegas, Mexico City, and Boston, among other places).
MXDC takes over the Metro Center property that was once home to Galileo III at 600 14th Street, Northwest. It will debut with dinner only, and reps aren’t spilling much as far as dish details go. Billed as “modern Mexican,” the menu is made up of small plates and family-style dishes. English has appointed J.C. Pavlovich to helm the kitchen. Iron Chef America fans may recognize Pavlovich from his reoccurring role as a sous chef on the show—he has supported both Julian Medina and Bobby Flay.
English has also amassed a collection of more than 100 tequilas for the bar. Flights featuring sensory-augmenting condiments and aromas will be on offer in the two-level space.
Washington’s dining scene has never been strong on Mexican food, but MXDC joins a number of new spots. Fourteenth street recently became home to a new iteration of Taqueria Nacional, while Chupacabra brought another late night option to H Street. Nearby Sol Mexican Grill debuted in April. And Chevy Chase recently welcomed Dallas Tex-Mex chain Mi Cocina. Monday, June 17 marks the long-awaited debut of Taco Bamba, the Falls Church counter-service spot from Del Campo chef Victor Albisu. That’s at 2190 Pimmit Drive.
