Food

Shaw Restaurant Table to Open in Early November

Chef Frederik de Pue is ready to bring casual, European-style dining to Shaw.

De Pue at Table in the early construction days. Photograph by Erik Uecke.

Last time we saw chef Frederik de Pue, he was standing in the shell of what will be his first restaurant, Table (pronounced “tahb-luh” en français). Now the former Smith Commons and 42 Degrees Catering toque brings news that construction is moving along on the former garage in Shaw, and that the 32-seat eatery is set for an early November opening.

As originally planned, de Pue aims for a European-style dining experience in the neighborhood spot, with a lineup of seasonal fare that’ll change frequently. A release notes that the decor will also alternate with the times of year, including color shifts in the menus, aprons, and artwork. In warmer months you’ll be able to head up to a 28-seat rooftop deck or spread out to communal dining tables on the 16-seat sidewalk-level patio.

While dinner is on tap for fall, breakfast, lunch, and brunch are slated for a February 1 rollout, with offerings such as cheese and charcuterie boards, egg dishes, house-made pastries, and fresh-squeezed juices. The space formerly operated as a speakeasy (as in, a truly illegal bar), but you’ll find a list of about 20 wines by the glass, beer, and Champagne in lieu of cocktails.

The Belgian toque has more on his hands than just a small neighborhood restaurant, as the City Paper brought word yesterday that de Pue has taken over the former Café Atlántico/America Eats and Minibar space from José Andrés. A representative confirms that the new concept may be open as soon as the end of the year, permitting allowed. Stay tuned for more details on both projects.

Food Editor

Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.