The previously untitled Shaw restaurant from the Mintwood Place team now has a name: Convivial. Chef Cedric Maupillier says he and co-owner Saied Azali were drawn to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary’s definition of the word: “relating to, occupied with, or fond of feasting, drinking, and good company.”
“It’s what I want the restaurant to be, and what everyone wants to feel around the table” says Maupillier. He also liked that the spelling and meaning are the same in his native French.
The eatery is set to open in the City Market at O development, and is being designed by Peter Hapstak of HapstakDemetriou (behind the looks of Fiola Mare, Gypsy Soul, and others). Maupillier projects a late summer, early spring 2015 debut.
Like at Mintwood, the cuisine will draw from both French and American traditions. You may find some crossover dishes, but Maupillier says he’s hoping to make the portions slightly smaller—think appetizer size, not tiny tapas—and prices somewhat gentler.
“Some of my favorite places are Rose’s Luxury and 2 Amys, where you can have three or four plates of something good, and leave satisfied without breaking the bank,” says Maupillier.
Convivial will be open around the clock for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Stay tuned for more details.
Convivial. 801 O St., NW.
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.
