Washingtonian Magazine has recently unveiled its esteemed compilation of the “100 Very Best Restaurants in Washington, DC,” featuring two distinguished establishments from Pike & Rose:
- Caruso’s Grocery (11820 Trade St., Pike & Rose): Caruso’s Grocery, with an additional location in DC, underwent a rebranding just over a year ago, transitioning from Owen’s Ordinary. This transformation saw the bar and patio evolving into Owen’s Tavern and Beer Garden, while the dining room embraced the new identity as Caruso’s Grocery. Both Caruso’s and Owen’s are under the adept operation of the Neighborhood Restaurant Group. Chef Matt Adler shared insights into the decision to repurpose Owen’s dining room, noting that it was not as bustling as the bar and patio. Caruso’s Grocery, inaugurated at The Roost food hall in Capitol Hill DC in May 2021, is designed as a classic Italian-American ‘red sauce joint.’ Offering traditional fare with a focus on execution and high-quality ingredients, the menu includes iconic dishes like Chicken Parmesan, Penne alla Vodka, Mozzarella en Carozza, Sole Francaise, Garlic Bread with Four Cheese Sauce, and more. The venture is a collaboration between the Neighborhood Restaurant Group and Partner Matthew Adler.
- Melina (905 Rose Ave., Pike & Rose): Melina, which opened its doors in late 2021, is situated at 905 Rose Ave. Chef Dimitri Moshovitis, the visionary behind Melina, expresses a commitment to sharing traditional Greek recipes and techniques infused with a creative twist. Moshovitis highlights the evolution of Greek cooking over the years and saw an opportune moment to showcase modern Greek cuisine when he met Chef Aris Tsekouras, owner of Microwheat Bakery. The name “Melina” holds sentimental value, representing Moshovitis’ daughter, but its symbolic significance extends to celebrating all women in a family – mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters. Additionally, in Greek, “meli” means honey, providing another layer of meaning to the name. This is reflected in their logo, which incorporates a bee, symbolizing honey.
Featured image courtesy of @TasteMoCo
