A Cozy Tasting Menu Spot by Chef Jonathan Krinn Is Coming to Fairfax | Eater DC

"Located at 10824 Fairfax Boulevard in Fairfax, Virginia, Elyse occupies a tiny standalone building off Lee Highway with just 30 seats, including an eight-seat bar wrapped around an open kitchen, and a dark lounge interior that “hugs” its patrons. Chef Jonathan Krinn slowly rolled out an “out of the box,” five-course tasting menu there in February to supportive email-list guests, and the restaurant — named after his daughter’s middle name — opens for full-service dining with reservations on October 9; it offers a single, relaxed seating each night so diners can linger over a hybrid tasting menu priced at $125 and an optional $85 wine pairing. With only eight staff (including his 84-year-old father who bakes French and country wheat breads), Krinn plans a flexible schedule (four nights a week in season, three in slower months), monthly menu changes, and an intimate, trusting environment that allows adventurous off-menu items — examples from previews include bone marrow–infused pastas, smoked beef tongue, tuna with pickled bamboo, and future off-menu choices like cornmeal-crusted lamb sweetbread — while still offering accessible options and bourbon pairings curated with consultant sommelier David Hale." - Emily Venezky