Feast Your Eyes on Navy Yard’s Exciting New Day-to-Night Chinese Spot | Eater DC
"Set in the former Pho Junkies and Justin’s Cafe space at 1025 1st Street SE, this “Cantonese-inspired” Navy Yard spot is designed to operate as a cafe by day and a full-service restaurant and bar by night. The menu, shaped by chef Timothy Yu, leans into dishes doused with lots of garlic and fiery flavors, including salt and pepper wings, fried whole branzino flecked with Fresno peppers, chile wontons, and clams in fermented black bean sauce with garlic, jalapeño, and green onion. The drinks program, overseen by sommelier Brent Kroll, focuses on spirits, tea, cocktails, and a curated wine list. Drawing from classic Chinese restaurants, the space will incorporate funky decor elements reminiscent of 1970s Hong Kong nightlife, with dimly lit, party-starting vibes that evoke D.C.’s Bar Chinois. The project brings together Side Door Pizza’s co-founder Brian Schram, Yu, and Kroll in a first-time collaboration among longtime industry friends." - Tierney Plumb