The restaurant serves seasonal American-style cuisine using ingredients sourced from the Mid-Atlantic and Gulf Coast.
Written by Olga Boikes
Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen, the latest venture from Bayou Bakery restaurant pro David Guas, will serve McLean neighbors classic American food and drinks in a relaxed setting by the end of May. It's planned.
This restaurant is one of the most anticipated restaurants in NoVA. Mr. Guas is known for his Bayou Bakery as well as his television appearances on Food His Network. chopped and as a host on the Travel Channel. american grill, He said he was waiting for the right spot in McLean last year. The restaurant is located at 6641 Old Dominion Dr.
Natural light from large windows floods the ash tables and pale green leather seats. A retro-modern feel gives the open room a Southern California feel.
This relaxed, welcoming atmosphere permeates the menu. Start with the burger: a double patty made from local Lineback beef and caramelized in a wood-fired oven. There's crispy quail and a chunky pork chop that's twice-fried for a light crust. And then there's the whole branzino, smothered in organic tapenade bursting with red wine citrus.
The featured oyster dish pays homage to Guasu's New Orleans roots. Local clams are chargrilled with lemon and butter and finished with Parmesan cheese. For further homage, two giant head shrimp are tossed with New Orleans-style Worcestershire sauce.
Another focus is clever vegetable preparations: Ribbons of zucchini arrive at the table seared in romesco sauce, and shoestring onion rings, an homage to the popular Big Easy po'boy shop, will be another signature dish. Crisply roasted mushrooms also take center stage.
With signature cocktails recreating classics, drinks will be familiar and approachable, yet uniquely different, and bar nibbles such as pimiento cheese will be available. Patrons can expect an inviting bar that encourages them to treat Neutral Ground as a second home.
6641 Old Dominion Dr.
Featured image of Grilled Caesar Salad by Johnny Autry
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