Michel Richard Gets Ballsy.
October 20, 2011 by: diningindc
Have you heard the news? Everyone is talking about it (Zagat, Eater, Washington Business Journal) and the whole bloggerverse. With the recent opening of a Central location in Vegas last month, even at the ripe young age of 63, he’s still on a roll (ba-dum-bump). There are no signs that he has any intentions of slowing down.
Internationally acclaimed chef and restaurateur Michel Richard (Citronelle, Central, Michel) will enter the fast-casual food world with his latest project, Meatballs, (624 E. St., NW) a modern counter-serve prototype in Penn Quarter. Yes, the menu will consist entirely of meatballs. It’s a far cry from the whimsy sophistication of Citronelle, but Richard has never disappointed.
The menu will include a classic meatball based on a traditional recipe, as well as, lamb, chicken, lentils for vegetarians and others as specials. The yummy meaty ball of goodness will be served in grinders or over your choice of spaghetti or a salad. Diners can choose toppings, as well, such as cheese, hot peppers, and even Fritos — to top it all off, everything will be under $10! Now that’s a price point! Beer and wine will be available soon after it opens in 2-3 weeks.
According to Eater, on Sunday evenings Meatballs will offer a special in which you can get a full meal — meatballs, sauce, pasta, bread and salad — that’ll feed 8-10 people for $79.99. It’ll come served in Richard’s new line of cookware and, if you bring the pot back another Sunday night for a refill, the price drops to a mere $59. Meatballs will be open for lunch and dinner starting in approximately two or three weeks.
Richard told Eater, that opening a meatball joint is something that he has always wanted to do — a simple, casual dining experience that’s a world-apart from the upscale Citronelle. He has also always loved meatballs, which are the “ultimate happy food” for a chef.
Meatballs 624 E Street, NW 202-393-1083
