Editor’s note: This story was updated on September 17, 2021 to add the new opening date.
The folks behind hotel restaurants are consumed with telling potential diners that their wares are more interesting than their “captive audience” status might have you expect. When Wren opens next month, it will be on the 11th floor of The Watermark Hotel, part of the Capital One Center complex in Tysons Corner. That’s the first good sign. The second is the Japanese fusion concept.
“Our inspiration is derived from ‘izakaya,’ the Japanese concept of having a place to gather together to relax and chat while enjoying good food and drink,” said chef Yo Matsuzaki in a press release. Japan-native Matsuzaki’s background includes both a stint at Nobu in New York City and a grounding in French technique courtesy of the city’s Institute of Culinary Education. According to the release, his cuisine will feature local ingredients prepared in a form that “fuses Japanese street food with modern American elements.” Dishes include oysters, sashimi, and the hamachi tartare pictured above. Diners can also expect baby beet salad with yuzu-pistachio vinaigrette and grilled Black Angus ribeye.
Drinks, courtesy of beverage director Luis Mantilla and prepared on a roving cart, will include the Green With Envy Margarita, and other cocktails intended to be paired with the Asian-inflected food.
Wren is slated to open on September 21, and will serve dinner from 5-10 p.m. Drinks will be available at the bar from 3-11 p.m. daily.
1825 Capital One Dr., McLean
Feature image courtesy Wren
For more foodie news, subscribe to our twice-weekly Food newsletter.
