After shutting its doors back in March 2020 due to the pandemic, the beloved King Street restaurant Vermilion is set to reopen its doors this Tuesday.
Going into its 20th year of business, Vermilion is aiming to become the ultimate neighborhood spot for a casual bite or special night out. And leading the kitchen is chef Ben Pflaumer, who formerly served as executive chef at Osteria Morini, culinary director at Masseria, and oversaw the openings of Officina and Philotimo.
“At Vermilion, our vision starts with products that have integrity, flavor, and soul, with nightly menus that reflect the best of the season. We’ll take a simple approach to bringing out the best in those ingredients and help tell their story on the plate,” said Pflaumer in a recent press release. “Our goal is food that is delicious, sustainable, and that pays homage to the farmers, fishers, and producers of the mid-Atlantic.”
Diners will notice the restaurant’s commitment to the best — and locally grown — ingredients in dishes like the Potato Ravioli with Olde Salt Oysters and Lemon Balm, Roseda Beef Carpaccio with Celery and Watercress, and the Eastern Shore Mushroom Steak with Black Soy Beans and Bordelaise.
And those wanting to cozy up to Vermilion’s iconic bar will also be in for a treat. Cocktail lovers will enjoy a menu that reflects the fresh ingredients of the season, along with options that include lower-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks. In addition to the cocktail program, the restaurant will offer a list of 75-plus whiskeys, and a local craft beer menu and wine list that pairs perfectly with your meal.
“It feels good — finally — to be getting ready to reopen a place that has meant so much to so many in this community, as well as to all of us at NRG,” said Michael Babin of Neighborhood Restaurant Group in a recent press release. “We’ve missed our community of guests, and we can’t wait to welcome them back.”
Before closing during spring 2020, Vermilion was named the second best restaurant in the region in Northern Virginia magazine’s 2019 Best Restaurants list. To start, the restaurant will only be offering dinner service, with Friday lunch and weekend brunch returning in the future.
Feature image courtesy Vermilion
For more food news, subscribe to our Food newsletter.
