Art Brings Soul (and Election Returns) to Capitol Hill

 
 
Written by Anita
November 2, 2008

 
Washington is no stranger to Chef Art Smith. Although he is perhaps best known as the two-time James Beard awardee who served as Oprah’s personal chef, his father was a Congressional page and Chef Smith first dished up meals in DC for Senator Bob Graham.  Now he’s back, with his latest venture - Art and Soul in the new Liaison Capitol Hill hotel.
 

Chef Art SmithWe recently caught up with Chef Smith and chatted with him about Art and Soul.
 
Q: What was your inspiration for Art and Soul? 
A: I thought that there was a real need for soulful Southern food on Capitol Hill.

 

Q: Are you happy with how it turned out?
A: Yes. In the current economic climate, it’s great to be located in a hotel, filled with people who love to travel and an international clientele. I’m happy that it turned out to be a modern, clean, warm environment.  In fact, we welcome all—including the family dog.

 

Q: What’s your favorite fall ingredient?
A: Lingonberries. I just came back from the Artic Circle, where I made a lingonberry cobbler.

 
The restaurant, which offers modern regional cuisine with Southern accents, is sleek and sophisticated—featuring several huge dramatic oil portraits of celebrated leaders, including Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
 

Looking for a place on the Hill to watch the election returns roll in? Then try the restaurant’s chic lounge, ArtBar, which will be offering an Election Night Special that includes a complimentary appetizer (like the Chesapeake Bay Fry, Rockfish Tacos, Boardwalk Fries, Chilled Local Oysters, Pork Ribs, or Artisanal Cheese Plate) with the purchase of two signature cocktails from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. to patrons who show their "I Voted" sticker.  One example of how Chef Smith connects his passion for cooking with DC’s passion for politics!
 

 

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