Mio Set To Open Spring 2007 In D.C.'s New "midtown"

Opening in the spring of 2007, mio will be a vibrant and welcoming restaurant in the heart of Washington, D.C.'s new "Midtown" at 1110 Vermont Avenue, NW. A joint partnership between Manuel Iguina, JohnPaul Damato and Domingo Rodriguez, this energetic restaurant will feature American cuisine with global influences, showcasing fresh, product-oriented menu items, an accessible beverage program and live piano entertainment supplied by a rotating list of local talents. Designed by Grupo 7 Design Studio, LLC, based in Georgetown, the restaurant will be lined by rich, earthen-toned walls and exposed brick, and complimented by warm browns and platinum accents.

The menu will highlight seasonal products expertly prepared by Executive Chef JohnPaul Damato. Damato most recently presided over the kitchens of all three Jaleo locations, owned by Josi Andres and Think Food Group. His menu at mio will also draw from his stint as the executive chef and Certified Organic buyer for Restaurant Nora, as well as from his experiences operating a successful catering and event planning company, Event Works "Down Home," based in New York City.

Lunch will feature a broad range of options in order to appeal to Midtown's diverse community of corporate and residential inhabitants. Salads, oven-roasted meats and fresh seafood will be available Monday through Friday for the mid-day meal, along with house-made breads paired with different accompaniments. Dinner, which will be served Monday through Saturday evenings, will introduce diners to unique, regionally sourced products, such as local Serrano pig, fresh-ground polenta and West Coast rope cultured oysters that are simply "to dive for." Menu items will include grilled whole wild rockfish; slow-roasted Jerusalem red artichokes with balsamic syrup; baked Pom Pom mushroom stuffed with parsnip puree and served with Porcini gravy; and salad of Rosslow red seedless grapefruit, pea shoots, candied butternut squash and a stack of fried leeks.

Guests waiting for a table, or just interested in a nibble and a tipple before dinner might be inclined to drop by the "pit stop" area at mio, a long table positioned in front of the kitchen where patrons can watch Chef Damato and his team prepare menu items while enjoying a few noshes, such as a spot prawn with mango purie or a bit of regional cheese. "Most people wouldn't mind a little something to munch on with their aperitif," said Damato. "I want to give them a small snack that will both tide them over and excite them for dinner." These tidbits will be priced from $3 to $6 and will change nightly.

mio's convivial beverage program will consist of premium cocktails, boutique beers and a value-oriented wine list that will pay homage to the smaller production wineries of the world. The restaurant will also feature a private dining area, separated by a glass wall and raised slightly above the dining room. This space will accommodate 60 for a sit-down dinner and allow guests to appreciate the restaurant's ambiance while also enjoying some privacy.

mio is located at 1110 Vermont Avenue, NW in the heart of Washington's "Midtown" neighborhood. For more information, please call 571-277-4625.

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