Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen

A culinary collection presenting new interpretations of American classics
in a light and airy, casual dining room that is a shared space for all.

For a native of New Orleans, it can be hard to leave, but most transplants will continue to hold its culture and rituals close to the heart. This was the case for Celebrity Chef David Guas, who proudly honors his Louisiana hometown and customs at his counter-service eatery, Bayou Bakery Coffee Bar & Eatery. His community activism in Arlington with Chefs Feeding Families, and selfless charitable contributions from The Community Spoon, reaching beyond Virginia,
have garnered Guas high praise.             
 
As luck will have it, Guas is following his long-term vision - adding an entirely new concept to his restaurant portfolio, Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen, located in McLean, Virginia. His first full-service restaurant captures the very essence of American culture and cuisine. From wood-burning to fire-roasting, the seasonal menu will offer dishes celebrating small farmers, heritage growers, and fisherman – regionally and along the Gulf Coast. Some dishes may include the Wood-fired Double Cut Pork Chop [preparation pictured above;] Serrano Wrapped, Loaded Sweet Potato Mash, Garlicky Rapini; Fire Roasted Oysters on the half-shell with Garlic Butter, Parmesan, and Bread for soppin'; and the NG Burger - Smashed Double Patty, American Cheese, Shaved Sweet Onion, Ketchup, Yellow Mustard, and Crispy Fries.                     
 
The piece of New Orleans Guas takes to his restaurant is the name, neutral ground, which holds a deep significance in the city. After the Louisiana Purchase, Americans, of all races and religions, would come together as a unified community at a neutral green area between streets, which in effect is a linear park – adding a pastoral distinction to the unique and charming neighborhoods. These characteristics will be reflected, not only in the philosophy of the restaurant, but also in the interior – with the design vision from Simone Rathlé, collaborating with the talented team at //3877 on the design execution. The tranquil, spacious dining room is meant to feel like a shared, comfortable space with a fresh, casual appeal. Enhancing the approachable ambiance is a backdrop of saw palmetto, striped wall coverings made of grass cloth, fanning across the room in mossy accents. Above are decorative floating, rattan textured shades, transforming the industrial ceiling into an art form. Warm whites, sandy beach tints, light-colored woods will be hues that define the landscape of tables and chairs, with pops of color - from warm oranges to garden greens. Anchoring the rear of the restaurant is the inviting bar – spanning the back section. It’s designed with a mixture of light brown tones, warm textures, and natural materials. The aesthetic is balanced by cocktails grounded in American classics and a curated list of wine and beer, focused on regional favorites. Open air dining will sprawl the exterior with an expanded patio, naturally enclosed by foliage in boxed planters - as colorful umbrellas paint a bright, cheerful sweep across the entire front.           
 
Neutral Ground, Bar + Kitchen will open in Spring 2024, for dinner only to start, Tuesday-Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.      

6641 Old Dominion DrIVE
McLean, VA 22101
fB: @neutralgroundbar+kitchen
IG: @Neutralgroundbarandkitchen | twitter: @neutralgroundva

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