Eater DC: How Wolfgang Puck’s Source Has Stoked D.C. Dining This Past Decade

From Eater DC by Lani Furbank:

“A lot has changed about the city since celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck opened his first D.C. restaurant in late 2007. But the innovative Source — which recently restored lunch service and spins out ever-popular dumplings during happy hour — has remained a prominent part of the dining scene through it all.

The now-award winning restaurant was almost a steakhouse. But with nationwide chain Capital Grille located right across the street, Puck opted instead to pursue an Asian fusion menu that was ahead of its time in Washington.

When assembling the opening team for the Source, Puck tapped Scott Drewno — who had cooked at other Puck-led restaurants including Chinois and Spago — as executive chef. “I liked him because he really was passionate about Asian, Chinese food,” Puck recalls.

Drewno, who was living in New York at the time, was a bit hesitant at first. “We were kind of nervous about fine dining Asian as a concept. I think I was personally,” he tells Eater. “D.C. always had the rap for being a steak and potato town, and so I was a little concerned about that coming in.” After visiting the restaurants of a few pioneering local chefs — including José Andrés and the late Michel Richard — Drewno was sold.

Contrasting white tablecloth dining with bold global flavors, the Source was a unique addition to the area that quickly drew curious visitors who turned into regulars. Over the years, it has racked up several accolades, including two Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Chef of the Year Awards for Drewno, and, most recently, an award for exceptional service.”

Read the rest of the story HERE!

Featured photo by Rey Lopez.