Teddy Folkman Named Executive Chef at Capitol Lounge

Does posting a press release count as my post for the day?

Teddy Folkman Named Executive Chef at Capitol Lounge
The Next Food Network Star Finalist Brings Acclaimed Cuisine to Capitol Hill

Washington, DC- The Capitol Lounge, one of Capitol Hill's most storied restaurants, is raising the bar to a new level this summer. Finalist of Food Network's The Next Food Network Star and co-owner/executive chef of Granville Moore's, Teddy Folkman has entered the fray on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Chef Folkman, debuting on Food Network's The Next Food Network Star on June 7th, will unveil a menu that touches both on his celebrated dishes at Granville Moore's and Capitol Lounge's classic pub fare. Dedicated to enhancing the Capitol Lounge dining experience, Chef Folkman brings his own signature style and pedigree to a block that already boasts the likes of Food Network's own Spike Mendelsohn of Good Stuff Eatery and Barton Seaver of Sonoma. He formally assumes the role of Executive Chef on June 8th, 2009 with a new menu launching that week.

Beginning Sunday, June 7th, guests are welcome to watch each weekly episode of The Next Food Network Star at Capitol Lounge (229 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC) with Chef Folkman. Episodes are scheduled to run Sundays at 9pm EST. Other viewing party locations include:

-The Argonaut - 1430 Maryland Ave NE, Washington, DC
-Reynolds Street Bar and Grill - 34 South Reynolds Street, Alexandria, VA
-Veritas Wine Bar - 2031 Florida Ave NW, Washington DC
-Enology Wine Bar - 3238 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington DC

The Lounge's new menu will feature Folkman's signature dishes, Moules Fromage Bleu and his one-of-a-kind frites, in addition to items including Fried Tabasco Oysters, Goat Cheese Poppers, Crispy Tuna Rolls, and made-to-order pizza. Chef Folkman will work closely with leading purveyors and vendors to bring guests top-quality ingredients. He will be a significant presence at the restaurant and oversee all menu developments.

"It is really exciting to be able to take over the kitchen of Capitol Lounge. When I first moved to DC in 1999, I lived around the block. Because of that and my love for their pizzas and wings, it is a place where some of my best memories lie. I'm hoping to create some new memories and bring some really fun gourmet bar food to what is sure to be one of the most exciting blocks in the city this summer," says Folkman.

Restauranteur Joe Englert opened The Capitol Lounge in 1994. After numerous fires in the last two decades, one which left the venue inoperable for months, the property has received a major facelift. A series of renovations on both floors has been completed in recent months leading up to Chef Folkman's arrival. Additionally, the Lounge will now showcase an expanded beer list of 70 items, 12 of those on draft, and 30 wines to compliment Folkman's offerings.

"I've always craved change," says Englert. "I've always felt that the only way for a restaurant to remain viable is to keep up with trends and movements. Americans, in general, and Washingtonians in particular, now demand fresh, innovative food, and this is exactly what Teddy will deliver. The kitchen will have much more attention to detail and we will be a very attractive night out for young families, foodies, and anyone who works on the hill."
Capitol Lounge will continue serving dinner beginning at 4 p.m. every evening and will begin serving lunch at 11 a.m. on July 8th, 2009.

About Teddy:

Teddy's cooking experiences have taken him all over the metropolitan DC area, where he started as a commis at Cashion's Eat Place. After working as a Sous chef at The Reef, Clyde's of Georgetown, Evening Star Cafe, and Vermillion, he headed the kitchen at The Reef and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. Teddy is co-owner and Executive Chef of Dr. Granville Moore's Gastropub in the Atlas District on Capitol Hill.

Teddy has been an integral part of Granville Moore's success, gaining notoriety from the Washingtonian (Best of 2008 - Top 100 Cheap Eats), Washington City Paper (Best of D.C. 2008 and 2009 - Best Mussels), Imbibe Magazine Top 100 Places to Drink in America (Top Ten Gastropubs), and "Every day with Rachel Ray". He was challenged to a Moules-Frites showdown in March 2008 with Food Network Star Chef Bobby Flay - and won!

Teddy has appeared on Fox5 News, DC 101's Elliott in the Morning, and The Mike O'Meara Show. As well, Teddy goes back to the Food Network as a finalist on the upcoming season of Food Network's The Next Food Network Star. Teddy serves as a volunteer at Brainfood and local metropolitan schools and currently resides in Alexandria, VA.