Oyamel Moving Along

This is exciting, a new culinary addition to the neighborhood. I never made it to Oyamel when it was in Crystal City. Could anyone provide more about the restaurant, like what their favorite dishes were and why I might go eat there instead of Jaleo or Zaytinya?

West Elm is also moving along, having just installed some window displays on the second floor of their space.

Um, you’d probably go to Oyamel over Jaleo or Zaytinya if you were hungry for Mexican rather than Spanish (Jaleo) or Mediterranean (Zaytinya). Never made it out to the CC location either, but sounds like Oyamel’s a bit more “authentic” than Austin Grill.

A “mexican” meal prepared with CVS groceries is more authentic than Austin Grill.

Y’all, Austin Grill is Tex-Mex, not Mexican. For those illiterate in Texas culture, I feel sorry for you. Get off your high horse and learn the difference between mexican food and Tex-Mex.

I saw a menu in Potato Valley Cafe’s window. Peeked in looks about ready to open.

Um, Austin Grill is Tex-Mex, not Mexican.

Hey Anon 12/29 3:36 PM and Anon 12/29 4:13 pm… just thought you should know that local restauranteur Ann Cashion originally opened both Jaleo and Austin Grill – I imagine she is getting a chuckle from your sophisticated insights into cuisine.

Anne Cashion was a partner in Austin Grille but I’m not sure how much of a hand she had in the menu. It’s kindof a tyler florence-applebee’s thing. She did bring over her amazing chicken wings however, which taste just like the ones at Johhny’s Half Shell. As for Jaleo, I don’t think she had anything to do with it. I believe the original partners in Jaleo were Jose Andres and Roberto Alvarez.

I hope this provides some clarity…

From http://www.starchefs.com/features/women/html/bio_cashion.shtml:

In autumn of 1987 she began developing the menu for the restaurant, which opened as Austin Grill in Washington, D.C. in June of 1988. Under Ann’s direction as head chef, the Austin Grill met with immediate critical and popular success…. In 1993 Austin Grills opened Jaleo, a Spanish tapas restaurant in downtown Washington, D.C. As Executive Chef, Ann was once again responsible for developing a successful menu concept and training and supervising yet another kitchen staff.