Details on Doi Moi's Street Food, Cocktail Bar and More

Todd Kliman learned the name and additional details about the impending arrival of Doi Moi, from the Estadio and Proof teams, in an interview with owner Mark Kuller yesterday, Now, via a press release, here's more about what to expect from the upcoming Southeast Asian restaurant, including its street-food inspiration, cocktail bar and the story behind its unique name.

Mark your calendars: Doi Moi is looking to open sometime this summer at 1800 14th St. NW.

Familiar names: Haidar Karoum of Proof and Estadio is overseeing the menu, though they'll eventually be hiring a chef de cuisine to work under him. Justin Guthrie of Estadio will move over to become general manager, and the team's Adam Bernbach will oversee cocktails at all three of Kuller's restaurants, though he'll be based at Doi Moi.

Quartz and marble: Griz Dwight, who also designed Proof and Estadio, is the architect for the space. Look for accents in quartz and tumbled marble, along with big bay windows, bench seating, and a large patio. The 5,000 square foot space stretches over two buildings: one is new, and the other is historic.

Street stands, stalls and storefronts: Those are the inspiration for the food at Doi Moi, which will dabble in both VIetnamese and Thai cooking.

At the bar: They're calling the cocktail bar 2 Birds 1 Stone. It'll be located on the ground level, and those who go there will be able to order food off of a scaled-down version of the restaurant menu.

About that name: Doi Moi translates literally to "new change," and it refers both to renovation and the economic policies of Vietnam in 1986. From a statement from Kuller:

"The name was chosen because it embodies many elements of this project — the progressing renewal and reconstruction of 14th Street, the renovation of this beautiful historic building, the open door nature of great hospitality, and the new change that captures my personal and continuing transition from corporate tax attorney to restaurateur."

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Mark Kuller [Photo: R. Lopez]