Union Market Goes 'Roof-to-Table" with Bidwell

Union Market gets its first full-service, stand-alone restaurant in Bidwell, John Mooney's restaurant slated to open Thursday.

The New York chef is going roof-to-table with the new seasonal concept, growing fruits and vegetables using planters on the roof of the market. Here are some bullet points:

· What's in a name? General John Bidwell was a general in the U.S. Army in the 1800s (not to mention a Presidnetial candidate and the founder of Chico, California) known for his farming methods. It's a nod to the restaurant's own technique, which will to be use more than 70 aeroponic planters to grow crops.

· The dishes will have a Southern influence. Some early menu items include a "Gin & Tonic Salmon," crispy deviled eggs with homemade ranch, lobster tacos and suckling pigs.

· New York firm GRADE is responsible for the design of the restaurant, which has 120 seats. Look for a big white and beige marble countertop, reclaimed wood (you knew that was coming) and old school lighting fixtures.

· Mooney, known mostly for his New York restaurants, also has some D.C. stints on his resume, including time at the former Red Sage and at Raku.

· The restaurant will be open for lunch, dinner and brunch.
· Union Market [Official Site]
· All Previous John Mooney/Bidwell Coverage [-EDC-]

[Photo: John Mooney]