Seems like Anju, Mandu's late night monthly rotating guest chef night, is just too popular to go on in its current form. A press representative for Mandu told Eater DC that the next Anju in March will be the last event for the foreseeable future. After a year of monthly events, Mandu co-owner Danny Lee wants to channel Anju's success and find a permanent home for the concept.
It's been such a hit that for last month's Anju, a two-hour wait list formed five minutes after the doors opened, according to Mandu's press rep. So for the final event on March 6, Mandu is switching things up a bit to make things more pleasant and orderly.
Mandu will be taking staggered reservations every 30 minutes starting at 10 p.m. The restaurant will allocate hour-and-a-half slots to the first two seatings at 10 p.m and 10:30 p.m. Seatings at 11 p.m. and beyond won't have any restrictions. The bar will be first-come, first-serve.
This way, the crowd will be more spaced out and Mandu's small kitchen will be better able to serve guests. For those who want to make a reservation, call the restaurant at (202) 289-6899. Guest chefs Jeff Black and Michael Schlow will be cooking at the final Anju.
Update: Mandu just let Eater know that their phone lines are already ringing off the hook for March's Mandu, so they will now begin taking reservations for March's event on Monday, February 16. Please email info@mandudc.com for reservations.
