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Based on early feedback cropping up all over the internet, customers can’t take their eyes off Chloe, the debut restaurant first-time restaurateur Haidar Karoum opened earlier this month in Navy Yard.
The original star chef at Proof, Estadio, and Doi Moi called it quits in 2016 to take a break from a 17-year career in commercial kitchens. Now he’s back in a big way, serving dishes that are part travelogue, part childhood diary to those who make it over to 1331 Fourth Street SE for dinner. The bar, helmed by his former colleague Tyler Mitchell, includes 13 wines by the glass, nine beers, and an inaugural lineup of seven cocktails.
Read on to hear what the customers are saying, just a few weeks in:
The Best Seats in the House News: Yelper Patricia P. is a bag fan of watching Chloe’s chefs work their respective magic from the main counter. “We were seated at the bar top in front of the open kitchen so had dinner and a show!” she writes. Google reviewer Bob Lind calls it a “wonderful foodie experience at a reasonable price ... sit at at kitchen counter for an interesting culinary adventure.” [Yelp, Google]
The Great Gnocchi News: Instagram user @polreanforeals hails the “super fabulous Russet Potato Gnocchi.” Yelper Fatima H. says the dish has “great texture ... the gnocchi here is simple & fresh.” [Instagram, Yelp]
The Small Plate Success News: Instagrammer @deblindsey notes that the broiled local oysters with horseradish glaze and brown bread crumble “smells heavenly.” Yelper Vincent M. says scallops were “fantastic,” while roasted cauliflower “was flavored with tahini and a heavy sauce that was a nice surprise.” [Instagram, Yelp]
The Sweet Service News: Yelper Kem A. says, “Our server was really sweet and funny ... I wanted to adopt her.” Yelper Nancy W. offered even higher praise. “Service was unparalleled,” she writes. “Every member of the team was extremely friendly and helpful.” Facebooker Amal Zaari notes the “service was excellent and I enjoyed the warm and refined ambiance.” [Yelp, Facebook]
The Just Give It to Me Straight News: Yelper Elizabeth L. had some issues with unexpected charges. “The only thing that irked me there is that there are seemingly complimentary items that then show up on the bill.” For instance “house” sparkling water ... same for additional bread to go with some of the small plates.” [Yelp]
The Dreamy Decor News: Google reviewer Alex Phan describes it as a “beautiful restaurant that provides a stylish but warm feel to match amazing, inspiring food ... I would order it all again and the only regret was lack of room for dessert.” Yelper Gina R. calls the decor “clean, modern and inviting,” while Justine H. gushed about “the decor and the vibe of the restaurant. It was open, yet not loud and I thought the greenery above the chefs counter fit the restaurant.” [Google, Yelp]
