Restaurateur Michael Schlow Extends His Hotel Restaurant Empire to the West End

Expansions

Restaurateur Michael Schlow’s collection of hotel restaurants in D.C. — he’s already got Casolare in Glover Park and the Riggsby in Dupont Circle — will grow early next year with the debut of the replacement eatery he has in mind for Fairmont’s outgoing Juniper. No word on whether he’ll promote from within (he recently put Fiola alum Ed Scarpone on the payroll) or bring on new talent for the West End location, but he’s got time; a Fairmont spokeswoman tells Eater there is no hard deadline on closing Juniper, and that the redesign isn’t scheduled for completion till the first quarter of 2019.

Collaborations

With construction on his debut restaurant Coconut Club still mired in permitting hell, Chopped alum Adam Greenberg is combating boredom by making Polynesian food at Big Bear Cafe (1700 First Street NW) on Friday, March 16, and Saturday, March 17. The kitchen takeover, which Greenberg tells Eater could feature complementary cocktails from local distillery Cotton & Reed, is projected to feature dishes including pickled beet poke, Hawaiian-style ramen with chicken and pork, and fried rice made with Spam, pineapple, and jalapenos. The a la carte offerings will be available from 5 p.m. to closing.

Developments

A tipster sent Popville pics of a deserted Micho’s. The Atlas District restaurant shut down before the holidays citing plans for a renovation, but has not resumed operation.

Opening alert

Loudoun Now reports that Goodstone Inn alum William Walden’s new Italian restaurant, Casa Nostra, is scheduled to have its grand opening at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. March 13. A search on Open Table shows that there are spots available tonight at the newcomer to Loudoun County (2 W. Market Street, Leesburg, Va.).