NYC’s Cult Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery Heads to Navy Yard

Knead Hospitality + Design, the hospitality outfit that’s already partnered with two celebrity chefs on three glitzy local restaurants, is adding renowned pastry chef Umber Ahmad into the mix for a new spot in Navy Yard.

Washington Business Journal reports that the 9,000-square-foot Commons, which is currently slated to open across from Nationals Park in late 2019 or early 2020, will combine Ahmad’s cult New York City bakery Mah-Ze-Dahr with an upscale diner Knead is working on.

The two-story restaurant (1221 Half Street SE) will provide Mah-Ze-Dahr with its own space, including a separate entrance. Ahmad is expected to cater to breakfast seekers — her current offerings cover everything from gourmet granola made with rolled oats, dried cherries, and extra virgin olive oil to vanilla cream-filled brioche doughnuts — while the Knead team would handle lunch and dinner fare. Knead’s current catalog, which includes two Succotash properties (Penn Quarter, National Harbor) and Wharf newcomer Mi Vida, focuses on hybrid Asian-Southern dishes and modern Mexican food, respectively.

In addition to multiple dining options, the contemporary, 300-seat Commons is projected to sport a unique view: Patrons dining on the top floor will be able to see into the neighboring baseball stadium.

• Succotash, Mi Vida group to open new restaurant by Nationals Park [WBJ]
• The Secrets Behind Penn Quarter’s Design Masterpiece Succotash [EDC]
• A Peek at Mah-Ze-Dahr, the Bakery From Cult Favorite Chef Umbar Ahmad [ENY]