Blue and green accents set up the farm-like aesthetic. | Greg Powers Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj continues to bank on the outskirts of D.C. A little over a week ago, restaurateur Ashok Bajaj opened Rosedale, his fifth restaurant on Connecticut Avenue, to which he quipped, “They should name this street Knightsbridge Restaurant Group.” While Bajaj insists opening so many spots on the Northwest main street was more of a coincidence, Rosedale’s neighborhood choice was strategic. Greg Powers Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj, who also owns Sababa and Little Blackbird in nearby Cleveland Park. “Had you asked me pre-pandemic if I would open a restaurant in Van Ness, I probably would have said no,” Bajaj said. The acclaimed restaurateur is known for his downtown mainstays (Bombay Club, Modena, and La Bise (formerly Oval Room). His shift to more residential neighborhoods for new restaurants is a direct response to hybrid and remote working. Bajaj noted that while all his restaurants still do well, “downtown D.C. is struggling a bit” and more people are now staying closer to their own neighborhoods when venturing out to eat. Van Ness in particular offers a unique opportunity. As a highly residential area with a scarce number of restaurants, Rosedale is the only spot offering seasonal American cuisine. They will also be the only place to have dine-in brunch, which they plan to launch later this month. With James Beard Foundation Award winner chef Frank Ruta at the helm, the place boasts a variety of shareable plate options, emphasizing communal dining. Greg Powers Fresh and local produce make up the salads and shareable plates at Rosedale. “It’s so cliche to say farm to table,” Ruta said. “But when Ashok and I first started talking we wanted to rely a lot on the farms around us.” Most of their products are locally sourced, with proteins and produce coming mainly from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. As Ruta noted, this concept is far from novel, but he wants to be known as one of the “better restaurants in D.C.” From daily rotating rotisserie options including chicken, lamb, and porchetta, to pastas and even pizzas made from a sourdough starter in 1988 when Ruta was working at the White House, they hope they can have something for every family member. Rotating the menu based on what’s in season will hopefully keep regulars interested and wanting to return frequently. Greg Powers Rotisserie specials, including the classic chicken, were the most popular dishes during Rosedale’s first week. “It’s an upscale neighborhood restaurant, where you can feel comfortable every day and for a special occasion as well,” general manager George Manolatos said. Designed by Martin Vehda – who also designed Knightbridge Group’s Little Blackbird wine bar in Cleveland Park – Rosedale’s interior can best be characterized as sophisticated farmhouse chic. With gray wood tables, exposed wood finishings, and hanging greenery throughout, they’ve managed to execute the upscale farmhouse aesthetic that nods to Rosedale’s namesake, the Rosedale Farmhouse that was built in 1793 in nearby Cleveland Park. Greg Powers Miniature tractors and other references to the Rosedale Farmhouse sit on bookshelves. As for the neighborhood response? The community excitement is palpable. Leading up to the opening, you could often find couples stopping to peer into Rosedale’s windows to try and get a glimpse of the space. General manager George Manolatos noted that when people would see him entering or leaving Rosedale during its construction, they would ask for details on its opening date and food to expect. Since opening, the 100-seat dining room and U-shaped bar has been consistently buzzing with guests. According to Bajaj, the daily rotisserie option was the most popular dish during the first week. “It’s been nice to have the neighborhood really wanting us,” Manolatos said about the response. By spring Rosedale plans to open up their patio facing Connecticut Avenue NW. For now, they hope they can lock in on the community enthusiasm with impressive food and service.