Mindful Restaurant Group to complete culinary trifecta within the historic Hecht Warehouse in Ivy City with the opening of casual Mexican eatery La Puerta Verde on January 17th.
Completing Mindful Restaurant Group’s culinary trifecta within the historic and newly renovated Hecht Warehouse in the up-and-coming Ivy City neighborhood, La Puerta Verde – a casual Mexican eatery paying homage to both Mexican cuisine and the many individuals owner Ari Gejdenson has had the pleasure of working with throughout his journey in the hospitality world as a restaurateur – will open to the public beginning with dinner service on Tuesday, January 17th.
La Puerta Verde – which translates to ‘The Green Door’ - is simultaneously reminiscent of a traditional Mexican Hacienda and nostalgic to its Ivy City roots. Featuring 3,800 square feet (6,800 square feet total between the three connected restaurants including Ari’s Diner, DOCK FC, & La Puerta Verde), and seating for up to 85 guests – 60 in the main dining room and 25 at the bar – celebrated design gurus Eric Gronning - owner and principal of Gronning Architects PLLC (www.gronningarchitects.com) - and Tony Mize of Septcarres (www.Septcarres.com), teamed up to create a space that fuses traditional Mexican accents while maintaining the integrity of the Hecht Warehouse’s raw structure. The airy space with high ceilings features pops of bold colors including deep blues, earthy greens, warm oranges, and bright yellows, walls and flooring adorned with talavera tiles, and three large vibrant and original murals from DC-based graffiti artist and pioneer CHELOVE coexist amongst a backdrop of re-purposed cargo containers, while still embracing rustic elements including the original warehouse columns. In Mexico the color green represents hope and Mindful Restaurant Group’s hope is that through their green door guests will find the perfect place to connect and enjoy the spirit of Mexico right here in the heart of Northeast Washington DC.
A team effort, the menus at La Puerta Verde place an emphasis on offering authentic Mexican dishes, based on traditional regional recipes while utilizing the freshest ingredients. Guests will be able to enjoy signature savory dishes such as Grilled Avocado Guacamole, Calamari Sinaloa – calamari tossed with pickled vegetable relish, Pescado a la Talla – grilled whole fish in banana leaves and guajillo marinade, and Carne Arrachera – grilled beef skirt steak with chorizo and cactus paddles, spring onions and queso fresco, amongst others. The bar program at La Puerta Verde will feature a selection of tequilas, mezcal, beers (local and imported), as well as a creative and carefully curated craft cocktail menu showcasing Mexican spirits and ingredients. Signature cocktails – all priced at $12 – include the LPV Magarita with Silver Tequila, triple sec and fresh lime juice, the Jardin Ahumado (Smoky Garden) with Mezcal, fresh lime juice, cilantro, the Mezgroni with Mezcal, sweet vermouth,amaro, the TQ Del Sol with Silver Tequila, house grenadine, OJ, Sangria with Red wine, brandy, berries, citrus, the Horchata Borracha with Reposado tequila, horchata, fernet valet, and a Michelada with Tecate, tomato juice, and lime, to highlight a few.
La Puerta Verde also serves as Mindful Restaurant Group’s homage to the Mexican culture and influences found throughout Washington DC. Mindful's founder Ari Gejdenson was inspired to create La Puerta Verde after working alongside so many passionate and talented people in the restaurant industry that left Mexico and now call DC their home. Over the years people have shared pieces of their Mexican culture, heritage, and cuisine with him, which he fell in love with. When the Hecht project in Ivy City presented itself, Ari knew Ivy City would be the ideal place to connect this newfound love of Mexican cuisine and culture with his beloved home of Northeast DC.
“It would be nearly impossible to run a restaurant in Washington DC without encountering the vibrant and substantial Mexican culture and community on a daily basis”, said Ari Gejendson, founder of Mindful Restaurant Group. “Those who have immigrated to the States often find themselves working in a kitchen, as prep and line cooks, as sous chefs and chefs de cuisine. I personally became inspired working with such individuals throughout the past few years opening and running restaurants. La Puerta Verde is the result of that inspiration and I’m excited to honor them.”
La Puerta Verde is open for dinner service Tuesday through Thursday, and Sunday from 5:00PM to 10:00PM, and on Friday and Saturday from 5:00PM-11:00PM. La Puerta Verde is listed on Open Table and reservations are available directly at www.LaPuertaVerdeDC.com. The restaurant also plans on announcing Happy Hour details in the near future.
La Puerta Verde joins fellow Mindful Restaurant Group restaurants Ari’s Diner, Dock FC, Ghibellina, Sotto, Denson Liquor Bar, Harold Black, and Acqua Al 2.
La Puerta Verde is located at
2001 Fenwick St NE
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