Grand Openings: Where to Eat and Drink Across the Country

We spotlight some of the best and most recent restaurant openings.

WASHINGTON D.C.

Bandolero
3241 M Street NW / Georgetown
Opened: May 24th
It's been 11 months after Mike Isabella opened Graffiato in Chinatown, and he's already opened up a new venue. With a Day of the Dead theme, Bandolero is a Mexican small plates restaurant with cemetery gates and animal skulls adorning the walls.  Aside from the morbid decor, you'll find mahi mahi tacos, empanadas, taquitos, and guacamole. And, if none of the above has convinced you to visit, there are margaritas on tap. So, we'll see you there? 
 
Quench
9712 Traville Gateway Dr / North Potomac
Opened: May 21st
Stranded in the suburbs and itching to find the big city vibe? At Quench in Rockville, their 40-deep cocktail menu will certainly help you forget your surroundings, as the team behind the cocktail bar have aimed to "recreate the urban experience in the suburbs." While drinks are their strong suit, they also have a small plates menu that includes wings, pine nut brittle (named Pig Nuts), and more. 
 
 
NEW YORK
 
Mission Chinese Food
154 Orchard Street / Nolita
Opened: May 21st
This West Coast import from Danny Bowien provides New Yorkers a Chinese restaurant that not only gives to the customer, but also gives 75 cents of every dollar to the Food Bank of New York City. Besides a concept that needs no additional MSG to taste good, the pricing of the menu proves to be just as easy to swallow, with most dishes going between four and thirteen dollars. But watch out, as the spot aims to have that "hole-in-the-wall" feel, seating may be hard to come by. 
 
 
LOS ANGELES
 
Tatsu 
2123 Sawtelle Blvd
Opened: May 23rd
On a street peppered with a variety of ramen restaurants, Sawtelle operated Tatsu Ramen aims to define itself by its high-tech, iPad-driven ordering system. Using a series of iPads fixed to the wall, patrons can enjoy an expedited system of food ordering that takes that pesky human interaction out of the mix. Chose from either Naked or Tonkotsu Ramen, with add-ins like tofu, noodles, or chicken. 
 
sugarFISH 
600 W 7th Street #150 / Downtown
Opened: May 10th
Picking up where Sushi Nozama left off, Kazunomi Nozama's sushi restaurant opened its fifth location a few weeks ago. After serving sushi for a quarter of a century with the mantra of "No cell phones, no children, and no sending back food. Trust your… chef," Nozawa hopes to continue his legacy of excellent sushi with his new endeavor.  
 
 
 
 
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