Home Care In Georgetown, LA

La Bonne Vache, 3265 Prospect St., NW.

Here is a—likely incomplete—list of the trendy-yet-classic French bistros that have opened in and around DC so far in the roaring 2020s: Lutèce, Bistro du Jour, La Bise, L’Avant Garde, Josephine, Petite Cerise, Cafe Colline, and as of today, Pastis. That’s on top of old standbys like Le Diplomate, La Chaumiere, and Chez Billy Sud. On Wednesday, we’ll get yet another: La Bonne Vache, located in the former Booeymonger space in Georgetown.

The restaurant is the creation of two couples: Rob and Rachel Aikens and Claire and Ari Wilder, all restaurant industry veterans. The cozy corner spot is aiming for approachability, focusing on burgers and sandwiches (nearly all of which are between $12 and $16) to honor the memory of the 50 year-old deli that preceded it in the space.

“We wanted to make it as affordable as Booeymonger was to a lot of people,” co-owner Claire Wilder says. “That’s the audience we want to market to while making it our own higher-end, high-quality bistro.”

Chef Rob Aikens, who worked for Starr Restaurants for years, has created four “steak haché” burgers, made with a custom blend of Pat LaFrieda hanger steak, brisket, short rib, and chuck, and topped with microcosmic versions of classic French bistro dishes. The “steak au poivre” is slathered with peppercorn-cognac aioli and topped with mushrooms and fourme d’ambert blue cheese. The “boeuf bourguignonne” gets red wine-braised short rib and smoked bacon.

Lighter sandwiches include ham-and-comté or grilled chicken paillard on baguettes from Pluma by Bluebird Bakery. La Bonne Vache’s chef de cuisine, Scheyla Acosta, connected with Pluma’s Camila Arango and Tom Wellings while working beside them at the very short-lived Cashion’s Rendezvous in The Square downtown.

Expect plenty of classic French salads and modest starters. Oeuf mimosa ($6) is a cross between oeuf mayonnaise and deviled eggs. Gougeres ($11), the gruyere-rich cheese puffs, can be gilded with paprika cream cheese.

Rachel Aikens, who handled La Bonne Vache’s design, preserved some of Booeymonger’s decades-old quirks, like the unusual ceiling-mounted radiators and warped pressed-tin ceiling. She added dark wood paneling, framed paintings, green floor tiles, and marble-topped bistro tables.

Booeymonger has been closed since last April, and the team behind La Bonne Vache has been promising to open for nearly as long. The Wilders, who will operate the business, have stakes in multiple restaurants (Chaplin’s, Zeppelin, Kappo), and had their sights set on the deli’s space by the time it shuttered. Booeymonger co-owner Leslie Samuel is still La Bonne Vache’s landlord.

The bistro team originally set their sights on Bastille Day in July for a grand opening, but got into hot water with a neighbor when they began converting the space’s obsolete side door into a takeout window without the necessary permit. Wilder says the idea was originally to create an easy way for stroller-pushing Georgetown parents to pick up to-go fare. In August, the Department of Buildings issued a stop work order, and the restaurant’s progress ground to a temporary halt. Although the takeout window isn’t happening, the space is finally up and running. But there’s one more hitch: it’ll operate without a liquor license— for now. Until February, you’ll have to manage with Ari and Claire Wilder’s nonalcoholic creations like the ruby red Le Spritz—made with Stappi bitter aperitif—and the “Sans Armes” French 75, with alcohol-free French sparkling wine.

In: La Bonne Vache to Open Wednesday

La Bonne Vache, “The Good Cow,” will have its grand opening on Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the corner that held the beloved Booeymonger for 50 years. The renovated interior at 3265 Prospect St. NW is now a full-fledged French bistro, ready for la clientèle (though without alcohol in its first days).

Moving: Georgetown Veterinary Hospital to Prospect St. in April

After more than 65 years as a veterinary clinic and 23 years as the Georgetown Veterinary Hospital under the leadership of Dr. Lee Morgan, the well-known spot for animal care at 2916 M St. NW will be moving to 3251 Prospect St. NW in April, according to Kris Morgan.

That space is part of the Georgetown Court complex that includes Cafe Milano, Peacock Cafe and Brasserie Liberte. The Georgetown Veterinary Hospital will be located on the ground level inside the courtyard, where Georgetown Billiards was years ago. (No word about dogs and cats getting any fancy leftovers.)

“Morgan is consistently mentioned among Washingtonian Magazine’s best vets,” wrote Mary Bird in the Georgetowner in 2022. “He has lectured internationally, written for countless scientific publications and has completed a book awaiting publication. It is a ‘family practice’ with wife Kris, canine Lucy and feline Oscar on hand to put patients at ease. … He considers it a privilege to serve Georgetown and plans to do so for many more years to come.”

The move is necessary because of the 2900 M Project which is redoing almost all of the 2900 block of M Street NW (south side) with new retail or offices in front and residences behind. Most of the old tenants, like Ike Behar, have left the block.

It’s a busy time for the doctor. Morgan’s new book, “Four Thousand Paws, Caring for the Dogs of the Iditarod: A Veterinarian’s Story,” makes its debut on Feb. 27.

In: Osteria Mozza, Starr’s Next Super Star, to Open in June

Meanwhile, Osteria Mozza is looking at an opening by the end of June, according to Jessica Sidman of Washingtonian. This date is earlier than previously reported.

Restaurateur Stephen Starr is partnering with Michelin star chef Nancy Silverton to bring an Italian restaurant to the former Dean & Deluca space at 3276 M St. NW and has said, “I am confident that what we create together will knock the socks off of D.C.”

Osteria Mozza will include an Italian market, mozzarella bar and restaurant, spanning more than 20,000 square feet within the historic Georgetown Market building — next to the C&O Canal and less than one block from the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street.

The Starr Restaurant Group’s Washington menu includes Le Diplomate, St Anselm, Bread Alley, El Presidente, Pastis — and, during 2024, the Georgetown Italian super star as well as the landmark Occidental, next to the Willard Hotel.

Renovating: Georgetown Wine & Spirits

Relax, folks. The owner of Georgetown Wine & Spirits at 2701 P St. NW is just doing a major update of the liquor store. Phase one included new refrigeration units and a terra-cotta floor. Next up: new windows and some exterior work. A sign on the front door reads: “Excuse Us While We Get The Drinks Ready.”

Georgetown Wine & Spirits at 2701 P St. NW. Georgetowner photo.

Out: Tory Burch

Tory Burch departed Georgetown last week. The store opened its doors at 1211 Wisconsin Ave. NW in November 2013. American designer Burch started her label in 2004 and has since expanded to more than 350 locations worldwide. This was her first store to open in Washington, D.C.

Tory Burch opened in Georgetown in 2013.

Nestled inside a century-old row home since 2021, Georgetown’s Michelin-listed sanctuary Apéro has generated lots of attention for its fabulous French fare, Champagne, and caviar selection. Now its anticipated prix-fixe counterpart La Bohème is ready to shine upstairs.

The intimate tasting room (2622 P Street NW), which opened Friday, October 13, showcases modern American cuisine through a curious, child-like lens. The immersive dinner party’s seasonal menus celebrate famed artists, musicians, playwrights, and directors — starting with eccentric cinematic icon and illustrator Tim Burton as its opening muse.

Chef Christos Harbilas works in tandem with advanced sommelier-owner Elli Benchimol to curate a playfully artistic dining-and-drinking experience a few nights a week. Pee-wee’s egg salad sandwich pays homage to late actor Paul Reubens’ breakout role in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure — the first feature film Burton produced. Seatings run 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday to start, with walk-ins available at the bar. Tuesday service enters the fold on October 31, and customers are encouraged to don Halloween costumes.

As the holidays approach, look for Nightmare Before Christmas-styled tweaks to the gothic Burton motif. The next theme will drop right after New Year’s Eve.

“So much thought goes into it, based on the theme of the quarter,” says Benchimol.

The 4- or 6-course menus ($85 or $115) plan to rotate four times a year. Like Apéro, which boasts a twice-a-day “Caviar Hour” with bubbly flutes for an approachable $40 and up, “we’re not trying to gauge people,” at La Bohème. The choose-your-own-adventure model lets diners mix and match courses categorized by columns.

Another nostalgic dish dubbed “Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy” is a mushroom-centric spinoff of the poetry collection penned by Burton.

A wine list that largely swings French plays up grower Champagnes, which are made by the estate that owns the vineyards. A base-level wine pairing option joins higher-end choices, with cocktail accompaniments prepared behind the pint-sized bar.

La Bohème grants guests rare access to Chartreuse — the in-demand French herbal liqueur that’s in the midst of a global supply shortage. “We have been stocking up since we opened Apéro,” notes Benchimol. A frozen flight of all three (yellow, green, VEP) riffs on a sorbet palate cleanser.

Caviar supplements also make their way upstairs, and the the salty splurge can be added to items like the egg salad sandwich and pre- and post-meal cheeses.

“We are fortunate to have a loyal neighborhood following. We’re bringing them what they want — something fancier for more special occasions,” says Benchimol, noting La Bohème sits within walking distance from Dupont.

The team took the past year to transform second-floor office space into the tasting room of their dreams, complete with its own entrance from the street. Unlike its sultry downstairs sibling dressed in deep blue, La Bohème lightens up the mood with brighter colors, textures, stripes, and velvet.

“Being the French word for ‘bohemian,’ it has that vibe with pink and red tones and tons of patchwork,” says on-site sommelier Corbin Goldstein.

Two- and four-top tables can be reconfigured depending on party size. A calm and lounge-y jazz soundtrack sneaks in fun surprises on any given night.

“I don’t want La Bohème to be a one-time destination. I want to be a place people come back every season and bring their friends because it was so fun,” says Benchimol.

For nearly the last half century, La Chaumière in Georgetown has remained largely unchanged. “If it’s not broken, don’t change it,” says longtime owner Martin Lumet. He’s held fast to that guiding principle since he took over the country-style French restaurant in 2006, when its original owner, Gerard Pain, retired. Now, Lumet is retiring too, and has sold the business to new owners. But La Chaumière will continue to stay true to its roots.

“There will be absolutely no change whatsoever. Why would I do that? I would be shooting myself in the foot. I would be disappointing a following of people that have been coming here for so long,” says new owner Gil Fornaris, a native of Nice, France who’s overseen operations at chains like P.F. Chang’s, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and more recently, First Watch daytime cafes.

Fornaris went to culinary school and worked for Michelin-starred restaurants in France before coming to the US in 1978. He was a captain at fine-dining establishments such as Rive Gauche in Georgetown before transitioning his career into restaurant management and corporate chain operations. He’s partnered in La Chaumiere with fellow industry exec and longtime wine sales rep Mike Connelly, who he first met working for Ruth’s Chris. Lumet’s business partner and chef Patrick Moulet will continue to run the kitchen for the next four months, while the new owners search for a new classically trained French chef.

“Ruth’s Chris was very big on service and hospitality, food quality, obviously. There were a lot of similarities to what La Chaumiere is about. The only thing that is different is that it’s a big chain,” Fornaris says. “Going back to a restaurant like La Chaumiere allows me to run the restaurant better than I would have if I didn’t have that experience with the corporate world.”

La Chaumiere has long been one of Fornaris’s favorite French restaurants, and Lumet is a longtime friend. In fact, Fornaris would often help with service at the restaurant when Lumet went on vacation, so he’s already familiar with many of the staff and regulars. So when Lumet approached him about taking ownership, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

“What really attracts me to La Chaumiere is that institutional aspect of the restaurant,” Fornaris says. “It’s really satisfying to be able to take over something like La Chaumiere and really not have to reinvent the wheel at all. Maybe I’ll find a couple little things that we can do better. But as far as a guest is concerned, they can be assured that what they’ve known for the past 40 years, they’re going to find with me at the helm.”

Meanwhile, Lumet says he was ready for a personal change—one that involves more fishing and time with his wife. “I’m kind of tired of doing this,” he says. “I’ve been here for 17 years now, and, you know, it’s not an easy business. It takes a toll on you and your family, so I don’t want to be doing that for the rest of my life.” He adds that “tedious” DC regulations—from changes to the minimum wage to patio permitting—were another factor in selling the restaurant. “It’s very, very difficult to deal with Washington, DC,” he says, and dealing with local regulatory agencies is “a full time job in an office.”

At the same time, French restaurants are having a renaissance across DC. The latest openings include Petite Cerise in Shaw, Le Clou in NoMa, and Josephine in Old Town Alexandria, among others. “It’s a cycle,” Lumet says, noting the French restaurant boom of the 1980s. “In the ’90s, everybody was opening an Italian restaurant. In the year 2000, everybody was opening a steakhouse. And after that, when 14th Street was redeveloped, it was all those small-plate, medium-plate, big-plate restaurants. And now it’s French again.”

La Chaumière, soon to be 48 years old, has remained standing through it all with a long list of famous diners from Julia Child to former President George H. W. Bush. Lumet says the secret to keeping the restaurant going was his single-minded devotion: “I always say it’s better to have one restaurant and take good care of it than have five and neglect four of them.”

Hat tip to Carol Ross Joynt, who first reported news of the ownership change. This story has been updated with an interview from Gil Fornaris.

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Food Editor

Jessica Sidman covers the people and trends behind D.C.’s food and drink scene. Before joining Washingtonian in July 2016, she was Food Editor and Young & Hungry columnist at Washington City Paper. She is a Colorado native and University of Pennsylvania grad.

GRANT PARISH, La. (KALB) - A groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, July 14, marked a new start for students and teachers at Georgetown High School.

GHS alumni, school leaders and a Georgetown senior spoke about the groundbreaking ceremony and gave some words of encouragement.

Georgetown saw some of the worst damage from Hurricanes Laura and Delta. It is why teachers and students were forced to do school in portable buildings.

“Oh, it was great,” said Georgetown Mayor Danny Olden. “Georgetown is the greatest community in the state of Louisiana. Heck, everybody ought to live in Georgetown at least once.”

Now, with the community’s help and the Grant Parish School Board, this new building will be a new beginning for Georgetown High.

“Having everybody come together is just kind of sharing old memories – and hopefully new memories,” said J.R. Lee, a science teacher at GHS. “We’re looking forward to it. It’s been a long day coming, but we’re excited.”

“It’s been a lot of sacrifice in the waiting process, and I am excited that we finally get to see some things happen, and it’s just gonna be a celebration of the hard work of this community,” said Dr. Erin Stokes, superintendent for Grant Parish Schools.

It’s an opportunity for Georgetown High to start over and give back to the community. Community members joined local leaders for the celebration, a big turnout for an update Grant Parish has been waiting for.

“We had so many more people than I realized, we had alumni come back, we have parents of our students here, we have students here celebrating it,” Stokes said. “It’s just a great time.”

The process may have been long, but the number of people at the groundbreaking ceremony proved that process is worth the wait.

“We’ve gone through some challenges with that whole process, but I think it’s been worth it because we’re gonna have an amazing school now,” said Stokes.

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