Le Zinc Brings French To Macomb

Former Brasserie Beck executive chef David Ashwell and former Beck manager John Warner are teaming up to open Bistrot Le Zinc this spring at 3714 Macomb St.


The menu promises French bistro classics like bouillabaisse, choucroute
and cassoulet alongside regionally focused dishes like pan-roasted
Maryland rockfish with braised swiss chard, and pork loin with black
eyed peas and smoked bacon.


Appetizers will run from $8-$14; entrees $18-$28.


The former Sushi Sushi space (pictured)
will be revamped by well-known designers Adamstein and Demetriou with
red leather banquettes, brass railings and French bistro style chairs
and tables. Le Zinc will hold more than 60 seats inside, as well as a
patio for about 20.


The restaurant — targeting a mid-April opening — will initially start with dinner only,
but plans include lunch service during the week.


Ashwell, a native New Zealander, was Robert Wiedmaier's chef de cuisine at Marcel's for years before transitioning to Wiedmaier's Brasserie Beck to oversee the kitchen in 2007.


Warner has worked as a manager and maitre d' in a number of DC restaurants including Black's Bar and Kitchen and Cafe Milano. But he's promising that another former profession will come in handy in cultivating Le Zinc's vibe. Warner worked for decades with Epic Records and Capital Records and plans to handpick all the tunes diners will hear at the new restaurant.