This morning, José Andrés announced that he'll be temporarily shutting down Café Atlántico, his Penn Quarter nuevo Latin eatery, to make room for a new restaurant concept: America Eats Tavern, his first American eatery.
Beginning July 4, the menu, created in partnership with the National Archives' forthcoming exhibit, "What's Cooking, Uncle Sam? The Government's Effect on the American Diet," will feature new takes on classic American dishes, from lobster rolls to oysters Rockefeller. Andrés is also the exhibit's Chief Culinary Advisor. Café Atlántico will go on hiatus on June 12 to allow for a minor facelift. A portion of the profits will benefit the Foundation for the National Archives.
Another big change is also on the horizon for Andrés in January of 2012: Minibar, the celebrated six-seat dining concept that helped earn Andrés his James Beard Award last week, will expand to multiple floors and 18 seats at ThinkFoodTank, Andrés' center for culinary development.
Related stories on The Feast:
José Andrés Declared Outstanding Chef at 2011 James Beard Foundation Awards
PHOTOS: People of America: "These Are The Best Churros in The History of Mankind"
PHOTOS: Andrés' Favorite Vegas Restaurants, Dingy Lowbrow Spots Make The List
