Persimmon, the longtime Bethesda restaurant that closed at the end of July for renovations, is finally reopening for dinner tomorrow, Saturday, February 9.
The new Persimmon has the look and feel of chef-owner Damian Salvatore’s other restaurant in Cabin John, Wild Tomato. That was the intention—to make Persimmon into a more casual, neighborhood bistro with lower prices and less formal fare.
The restaurant’s facelift was originally slated to take three months, but the space ended up being gutted after structural problems and other issues were discovered. So there’s new wiring, a new kitchen and more.
The persimmon-colored walls are gone, replaced with off-white, but splashes of color are supplied by paintings of giant pumpkins, artichokes and cabbages done by John Hallsted. Hallstead is a local artist/personal trainer and a friend of the Salvatores' whose whimsical food art is also displayed at Wild Tomato.
Chairs and tables are dark brown, and there’s a row of booths now against the wall opposite the enlarged bar.
Final touches were still being put on the menu, which will be served all day, and be the same at lunch and dinner.
Popular starters such as the smoked trout spring rolls will remain, but there will be a lot of new appetizer and salad additions, a roster of five or six sandwiches, and a bunch of new entrees, such as short ribs and osso bucco. And not to worry, Salvatore’s signature pecan-crusted barbecue lamb is still available—now offered as a half rack for $16 (in addition to a full rack for $32).
7003 Wisconsin Ave. 301-654-9860, persimmonrestaurant.com
