It’s been a long haul for Ashish Alfred, the young chef who took over the old Tragara Ristorante in November 2012. Since last December, the upstairs space has been open as a lounge and private party venue, but Alfred ran into one delay after another when it came to renovating and opening the downstairs dining room (see my blog, August 29, 2013).
Now, 4935 Bar and Kitchen is finally open.
The décor is sleek and modern, with a sparkly quartz bar, red pendant light fixtures, black chairs and patterned gray cushions and banquettes. Some of the walls are paneled with a wavy, textured covering, with bands of changing colored lights at the top. The underside of the bar can also be illuminated.
As for the fusion menu, look for starters such as tandoori chicken tacos, a seared scallop with jalapeno quinoa and beurre noisette, and a golden beet salad with spiced riata, apple and crushed pistachio. Entrees include spicy chicken confit served on ratatouille, pomegranate glazed duck breast with lentils and crispy Brussels sprouts, and a spice-rubbed braised lamb shank accompanied with creamy Yukon potatoes, ginger honey glazed carrots and blackened cippolini onions.
Steak, pasta and fish dishes will change weekly, and a raw bar features shrimp, oysters and stone crab claws.
Prices are a bit on the high side, with almost half of the entrees over $30, but Alfred said he plans to reduce them.
So far, the restaurant is just serving dinner, but lunch and brunch will be added soon.
4935 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 301-951-4935, https://www.facebook.com/4935BarKitchen