Juancarlo Parkhurst wanted to open a French-style restaurant, but had more on his mind than just French dishes.
The result is Lina’s Diner and Bar—which he plans to open in mid-May. Taking the former space of Piratz Tavern at 8402 Georgia Ave., the restaurant will serve French classics in addition to unexpected items inspired by Caribbean or Asian cuisine.
“We bill ourselves as the new American diner,” Parkhurst said. “Our diner is rooted in classic French technique, with some fun and creative dishes that sometimes border on the absurd.”
One of these “fun little dishes” will be the Caribbean-influenced le deux cochon—or, simply, le D.C.—which Parkhurst said is a “glorified Cuban sandwich” with béarnaise sauce, jamon and plantains. He’ll also be serving chilaquiles, a Mexican lasagna-like recipe, and “KFC” Korean-style fried chicken, which is marinated and steamed before it is coated in potato starch and fried.
More traditional French menu items will include croque monsieur and croque madame sandwiches with ham and cheese and poutine, a Québécois french fries dish with gravy.
Parkhurst, who has worked in the restaurant business for 20 years and lived in Silver Spring for 12, said he’s excited to bring his concept to the downtown area. He said he’s always had an affinity for “neighborhood bistros” and wants to evoke an “upscale casual” feeling at Lina’s, which is named after his oldest daughter.
The interior and patio of Lina's. Credit: Juancarlo Parkhurst
Lina’s will serve drafts from 7 Locks Brewing in Rockville as well as imports by the bottle. Cocktails will also be available, as will wine by the glass or bottle.
The bar and restaurant, which seats about 90 inside and in its enclosed patio, will not accept reservations. Parkhurst said work on the interior is mostly completed and he is waiting for county inspections and staff training to be completed before opening.
Lina’s will be open only for dinner for the first few weeks before starting lunch service. Then it will be open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and from 5 p.m. to midnight Mondays through Saturdays. It will be closed Sundays.
Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly quoted Juancarlo Parkhurst as calling Le D.C. a chicken sandwich. He said it is a Cuban sandwich.
