A Culinary Journey: Interview with Steak Frites on the Evolution from Stable (#10)
Additionally, this issue has details for the next H Street Heroes clean-up, upcoming events, promotions, and more.
In the vibrant heart of H Street NE, culinary transformations are not uncommon. From the cozy winter haven of Stable to the breezy allure of Steak Frites, the journey has been one of reimagining tradition and embracing new flavors. Harriet the Hedgehog sits down with the minds behind Steak Frites to uncover the inspiration, challenges, and triumphs of their rebranding journey.
Harriet the Hedgehog (HH): Can you share the inspiration behind the rebranding from Stable to Steak Frites?
Steak Frites (SF): Typically, Stable does really well in the winter months--between the ski chalets and the cuisine (fondue, raclette, and other traditional Swiss fare), it really matches well seasonally. After seven years of successful colder months, we decided to take a leap to try something new for the warmer months. When we were contemplating ideas for a new spring/summer concept, we knew we wanted something that had uniquely European roots, similar to Stable. The concept of steak frites originated from establishments in Paris and Geneva, and we took that and paired it with a fresh spring decor to make it feel like a European vacation.
HH: How did you ensure a seamless rebranding process without losing your loyal customer base?
SF: The foundation of Stable and Steak Frites is exactly the same. Our emphasis on authentic, warm European hospitality helps us maintain a loyal customer base. On a more surface level, many of our brunch staples have stayed the same, and our intention is to bring back some form of Stable in the colder months.
HH: Can you describe the strategy and steps involved in the rebranding process?
SF: It was quite a whirlwind. We decided on the Steak Frites concept and re-opened on approximately a two month timeline, which included branding, menu development and R&D. Additionally, we did all the decor updates by ourselves!
HH: How has the menu evolved with the rebranding to Steak Frites?
SF: Our menu is more streamlined with Steak Frites, with a huge emphasis on our prix-fixe offering. It's $36.95 for salad, steak, frites, and bread. There's also always a prix-fixe vegetarian offering (right now it's our spring pea risotto but it may rotate seasonally).
HH: What are some of the standout dishes that customers should definitely try?
SF: We're really proud of what we landed on for our steak. It's a 10-11 oz Entrecôte steak that is served medium rare atop a compound butter that turns into a delicious sauce as it melts down. The compound butter itself is a secret recipe inspired by the one served at Café de Paris in Paris and Geneva. And of course, all our bread is made in house.
HH: What has been the general feedback from the community since the rebranding?
SF: Of course folks miss Stable, but they have been extremely receptive to the new concept. I think the biggest thing we've made sure to share is that we're trying something new and we plan to bring some sort of combination of Stable and Steak Frites to the community eventually.
HH: Can you share some of the most memorable reviews or feedback you've received?
SF: Of course it's always nice for folks to share praise, but we were really honored to be mentioned in Tom Sietsema's round up of five affordable restaurants in the DC area.
HH: What role do you think community support has played in the success of Steak Frites?
SF: We do have some very big neighborhood supporters who are loyal customers who continue to visit. We do like to think of ourselves as a neighborhood restaurant. Some of our first customers at Steak Frites DC were long term lovers and supporters of Stable (and will continue to be).
HH: How do you plan to keep Steak Frites fresh and exciting for returning customers?
SF: Along with our prix-fixe menu, we offer other entrées, appetizers, and drinks, including a Swiss burger that's incredibly popular. There's truly something for everyone.
HH: Where do you see Steak Frites in the next five to ten years?
SF: We hope to see some sort of permanent concept that blends the best of Steak Frites and the best of Stable. We also have high hopes for a revival for the H Street Northeast neighborhood.
HH: Steak Frites stands as a testament to innovation rooted in community spirit. With a blend of European charm and steadfast commitment to quality, their journey from Stable to Steak Frites promises not just a dining experience, but a cultural adventure.
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Join Us for the H Street Heroes Olympic-Themed Clean-Up Event!
You're invited to be a part of something special on Saturday, July 27th, from 9 to 11 am at SWEAT DC. We're hosting the H Street Heroes Olympic-Themed Clean-Up event, and we need your help to make our community shine!
Join us for a morning of fun and community spirit as we come together to clean up and beautify our beloved H Street. Our last event gathered 25 participants of all ages, and this time, we're aiming to grow even bigger!
Details:
Event: H Street Heroes Olympic-Themed Clean-Up
Date: Saturday, July 27
Time: 9:00 to 11:00 am
Location: SWEAT DC, 501 H Street NE
Together, we can make a difference. Let's celebrate community pride and teamwork, just like our Olympic heroes! Refreshments will be provided for all volunteers.
Please RSVP to secure your spot. We look forward to seeing you there!
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More Good News:
DC Magazine named Aurora Salon Best Blowout in DC.
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Atlas (atlasarts.org)
Atlas Performing Arts Center has a thrilling fall line-up including jazz, theater, dance, and more! Support local artists! Check out all the performances here: atlasarts.org/events
Binge Bar
Thursday, July 18 at 8 pm: Selter Comedy show.
Friday, July 25 from 5-8 pm: Singles Meet Up.
Saturday, July 26 from 6-8 pm: Free Life Presents, “Sober Storytelling”. Join us for an inspiring evening where three speakers share their journey to quitting alcohol.
Bronze (bronzedc.com)
Every Sunday from 6-9 pm: Sounds of Bronze, Live Jazz
DC Creative Institute
Saturday, July 27th at 1 pm: Jericho
H Street, Sweet H Street w/ SWEAT DC (hstreetsweethstreet.com)
Saturday, July 27 from 9-11 am: H Street Heroes Clean-up Olympics. Ready to make H Street glisten like a gold medal? Come out and show your community spirit.
Pie Shop (pieshopdc.com)
Thursday, July 18 from 7:30 pm: Careless Flight w/ Please Knock, The People Psychologic. $15
Friday, July 19 from 7:30 pm: Strawberry Moon w/ Slow Funeral, Forrest Isn’t Dead, Kim Fitz. $15
The Queen Vic (thequeenvic.com)
Olympics 2024 - open early for all men’s and women’s U.S. Soccer matches
SolidState Books (solidstatebooksdc.com)
Sunday, July 21 from 4 - 5 pm: Cozy Reads Corner Book Club: Howl's Moving Castle & I Capture the Castle
Tuesday, July 23 from 7 - 8 pm: SciFi Fantasy Book Club: Translation State
Thursday, July 25 from 6 - 8 pm: Knits n' Yarns
Thursday, July 25 from 7 - 8 pm: Sol Brager & Malcolm Harris discuss Heavyweight
Steak Frites (steakfritesdc.com)
August 1 at 6:30 pm: Swiss National Day pop-up at Gallery O
Any upcoming events happening on H Street that we need to announce? Fill out this form or email harriethedgehoghstreet@gmail.com with the details.
Ben’s Chili Bowl (benschilibowl.com)
Burger with fries and fountain drink for only $14.49
Binge Bar
PROMO CODE: seltzercomedy20 for tickets to the Seltzer Comedy show on Thursday, July 18th at 8 pm.
Bronze (bronzedc.com)
Saturday and Sundays: Brunch from 11 am – 2:30 pm
Every Sunday from 6-9 pm: Sounds of Bronze, Live Jazz
Chupacabra (chupacabrahst.com)
Weekdays 4-7 pm- Happy Hour
Mondays - Quesadilla & Margarita or Beer $15
Wednesdays - Loaded Nachos with a deep Eddy Cocktail $16
Thursdays - Torta Thursday: Torte & Margarita or Beer $18
Sundays - Sunday Funday: Chips & Salsa with a shot of Jamo $11
Daru (darudc.com)
Bar Happy Hour Everyday from 5-6:30 pm - $10 Snacks and Cocktails
Granville Moores (granvillemoores.com)
Mussels Monday - $13 Mussels from 5 pm to 9 pm
Hiraya (hirayadc.com)
Happy Hour Tuesday – Thursday from 5 -7 pm
Happy Hour Friday – Sunday from 3 – 6 pm
Brunch Plate, Drink, and Pastry for $25
Irregardless (irregardlessdc.com)
Mid-Atlantic Wine Summer Showcase - One Featured Entree, One Paired Glass of Wine, and Dessert for $55
Kids Night on Tuesdays 5-7 pm – special kids menu
Wine Wednesdays 5:30 pm – 10% off glasses and bottles, happy hour excluded
Maketto (maketto1351.com)
Until Friday, July 17th from 9 - 10 am: get a complimentary pastry with every coffee purchase, while supplies last.
Sol Mexican Grill DC (solmexicangrilldc.com)
Taco Tuesday: $2.75 tacos all day!
SWEAT DC (sweatdc.com)
Free week of group fitness classes at SWEAT DC. Click link to redeem your free week pass.
Tiki Garden Thai (tikigardendc.com)
Happy Hour 5pm-7pm everyday
Waxing the City (waxingthecity.com)
June 1 - July 31: Wax n’ Win giveaway.
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Do you know of any promotions that our readers should know about? Fill out this form or email harriethedgehoghstreet@gmail.com with the details.
Discover the Magic of Sidamo Coffee Shop: A True Gem for Coffee and Cuisine Lovers
Nestled on H Street NE, Sidamo Coffee and Tea invites you to experience the rich, vibrant flavors of Ethiopia right in your neighborhood. This charming coffee shop stands out not only for its exceptional beverages but also for its inclusive menu, featuring vegan, vegetarian, and regular options that cater to every palate. (read more)
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