Firefly Renovation Will Revamp Bar Program
There’s just about a week left to get your Firefly fix before October. On September 10, the Dupont eatery will close for substantial renovations, most notably including an expanded bar area accompanied by a new focus on mixology. We got the details on what to expect — including an artistic rendering of the new space — as well as a can’t-miss event before the temporary shut-down.
On Sunday, September 9, Firefly will host Bottle Battle 2, at which Brabo (also a Kimpton restaurant) sommelier Matt Carroll and famed D.C. “mixtress” Gina Chersevani will compete to provide the most winning pairings to chef Daniel Bortnick’s five seasonal courses. All proceeds from the evening’s $100 ticket price will be donated to the Susan G. Komen three-day walk this fall. It’s an intriguing challenge for a good cause, but perhaps is more indicative of what’s to come at the seasonally focused neighborhood spot.
The restaurant makeover will further transform the space into an “urban picnic” oasis, with the addition of a functional porch swing hanging from the indoor centerpiece tree and a cottage-like kitchen facade, all made with salvaged or recycled materials. The best part: an expanded bar/lounge with 10 more seats in the form of one additional high top, three more lounge tables and three more stools at the terrazzo bar made of recycled glass. The lounge will also now feature an ivy wall and tree root sculpture.
Chef Bortnick and team are using the makeover and bar expansion as an opportunity to take Firefly’s bar program to the next level. Rumor has it they’re in the process of interviewing a few promising candidates for the post of head mixologist; a role that will require creative new concoctions to complement Bortnick’s ever-changing seasonal dishes. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 29, when the new space and cocktail menu will make their official debut.
