Two New Restaurants from Bryan Voltaggio

Tom Sietsema reports that former Top Chef finalist Bryan Voltaggio is planning to open two new restaurant concepts in 2012.

The first is scheduled for an early launch in Frederick, near the chef’s original dining destination, Volt. Tentatively called North Market Kitchen, the 10,000-square-foot space will feature a 200-plus-seat dining room, a specialty store and exhibition kitchen with multiple stations serving pasta and charcuterie made in-house, a raw bar, a cheese counter, a patisserie and a rotisserie. According to Sietsema, Voltaggio says he’s modeling the business after Eataly, the sprawling Italian-themed food hall in New York co-owned by Mario Batali.

Voltaggio’s second venture next year will find a home in Chevy Chase Pavilion, where the one-time top toque at Charlie Palmer Steak in Washington is proposing a bistro with steak-house elements for a spring debut. Yet to have a name, the 220-seat restaurant on the upscale mall’s second level will include an open kitchen, where chefs can interact with guests.

If only we could convince Voltaggio to set up something in DC proper.