January 26th 2024.
Celebrity chef Kwame Onwuachi, known for his appearances on the popular cooking show "Top Chef," is making his much-anticipated return to Washington D.C.'s culinary scene this spring. His new restaurant, Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi, will be part of a major hotel project at the vibrant Southwest waterfront, within the Salamander Washington DC hotel.
According to DC Eater, the Afro-Caribbean dining spot will pay tribute to Benjamin Banneker, a renowned land surveyor in the late 1700s who had connections to the West African Dōgon tribe. Onwuachi, who has Nigerian, Jamaican, Trinidadian, and Creole heritage, has designed the restaurant to reflect his diverse background.
The restaurant's design, created by the architectural firm Modellus Novus, draws inspiration from Banneker's mathematical instrument used for mapping out city lines. The lobby features curtains made of linked chains, while the spacious dining area can accommodate up to 200 guests and includes a bar and patio. The ceiling is designed to resemble the night sky, paying homage to Banneker's use of astronomy in his work.
In a statement, Onwuachi expressed the importance of a restaurant having a story and soul. He shared that researching Banneker's history and the Dogon tribe was both humbling and inspiring. The menu at Dōgon will celebrate the different cultures within each quadrant of Washington D.C., telling the story of the restaurant.
Benjamin Banneker was a self-educated mathematician, astronomer, and inventor who played a crucial role in shaping Washington D.C. His use of astronomy was instrumental in surveying the city in 1791. Some believe that Banneker's lineage can be traced back to the Dogon tribe in Mali, known for their advanced knowledge in astronomy, mathematics, and engineering.
On January 24, Onwuachi took to Instagram to announce his new restaurant and share the research and history behind it. He expressed his pride in the project, which has been years in the making, and highlighted Banneker's connection to the Dogon tribe and Washington D.C. The post also showcased Onwuachi's excitement for Dōgon and its celebration of D.C.'s diverse culture through an Afro-Caribbean lens.
Fans of Onwuachi and food enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating the opening of Dōgon. With its unique concept and tribute to an important figure in Washington D.C.'s history, the restaurant is sure to be a hit among locals and visitors alike. As Onwuachi said, "it's so good to be back," and we can't wait to taste all that Dōgon has to offer.
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