Friday, 20, September 2024

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The Dupont Circle

The Pembroke Launches Sunday Supper

A Monthly Culinary Experience for Community and Connection

Two chefs in the kitchen

 

The Pembroke, The Dupont Circle’s MICHELIN-recommended restaurant, is excited to unveil Sunday Supper, a new monthly dining experience that celebrates food, family, and friendship. This eagerly anticipated event invites guests to gather for an unforgettable prix-fixe, family-style meal, crafted from the finest local ingredients and inspired by the beloved family recipes of The Pembroke’s culinary team.

A Commitment to Local Sourcing and Sustainable Dining

On the first Sunday of the month, the culinary team at The Pembroke will visit the renowned Dupont Circle Farmers Market—the largest market in the city—to hand-pick fresh, local ingredients. This direct connection with local vendors not only ensures the highest quality ingredients but also reflects The Pembroke’s commitment to sustainability and community.

“Our Sunday Supper is more than just a meal,” shares Chef Christian Welch. “It’s a celebration of local farmers, seasonal ingredients, and sustainable practices that honor our community and the planet. By sourcing directly from our farmers, we’re not just embracing sustainability—we’re building relationships with those who bring the best of the season to our tables.”

A Menu Built on Family Traditions

Each month, the menu will feature a selection of treasured family recipes from one of The Pembroke’s talented chefs. Released on the Tuesday before the event, the menu will blend tradition with innovation, celebrating the cultural and culinary diversity of the team. 

Kicking off the series in October, The Pembroke’s newest Executive Chef, Christian Welch, will draw inspiration from his love of Italian cuisine. While classically trained in French cooking, Chef Welch’s passion for Italian flavors will shine through, with a menu that transports diners straight to Sicily. Highlights include a savory Porchetta from Virginia’s Autumn Olive Farms, Sicilian Sfincione (a traditional flatbread), crispy Panelle (chickpea fritters), and sweet treats like Ricotta Cake with braised stone fruit and homemade Stracciatella ice cream. 

“October’s menu is especially meaningful to me,” says Chef Welch. “My greatest mentor in the kitchen was an Italian chef who mastered the art of Sicilian cooking, and he taught me the joy of working with fire, which has become a key element in my style. Cooking with these flavors brings me back to those lessons, and it’s the food I love to make for myself and my kids. It feels like a homecoming, and I’m excited to share that with our guests.”

Creating Connections through Communal Dining

Sunday Supper is about more than just great food—it’s about connection. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, people are seeking meaningful ways to engage with others. Sunday Supper taps into this rising trend of community-driven activities by offering a communal dining experience that encourages guests to connect over a shared meal. 

“The Pembroke has always been a place where connections are made and everyone feels at home,” says Chef Welch. “Sunday Supper is more than just a meal; it’s about fostering genuine conversation and building meaningful relationships. Whether you're joining us with family, friends, or as a solo diner, you’ll leave with a sense of having shared something truly special.” 

Solo diners can opt to be seated at a “community table” alongside other guests, encouraging a relaxed and friendly environment for meeting new people. The Pembroke offers two communal seatings at 5 pm and 7 pm, where individuals or small groups are seated together. If you’re open to dining with others, simply select the community table option when making your reservation on OpenTable. Whether you're coming alone or with friends, this is an opportunity to connect with fellow diners and embrace the spirit of shared experiences. 

Join Us for Sunday Supper

Sunday Supper will take place on the first Sunday of every month, beginning October 6. Reservations are strongly encouraged as seats are limited. To view the upcoming menu and secure your spot, visit The Pembroke’s website or OpenTable. Tickets are $60 per adult and $30 per child.

About Executive Chef Christian Welch

In addition to introducing Sunday Supper, Chef Welch has recently launched new breakfast, brunch, and lunch menus at The Pembroke, with a new dinner menu set to debut later this month. With over 15 years of culinary expertise, Christian brings a dynamic and fresh perspective to The Pembroke.

Hailing from San Diego, Christian’s culinary path was unexpected—while working at a theme park, a corporate chef noticed his natural flair for cooking and set him on a remarkable journey. Over the years, Christian has honed his craft at prestigious establishments like The Beverly Hills Hotel and The Watergate Hotel, where he won the Pâté-Croûte North American Championship in 2019.

Drawing from his experiences in Europe and California, Christian’s cooking philosophy centers on simplicity, seasonality, and sustainability. A passionate animal lover who once considered a career in zoology, he prioritizes humane practices in his sourcing. His love for Italian cuisine and open-fire cooking, combined with his commitment to sourcing the finest local ingredients, inspires the dishes he crafts for the restaurant.

About The Pembroke

Nestled within The Dupont Circle Hotel, an Irish family-owned luxury hotel and a proud member of The Doyle Collection, The Pembroke is a MICHELIN-recommended restaurant cherished by locals and hotel guests alike. Located in the vibrant heart of Washington, DC, near Embassy Row, The Pembroke offers a dining experience that reflects the rich cultural diversity of the neighborhood through contemporary, globally inspired cuisine.