Starr, who operates nearly 40 restaurants between New York, Florida, and his Philadelphia base, is known for high-profile partnerships—including one with outspoken restaurateur; he and Starr will open a spinoff of their Meatpacking hotspot, Pastis, near Union Market in May. But the thing that sealed the deal between Starr and Silverton isn’t a VIP rolodex. It was Silverton’s focaccia di recco at her “meat speakeasy” Chi Spacca in Hollywood.
The former Dean & Deluca space will be transformed into an Italian market and restaurant. Photograph courtesy of Jamestown Starr tapped New York-based design firm Roman and Williams—behind the grand look at his Le CouCou in Manhattan, among others—to refashion the historic building. It will return to its 1865 roots as a marketplace with a frontage along M Street. Shelves will be stocked with Italian olive oils, sauces, pantry items, and fresh produce—much of which can also be found in the restaurant kitchen.