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Donovan House's Restaurant Finally Open for Business

Where: 1155 14th St Nw [map], Washington, DC, United States, 20005

No question about it, Jan. 21 was a day of hope in Washington, D.C. Skeptics and optimists alike found common ground in the ushering in of a new era. We speak, of course, of the looong-awaited opening of the Donovan House’s restaurant by Todd English. Apparently, Cha quietly opened its doors that day to the public with a limited menu, explained by way of “soft-opening” status.

Cha, which means tea in Chinese, is being described as Asian fusion. So far, they’re only serving sushi but a grand opening is in the non-specific future. Mid-to-late February is our best guess, as seen in this Craigslist ad seeking help for its front-of-house positions.

This being a Thompson hotel, the place attracted its share of celebrities over inauguration weekend for exclusive events, including Jon Bon Jovi, Lenny Kravitz, and Sheryl Crow (as you might recall), according to local D.C. rag The Hill.

The Hill also reported that English bragged about apparently finding a fan in Bon Jovi, who raved about “off-the-charts” sushi and beef skewers. (Side note: Does anyone else wonder if it’s embarrassing to speak in rockstar clichés like “off-the-charts?”)

Cha opens each night at 5:30 p.m.