For the Lunch Bunch, A New Option at Convivial

Bibiana Debuts a $20 Prix Fixe Midday Bar Menu

Two delicious classics on the lunch menu at convivial, beef tartare and jambon beurre with homemade chips. @convivialrestaurant Photo by AJ Dronkers.

By Susan Able, Edible DC

Award-winning Chef Cedric Maupillier has added has added a daily lunch at Convivial. In addition to the restaurant’s nightly dinner service and weekend brunch, lunch is now served and it is a hit for Shaw and the downtown business crowd looking for noonday options for a sitdown, full service lunch.

Think hors d’oeuvres like Roasted Cauliflower, Beef Consomme, Leeks Dijonnaise and his own take on the Lyonnaise salad that was a hit when Maupiller was cooking at Central. Now he says of my favorite French salad, “Try it, it’s even better—I swear I’ve perfected it.” Sandwiches and mains feature his classic burger and fried chicken sandwich as well as whitefish salad, quiche, and our favorite, Jamon Beurre—the iconic French sandwich served with homemade chips. Full entrees feature Mussels Mariniere, a Chive & Gruyere Omelette and Trout Amandine.

A classic Lyonnaise Salad with curly endive, bacon lardons, croutons all topped with a poached egg.

The complete lunch menu is here. Convivial open daily from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm at 801 O St NW, with parking available in a garage across the street, but midday there is also plenty of meter street parking.

Also new, Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca, has added a new fixed price menu for $20 (excluding tax and gratuity), available only at their new bar, Pranzo al Bar. Created by Executive Chef Loris Navone, guests can select a pizza, sandwich or bowl with a choice of a soft drink, iced tea or featured Italian wine, followed by a coffee, espresso or seasonal sorbet flavor. The Pranzo al Bar menu is available Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., at 1100 New York Ave, NW (entrance on 12th and H Streets.)