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| Credits: TripAdvisor |
Cleveland Park just got a whole lot tastier. Buffalo & Bergen, the beloved New York-inspired bagel shop, has opened its largest location yet, bringing with it not only their classic deli fare but also a game-changing "carb bar" concept. Owner Gina Chersevani, a DC bar scene veteran, is clearly not playing around. This isn't just another bagel shop; it's an experience.
Located at 3501 Connecticut Ave., NW, the new Buffalo & Bergen is more than just an expansion; it's an evolution. While the menu boasts all the favorites from their Union Market and Capitol Hill locations – think potato latkes, matzo ball soup, and those craveable Reuben sandwiches – it's the new additions that are turning heads and tantalizing taste buds.
Bagels: The Foundation of Flavor
Let's start with the foundation: the bagels. Sourced from Long Island's A&S Bagels and then proofed and baked on-site, these aren't your average bagels. They're the real deal. From classic egg sandwiches to the innovative "Pickle Me Pink" featuring cold-smoked lox, beet-horseradish cream cheese, and pink pickled onion, the bagel possibilities are endless. And for tuna lovers? Prepare to be amazed. Buffalo & Bergen roasts their ahi tuna slow and low in olive oil, creating a tuna salad that's worlds away from the canned variety. They then elevate it further with jalapeno cream cheese and crushed Zapp’s potato chips. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors.
Beyond the Bagel: A Culinary Adventure
But the real showstopper is the braised brisket sandwich. Picture this: tender, flavorful brisket piled high on an onion challah bun, topped with a crispy mozzarella pupusa, jalapeno slaw, and a drizzle of lime crema. Yes, you read that right – a pupusa. Chersevani credits chef Silvia Zelaya for creating "the greatest pupusas ever," and her ingenious idea to incorporate them into a sandwich is pure genius. "Why isn't a pupusa literally the cheese on other things? It's so good," Chersevani exclaims. It's a messy masterpiece, but thankfully, a hand-washing sink in the dining room acknowledges the deliciousness of the undertaking. Even the restrooms get the special treatment, scented with blood orange wallpaper, a testament to Chersevani's attention to detail.
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| Credits: buffalobergendc.com |
The "Carb Bar" Cometh: Pastries, Pizza, and Hot Pockets Reimagined
Within the next month, the "carb bar" will be in full swing, introducing a whole new level of carb-centric indulgence. Imagine starting your day with lemon-curd and prune danishes, or indulging in upgraded Hot Pockets that are a far cry from their frozen predecessors. And then there's the pizza. Chersevani’s husband and partner, Neil Dundee, a pizza aficionado who previously ran a vintage airstream pizza operation, uses a 72-hour fermented dough made with bread flour and rye flour. This meticulous process results in a more flavorful and crisper crust. Keep an eye out for bagel-inspired pizza creations, like a pie with an everything seasoning crust.
Drinks and Diversions: Cocktails, Lemonades, and Late Nights (Eventually)
Chersevani's background in the DC bar scene shines through in the drink menu. From the "Long Distance Lover" cocktail with white rum and blood orange to Buffalo & Bergen’s famous bloody Mary, garnished with an entire lox-and-cream-cheese bagel, there's something for everyone. The Cleveland Park location also has plans for an expansive patio, complete with a refurbished three-wheeled Italian Piaggio Ape, nicknamed Frizzante ("Bubbles is her street name"), serving draft cocktails. Kid-friendly options will include southern Italian-inspired "exploding lemonades" that fizz with the addition of baking soda. And if all goes according to plan, late-night hours are on the horizon.
More Than Just a Restaurant: A Vibe
Buffalo & Bergen in Cleveland Park isn't just about the food; it's about the experience. Chersevani's vision is clear: "I don't want this to be serious. Something's new always. Something fun is happening. I don't want it to be just another location." From the innovative menu to the playful atmosphere, Buffalo & Bergen promises to be a neighborhood hotspot, a place where you can grab a classic bagel, try a groundbreaking sandwich, sip on a creative cocktail, and simply have a good time. It's a welcome addition to the Cleveland Park culinary scene, and it's sure to leave a lasting impression. So, ditch the diet, embrace the carbs, and head down to Buffalo & Bergen. You won't regret it.