Bidwell To Open Thursday, January 9th

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Market, the highly acclaimed food market redeveloped by EDENS, one of the nation's leading retail real estate owners and developers, announced today that renowned chef John Mooney will return to his roots in Washington D.C. to open his highly anticipated restaurant concept, Bidwell on Thursday, January 9, 2014.

Bidwell's motto and mantra is "Responsibly Sourced", acknowledging the heritage of American cuisine and the offerings of neighboring artisanal Market vendors. The restaurant is named after General John Bidwell, a general in the U.S. Army in the 1800's, a United States Presidential candidate in 1892, and founder of Chico, California. He was an avid farmer known for developing the Bidwell heirloom melon, a gold medal winning flour, and is credited for California's first commercial raisin crop. Much of the produce served at Bidwell will come from its own crop of fruit and vegetables grown in over seventy aeroponic planters on the roof of Union Market; this is literally roof to table cuisine.

The Bidwell menu will feature several of Chef Mooney's signature dishes with Southern flair and flavor including: Gin & Tonic Salmon with Caramelized Cauliflower, Crispy Deviled Eggs with Homemade Ranch Dressing, Lobster Taco with Avocado Tomatillo Salsa, and Suckling Pig. Completing the menu is a confidently curated selection of regional wines, craft beers and classic cocktails.

Designed by New York architectural firm GRADE, this expansive 120-seat restaurant will represent a perfect pairing of modern and historic industrial elements, GRADE's way of acknowledging Union Market's storied past while creating an enticing environment for its future guests. Design elements such as its strong lines and white tile lining the bar are balanced by aesthetically softer details including a sprawling white and beige marble countertop, reclaimed wood and charming lighting fixtures reminiscent of a time long ago. Its open kitchen with spacious Chef's counter and additional outdoor seating will create a casual, social atmosphere in the midst of the bustling Market.

Chef John Mooney has traveled the world as a chef, honing his craft around a variety of cultures and cuisines. DC diners were the first to discover John, at Red Sage and then Raku. Following his time in D.C., Mooney launched the W Hotel New York's flagship restaurant Heartbeat, where, as executive chef, his love for serving seasonal, fresh, and organic produce grew. In 2004, he was appointed corporate consulting chef of India's Taj Hotel group, where he opened the country's first organic restaurant, PURE by Michel Nischan. In 2008, at Highland Manor in Florida, he began aeroponic gardening. These practices were ultimately brought to the ultra-seasonal menu (and the rooftop) of his New York City West Village restaurant Bell, Book & Candle, where Mooney was named a 2011 StarChefs.com Rising Star Sustainability Chef. Bidwell will be an embodiment of his commitment to serving delicious, creative, naturally sourced American food.

Bidwell is located in Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington DC 20002 and the hours are as follows: Lunch will be served Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Dinner will be served Tuesday through Thursday, and Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and Brunch will be served on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information about Bidwell and Union Market, please visit www.unionmarketdc.com.

About Aeroponics: the modern, clean, efficient way to better gardening
Aeroponics is the process of growing plants in an air or mist environment without the use of soil. It uses both water and air to produce more colorful, better tasting, better smelling, and incredibly nutritious fruits and vegetables.

About The Market at Union Market:
The Market at Union Market is an artisanal, curated, year-round food market featuring over 40 local vendors. Through a highly selective process, Union Market is composed of the finest food artisans ranging from up-and-coming entrepreneurs to well known restaurateurs all creating a unique culinary experience. Union Market vendors include: Rappahannock Oysters Co.; All Things Olive; Buffalo & Bergen created by well-known mixologist Gina Chersevani; Salt & Sundry, an Amanda McClements' lifestyle boutique; Righteous Cheese; Peregrine Espresso; Lyon Bakery; Trickling Springs Creamery; Harvey's Market; Almaala Farms; DC Empanadas and TaKorean.

About GRADE:
GRADE is a full-service design firm characterized by a holistic approach and contemporary sensibility. Their philosophy is driven by a cutting-edge result rooted from a meticulously planned and executed conception. Through the personalized work they provide, we create a culture for each client at every stage of their life. GRADE approaches each project with precision working intimately with clients to realize the most authentic expression of an aesthetic idea. Design is more than the arrangement of formal elements. It's the recognition of a uniquely articulated experience. Informed by practice and innovative by nature, GRADE is as curious about the possibilities of design as they are well-versed in it, and they are always pushing the boundaries of their trade.

SOURCE EDENS