Komi (restaurant) facts for kids
Komi is a well-known restaurant in Washington, D.C.. It is run by Chef Johnny Monis. The restaurant serves delicious dishes that are inspired by both Italian and Greek food.
About Komi Restaurant
Komi is located at 1509 17th St. NW, close to Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C.. When it first opened in 2003, it quickly became a popular spot. Back then, it offered wood-fired pizzas and a menu where you could pick what you wanted for lunch and dinner. They had soups, salads, and main dishes.
In 2006, Chef Monis decided to make a big change. He closed the restaurant for two weeks. When it reopened, Komi had fewer tables. It became a special dinner-only place with a set, multi-course menu. This new way of dining was a huge success!
Komi received amazing reviews. Washingtonian Magazine named it the No.1 Best Restaurant in D.C. in 2009. It kept this top spot until 2012. Komi became one of the most celebrated restaurants in the city.
Even famous people enjoyed Komi. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama had dinner there in May 2010.
In 2018, Komi earned a Michelin star. This is a very important award for restaurants around the world. That same year, food critic Tom Sietsema from Washington Post added Komi to his list of ten "Hall of Fame" restaurants.
Meet Chef Johnny Monis
Johnny Monis grew up in Arlington, Virginia. His family owned a pizza restaurant called La Casa Pizzeria. His parents were born on the Greek island of Chios. The name "Komi" comes from a beach on Chios where his family used to go for vacations. This beach had many tavernas, which are small Greek restaurants.
Johnny first went to James Madison University to study medicine. But he soon realized his true passion was cooking! He left university to attend culinary school at Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina. However, he didn't finish culinary school either. He felt he was learning more by working in real kitchens, like at McCrady's Restaurant.
In 2001, Monis started working at Chef Geoff's, a restaurant in Washington, D.C.. He quickly moved up and became the head chef for a new Chef Geoff's location downtown. In 2003, he decided to open his very own restaurant, Komi.
Chef Monis has won many awards for his cooking. In April 2007, Food & Wine magazine named him one of the "Best New Chefs." In 2013, he won a James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic. This is like an Oscar for chefs!
In 2011, Chef Monis opened another restaurant. It's called Little Serow and is located right below Komi. Little Serow serves amazing Thai food. Bon Appétit magazine even called it one of the best new restaurants in America.
Awards and Recognition
Komi and Chef Johnny Monis have received many important awards:
- 2007: Best New Chefs by Food & Wine Magazine.
- 2009: No.1 Very Best Restaurants in D.C. by Washingtonian Magazine.
- 2013: Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic, James Beard Foundation Award.
- 2018: One Michelin star
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