Fast-Casual Chinese Restaurant, Chao Ku, Coming to Shaw

chaokuBroad Branch Market owner John Fielding plans to open a fast-casual Chinese restaurant with former Tabard Inn chef Paul Pelt that pays homage to their favorite Chinese places in the Washington suburbs. The Shaw spot, located at 1414 9th St. NW, will be called Chao Ku, which means "super cool" in Mandarin slang, Fielding says.

The evolving menu will include dan dan noodles, hot and sour Shaanxi wide noodles, cold small plates, and entrees with plenty of vegetarian options at a "cheap to moderate" price. The place will have a full bar serving large format craft and Asian beers along with wine (including plum wine) and a simple liquor selection (yes, sake). No craft cocktails.

The restaurant aims to open sometime next year.

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Top photo by Jessica Sidman. Bottom photo courtesy John Fielding.