Chef Randy Lewis, former executive chef of Gypsy Kitchen and The Southern Gentleman, has partnered with Pour Kitchen + Bar Owners Matt and Blair Huckeba to bring The Ashford to Brookhaven. Occupying the former Pour Kitchen + Bar space, at 1418 Dresden Dr NE, The Ashford aims to “fill a missing segment to the Brookhaven food scene,” according to a press release.
“A key personal goal in designing the menu was to draw inspiration from some of my favorite dishes I’ve experienced while traveling both locally and abroad,” Lewis said. “The Mexican Street Popcorn “grits” that accompany our Chili-Lime Chicken are an ode to one of my favorite street foods in Mexico City, Elote.”
Set to open June 21, 2022, The Ashford will showcase a menu featuring “high quality, seasonal ingredients in an approachable but elevated atmosphere.” Expect to see dishes like cold “hot smoked” salmon dip, house-made ricotta, and grass-fed beef tartar, as well as a rotating selection of cheeses from Southern Farmstead Dairies. The bar program will be centered around artisanal cocktails, craft beers, and a carefully curated wine list. Updates to the former space are currently underway.
“We’re a neighborhood restaurant — so we want the space to feel comfortable but still elegant,” Blair Huckeba said. “Our main dining room has a communal table that’s perfect for a large group celebration dinner, and I love the cozy lounge seating near the bar for a pre-dinner cocktail.”
The restaurant’s name and logo are an homage to the neighborhood in which all the owners reside.
“We were very intentional about honoring our neighborhood,” Matt Huckeba said. We love the community and the support Brookhaven residents show local businesses. The name is an obvious nod the Ashford Park neighborhood, but our logo—the tree– might not be as noticeable. The shape of it is actually the shape of the boundary lines of the Ashford Park neighborhood.”
The Ashford will be open for dinner service Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. The owners plan to bring a variety of specialty events like wine-paired dinners, guest chef dinners, and brunch, as well.
