Elena James to Open This Week in Chevy Chase

Elena James, located at 8551 Connecticut Ave in the Chevy Chase Lake neighborhood, is set to open on Friday, December 6. Created by Colin McClimans and Danilo Simic, the founders of D.C.’s New American restaurant Nina May, Elena James is a new all-day concept featuring seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The 5,000-square-foot space includes a café offering breakfast and lunch counter service, as well as a dining area with a bar and open kitchen serving American-inspired dishes and cocktails for dinner. Menu highlights include cacio e pepe, flank steak, and pan-roasted trout. Initially, the restaurant will open for dinner only, with the café scheduled to open in mid-December.

According to the restaurant, “The inspiration for Elena James originated from the owners, Colin McClimans and Danilo Simic, when they first discussed their restaurant vision five years ago. Their aim was to create a fun spirited restaurant that focused on casual neighborhood dining, high quality food and great service, that was not only open for dinner, but also offered breakfast and lunch service. After searching for the perfect location, they are excited to finally bring their original idea, an all day neighborhood restaurant and bar with a playful and hip vibe, to life. Elena James All Day, their first concept in Maryland, is located in the Ritz Carlton Residences at Chevy Chase Lake.”