Firefly Renovation Will Revamp Bar Program

There’s  just about a week left to get your Firefly fix before October. On September  10, the Dupont eatery will close for substantial renovations, most  notably including an expanded bar area accompanied by a new  focus on mixology. We got the details on what to expect — including an  artistic rendering of the new space — as well as a can’t-miss event before the temporary shut-down.
On  Sunday, September 9, Firefly will host Bottle Battle 2, at which Brabo (also a  Kimpton restaurant) sommelier Matt Carroll and famed D.C. “mixtress”  Gina Chersevani will compete to provide the most winning pairings to  chef Daniel Bortnick’s five seasonal courses. All proceeds from the  evening’s $100 ticket price will be donated to the Susan G. Komen  three-day walk this fall. It’s an intriguing challenge for a good cause,  but perhaps is more indicative of what’s to come at the seasonally  focused neighborhood spot.
The  restaurant makeover will further transform the space into an “urban  picnic” oasis, with the addition of a functional porch swing hanging  from the indoor centerpiece tree and a cottage-like kitchen facade, all  made with salvaged or recycled materials. The best part: an expanded  bar/lounge with 10 more seats in the form of one additional high top,  three more lounge tables and three more stools at the terrazzo bar made  of recycled glass. The lounge will also now feature an ivy wall and tree  root sculpture.
Chef  Bortnick and team are using the makeover and bar expansion as an  opportunity to take Firefly’s bar program to the next level. Rumor has  it they’re in the process of interviewing a few promising candidates for  the post of head mixologist; a role that will require creative new  concoctions to complement Bortnick’s ever-changing seasonal dishes. Mark  your calendars for Saturday, September 29, when the new space and cocktail  menu will make their official debut.























