Corduroy is probably the most poorly located restaurant in DC. 12th and K Sts. second floor, deep inside a hotel (LOCATION,LOCATION , LOCATION!!) I was skeptical but signed the lease after eating on higher floors in the most obscure neighborhoods in Japan for a month (and cooking in the basement of Citronelle). It has been a rough road but we are out of the woods. July 17th 2004 was our FOURTH anniversary. In hindsight I would have probably opted for a more visible location (but that probably would have brought along with it many investors and equal headaches) I am glad you like the decor. When we opened the room was very "spartan" and we took many hits for it. The final straw for me was Tom Sietsema's "Airport Lounge" critique, I had to do something. CORE architects did a great job of giving the room a more personal feel. They installed a stainless steel beaded curtain around the bar, mirrors above the banquettes, and new lighting. The new look has a much more personal feel. While I would like to be a little bit less under the radar (AKA more busy) It allows me to work the line, buy the wine, do the butchering, bake the pastry, recognize the customers and sometimes answer the phone. I've worked in very busy restaurants that start to become factories and that's not the the kind of place I want to own. I am glad you mentioned walk ins. That is a huge issue for us especially during lunch. Customers think because they see empty tables that they don't need reservations. Reservations not only help secure tables but they help chefs and owners staff and buy accordingly. The area around Corduroy and the Convention Center is exploding with new offices. I think the future looks good.
