Chef Mike Isabella Celebrates Kapnos Opening With Private Mezze Party

14TH STREET -- His third D.C. restaurant was most decidedly the charm, as Chef Mike Isabella toasted the opening of his latest venue yesterday evening alongside business partners George and Nick Pagonis, inside the ever expanding 14th Street corridor.

Dubbed Kapnos (the name means 'smoke' in Greek), the self-described 'ode to northern Greece' boasts 160 seats, with both the menu and interior design heavily influenced by Isabella's travels throughout the former Macedonian empire.

Curious onlookers watched as a steady stream of guests entered the restaurant last night, which was temporarily closed to the general public for the occasion and lasted well past its stated 9:30 p.m. end time.

Beyond family and friends and members of the press, many of the city's top toques (and some of Isabella's fellow Top Chef stars) stopped-by to deliver their congratulations and, naturally, sample the fare.

Kapnos is designed as a "playground for Mediterranean food lovers" and play they did during Monday's party. Beyond slices of whole lamb, goat, and chicken from the restaurant's rotating spits, attendees were also treated to an endless buffet of various Greek small plates -- each boasting fresh ingredients such as eggplant, chickpeas, feta, roasted peppers, and even caviar.

Adding fuel to the celebratory fire, Kapnos head mixologist Taha Ismail and restaurant consultant James Horn (both were instrumental in the earlier successful launches of Isabella's Graffiato and Bandolero establishments) stood by throughout, with either a cocktail or glass of champagne at the ready.

Kapnos' beverage program pairs a dozen or so newly created libations, including a trio of lemonade cocktails on draft, with an extensive collection of wines from around the world. The 50-seat bar area located next to the main dining room ensures that drinks receive the attention that they are due.

Also revealed last night, was that Friday, July 26th will serve as the official opening of G, Isabella's restaurant-within-a-restaurant at the same location as Kapnos, which will serve Italian sandwiches by day and offer a prix-fixed four-course tasting menu at night.