Creator of Legendary 'Restaurant Nora' in Dupont Circle to Retire

WASHINGTON, DC — Dupont Circle eatery Restaurant Nora was declared the first certified organic restaurant in the United States back in 1999, and now its namesake says she's ready to retire.

Nora Pouillon first opened the restaurant in 1979, and 20 years later it became the first certified organic restaurant in the country. In the years since, it has become one of D.C.'s most famous dining spots. In January 2010, President Barack Obama held a surprise birthday party for First Lady Michelle Obama at the restaurant, and it is reportedly one of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's favorite restaurants.

A statement announcing Pouillon's retirement indicated that she would "continue to promote her key belief in a healthy, organic lifestyle beyond the kitchen of Restaurant Nora."

“At this point in my life, I want to be a leader and an inspiration to share my vision,” she said in the statement. “Since none of my four children want to take over Restaurant Nora, it won’t be a fast transition. It might take years to find the right person who is as passionate as I am about organic, healthy food, but I have so much confidence in today’s enthusiastic generation of chefs and restaurateurs.”

Restaurant Nora is located at 2132 Florida Ave. NW.

Image via Restaurant Nora