Historic Cedar Knoll to Reopen with Seasoned Culinary Team

PHOTO: Cedar Knoll partners (left to right) Charles Blevins, Andrew Holden, Neal Wadhwa, Christopher Holden and Max Peña; second photo: Andrew Holden and property owner Raj Mallick; Patch photo

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There’s new life stirring at Cedar Knoll, the restaurant nestled along the scenic George Washington Parkway, long known for its views of the Potomac River.

The restaurant, which first opened in 1941, is located at 9030 Lucia Lane right off the Parkway (see map below), a beautiful drive from anywhere in the Metro DC area any day of the week.

Closed since November 2014, a group of friends with decades of experience in the culinary world, working at various restaurants and catering companies in the area — Charles Blevins, Andrew Holden, Neal Wadhwa, Christopher Holden and Max Peña — are busy preparing to open the restaurant soon.

Their plan is to serve an American menu with French influences, sourcing seasonal local ingredients, said Andrew Holden.

During a recent tour of the restaurant, Holden said he used to drive past Cedar Knoll all the time and think to himself “somebody should do something with that.”

After finding out that the restaurant closed last year, he contacted the owners, Raj and Asha Mallick. The Mallicks have owned the property since 1970. While the restaurant has been closed, Mallick has been busy making repairs to the property.

Cedar Knoll was built as a farm house, part of River Farm, on land once owned by George Washington. The restaurant, with its wood floors and three fireplaces (one in each room), has a cozy and rustic feel. Most of the tables have views of the Potomac River and during warm weather, there will be outdoor dining. A log cabin that will serve as a lounge is just steps away from the entryway bar area. It features a huge fireplace with a portrait of George Washington.

Cedar Knoll is taking dinner reservations now for Dec. 18, 19 and 20. For reservations, contact Cedar Knoll at: andrew@cedarknollva.com. Cedar Knoll is also taking bookings for holiday parties and other events.

Keep up with Cedar Knoll by “liking” its Facebook page here.

Stay tuned for more news about its opening.