DC’s historic Hamilton Hotel refreshes dining with Via Sophia

The multimillion-dollar renovation of the Hamilton Hotel in downtown Washington D.C. has brought two new concepts, scheduled to open Wednesday.

Via Sophia, a reimagination of the Italian osteria experience, and Society, a hidden and intimate (only 14-seat) cocktail bar and lounge, are the cornerstones of the food-and-beverage program for the art deco hotel. At the helm is Executive Chef Colin Clark, who has worked for three James Beard Award winners (Marc Vetri, Jeff Michaud, Fabio Trabocchi) and, most recently, worked as the Chef de Cuisine at Fiola Mare. Clark is working in collaboration with Joe Palminteri, Hamilton Hotel’s new director of food and beverage.

Part of this renovation include two new specialty guest suites. One is modeled after the iconic HBO series “VEEP’s” set called “The Selena Meyer Presidential Suite,” complete with actual set pieces from the show.

The other is designed to pay homage to the importance of a free press and founding father Alexander Hamilton (who created the New York Evening Post). Called “The Newsroom: Rise Up Suite,” it was designed by the nearby Newseum and actor and activist Alan Cumming. The Newseum is featuring a Rise Up exhibit about the modern gay rights movement in the U.S.

Take a look inside.

Contact Holly Petre at [email protected]