Chef RJ Cooper of Gypsy Soul, with his family.
James Beard award-winning chef RJ Cooper of DC’s Rogue 24 has opened Gypsy Soul, a new restaurant in Fairfax’s Mosaic District. Cooper was inspired to create a spot where his wife Judy and their twins Ava and Bridgett (pictured with the chef, inset) could enjoy casual American fare made with ingredients from local farms. Interiors with cast-metal and leather accents pay tribute to Cooper’s love of motorcycle riding. 703-992-0933; gypsysoul-va.com
New Hot Spot
Matt Baker, formerly of The Occidental, is now executive chef at City Perch Kitchen & Bar in North Bethesda’s new Pike & Rose development. The concept menu by California chef Sherry Yard incorporates seasonal American fare, from rotisserie meats to raw bar seafood (pictured), along with handcrafted cocktails. 301-231-2310; cityperch.com
Just Dessert
Pastry chef Meredith Tomason (pictured), a veteran of Tom Colicchio’s Craft Restaurant in New York, has opened the RareSweets bake shop in the new CityCenterDC. Guests enjoy heirloom cakes, cookies, ice creams (inset) and breakfast pastries in a modern setting designed by CORE, featuring an open kitchen. 202-499-0077; raresweets.com