The Chesapeake Room at 501 8th street is set to open within the next six weeks. The site previously was owned by beloved Ophelia Williams whom opted to retire after 25 years of running her flower shop. New owner Xavier Cervera has carefully transformed the building to include a new facade and a series of french doors and windows while maintaining historical integrity.

Hours will include both lunch and dinner seven days a week, brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Food will be a progressive mix of seasonal and regional seafood, beef, poultry and wild game. In addition, the Chesapeake Room will maintain close relationships with our areas organic and sustainable farmers. Xavier has relocated chef Robert Wood from Savannah to lead the culinary team in the intimate open kitchen. On site as requested by Chef Wood is a custom smoker which will highlight delights such as bluefish pate, smoked oysters, meats and fish. Sixteen wines by the the glass will be poured including Virginia and regional grapes. Seven regional and seasonal draft beers will change often.

The restaurant's interior includes Xaviers trademark use of exotic woods and hand crafted bar and furniture throughout. A custom built ten foot long saltwater aquarium rises high above the back bar. Seating includes hand built leather booths , window seating and a twenty foot long community table. An additional thirty two seats will adorn the outdoor cafe with its Spanish Cedar tables and deep comfortable seating. Xavier, a Capitol Hill resident who also owns Lola's and Molly Malone's believes strongly that the Mid-Atlantic region, with its diverse farmland and waters, has much to offer and that Hill residents will feel the same.