Renowned Chef John Mooney To Open Highly Anticipated Restaurant In Union Market Spring 2013

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- EDENS, one of the nation's leading retail real estate owners and developers, announced today that 2011 New York Rising Star Sustainability Chef, John Mooney, will open a restaurant in Union Market in Spring 2013.

Mooney's latest venture, Bell Book & Candle in New York's West Village, has received critical acclaim for his ability to fuse conventional cooking with a more recent and driving inspiration, sustainability. 

"I am thrilled to come back to DC and become part of the Union Market community with its storied history in the DC food culture.  The authenticity and commitment to quality of the Market is very aligned with our approach to the food and hospitality experienced at our restaurant," says John Mooney.

At Union Market, Mooney will open a restaurant with a contemporary American menu.  His philosophy is to keep things closest to their natural form, which will result in a seasonal menu based on which ingredients are available at the specific time.  Most of the food items used in the menu will be sourced from Union Market vendors and his Union Market rooftop garden, where he plans to grow vegetables, fruits and herbs.

"With the opening of John's new restaurant, we are looking forward to furthering our efforts in creating a unique culinary destination in the heart of DC," says Richie Brandenburg, Director of Culinary Strategy, EDENS.

For more information on Union Market, please visit www.unionmarketdc.com.  For more information on EDENS, please visit www.edens.com.

About EDENS:
EDENS develops, owns and operates community building centers in primary markets throughout the East Coast. Focusing on innovative development and redevelopment together with key acquisitions in urban areas, the Company has built an institutional-quality portfolio of 130 retail centers. EDENS has Regional Headquarters in Boston, New York, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Miami and Columbia, SC. For additional information about the Company and its retail real estate portfolio, please visit www.edens.com.

About Union Market:
Union Market is an artisanal, curated, year-round food market featuring over 40 local vendors.  Through a highly selective process, Union Market is composed of the finest food artisans ranging from up-and-coming entrepreneurs to well known restaurateurs all creating a unique culinary experience.  Union Market vendors include: Rappahannock Oysters Co,; Buffalo & Bergen created by well-known mixologist Gina Chersevani; Salt & Sundry, an Amanda McClements' lifestyle boutique; Righteous Cheese; Peregrine Espresso; Lyon Bakery; Trickling Springs Creamery; Harvey's Market; Oh! Pickles; Almaala Farms; DC Empanadas and TaKorean.

SOURCE EDENS