The Roof Terrace Restaurant at the Kennedy Center pays tribute to President John F. Kennedy with its signature dish, an elevated take on his favorite New England fish chowder. This refined version incorporates smoked Nueske's bacon, fresh rockfish, and a house-made fish stock, enhancing the depth of flavor while maintaining the dish’s nostalgic roots. Finished with crispy bacon, microgreens, herb oil, and Maldon salt, the chowder offers a perfect balance of heartiness and freshness.
Washington DC
Roof Terrace Restaurant
JFK Chowder
Nueske’s bacon / Onion / Carrot / Leek / Celery / Fennel / Potato / Bay leaves / White pepper Roux / House-made fish stock / Dry Pinot Grigio / Bi-color corn / Half-and-half / heavy cream / Rockfish / Microgreens / Herb oil / Maldon salt
Signature Dish
From Prep to Plate
Host Seth Tillman heads to the Kennedy Center, where Chef Marguerite Bottorf at Roof Terrace Restaurant presents an elevated take on JFK’s favorite chowder. The dish begins by rendering Nueske’s bacon for a smoky depth, followed by sweating a “Mirepoix Plus” of onions, carrots, leeks, celery, fennel, and potatoes.
Seeing a show at the KC, for Washingtonians and tourists alike, is a special occasion that merits a first-rate pre-performance dining experience. Fortunately, theater patrons do not have far to travel for the best dining option around, just up a level.
Richard Barry, DC Theatre Scene
