Washington, D.C. - July 17, 2007

Up a Creek

Rock Creek Restaurant Opens

Dining at the mall usually means a Wetzel’s pretzel (with a side of jalapeno cheese dip), a slice of Sbarro pizza, or Chick-fil-A nuggets (with waffle fries) from the food court.

But Mazza Gallerie is bringing healthy fare to its shopping mecca with the opening of Rock Creek.

The new restaurant and bar, from Ris Lacoste (of 1789 fame), serves up mindful cuisine: tasty but good-for-you dishes using light, fresh produce and local ingredients.

Indulge guilt free in roasted Amish chicken with oven-dried tomatoes, asparagus, and red wine sauce; steamed PEI mussels with saffron, leeks, and white wine; or swiss chard and ricotta panzotti with Jerusalem artichoke, mushroom broth, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

The space itself is a feast for the eyes, with curved windows overlooking Wisconsin Avenue and a tall plaster-cast tree in the center of the dining room.

So expect to see a lot more mall rats.

Rock Creek, Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW, at Western Avenue (202-966-7625).