What was the initial dining format of Ambar when it first launched on Capitol Hill in 2013?
Answer
Upscale venue aiming for large portions
When Ambar initially opened its doors on Capitol Hill in 2013, it operated under a different model than its current iteration. The restaurant started as an upscale venue that focused on serving large portions, reflecting the traditional Balkan custom of expressing abundance through sheer volume of food. This original concept was quickly recognized as impractical for the D.C. dining scene, leading to a rapid pivot within months toward the successful fixed-price, small-plates format.

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