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Urbana Welcomes Kimpton Alum Lauren Mathews As Lead Bartender

October 24, 2018

New Fall Cocktail Menu Brings Artful Classics Made with Sustainable Ingredients to Dupont Circle Bar Scene

WASHINGTON, DC – Urbana, the modern Italian restaurant and bar located in the heart of Dupont Circle, is proud to announce the addition of Lauren Mathews as lead bartender. Mathews joins Urbana from The Commoner at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh, bringing over seven years of bartending experience, a passion for heartfelt hospitality, and a commitment to sustainable bar practices.

About Lauren

A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Lauren Mathews began her hospitality career working for Big Y Group, a collection of restaurant and bar concepts based in Pittsburgh. There, she sharpened her knowledge of wine, champagne, and cocktails while learning to deliver fine-dining service in high-volume restaurants.

In 2014, Mathews joined the bar team at Meat & Potatoes where she learned the rich history of classic cocktails and developed a deeper understanding of bartending culture. In 2016, she accepted a bartending position at The Commoner at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh. Drawing inspiration from her travels and culinary experiences, she expanded her cocktail aesthetic to include clarified juices and unexpected ingredients like yogurt.

2018 Fall Cocktail Menu

As the bar lead at Urbana, Mathews will feature classic cocktails with an Italian twist and sustainably sourced ingredients, many of which will be handpicked from the restaurant’s 1,000-square-foot rooftop garden. Eco-friendly elixirs from her debut menu include the Hive Mind, a Bee’s Knees variation featuring house limoncello and aquafaba. Embracing Urbana’s sustainable approach to food and beverage, Mathews makes the limoncello from recycled lemon peels and sources the aquafaba from the kitchen to minimize waste. Other reimagined favorites include Breakfast with Henry, a Ramos Gin Fizz riff flavored with a Fruit Loop-milk punch, and theHard Headed Flip made with a whole egg, olive oil, and Toki whiskey. Photos of these cocktails, along with a link to hi-resolution images of the fall 2018 bar menu, are available below.

To reduce plastic in the bar, all of Urbana’s cocktails are served without straws. Mathews will offer guests a gluten-free and vegan pasta straw, aligning with the Dupont restaurant’s Italian cuisine and reputation for keeping things cheeky and fun at the bar. 

“We are excited to have Lauren join the Urbana family,” said General Manager Ryan Brewster. “She makes fantastic cocktails, offers a warm welcome to all of our guests, and truly enjoys her time behind the bar.”

 

ABOUT URBANA  //  Located in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Dupont Circle neighborhood, Urbana is committed to being a leader in sustainability, cooking with quality ingredients, and standing as a hallmark modern Italian restaurant. In 2017, Executive Chef Ethan McKee was recognized for his rooftop garden practices and produce, winning awards fromSlow Food DC and EdibleDC Magazine. He makes all pasta and pizza dough in-house and offers gluten-free options to ensure every guest is accommodated. Urbana’s seasonal cuisine is complemented by an innovative bar program helmed by Lead Bartender Lauren Mathews. Adjacent to the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Washington DC, Urbana encompasses the light, fresh flavors of Italy. For more information, call 202-956-6650 or visitwww.urbanadc.com. The restaurant is located at 2121 P Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20037; is open seven days a week; and offers private-dining services. Follow Urbana on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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