WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — With Thursday’s unveiling of the first Michelin Guide Washington 2017, the Union Market district takes its place among the world’s renowned dining destinations. Known as the international benchmark for fine dining, Michelin’s recognition of top restaurants in this emerging neighborhood honors the talent and passion of its culinary leaders, as well as validates the commitment of city officials and Union Market stakeholders to build a thriving urban community. Union Market celebrates neighborhood favorite Masseria, the acclaimed restaurant led by Washington-native chef Nick Stefanelli, for receiving a coveted Michelin star. Imbuing Union Market’s historic urban warehouses with a modern elegance, Masseria is one of only 12 restaurants in Washington, DC, and the only one in Northeast, to be recognized with a star rating in the prestigious guide. Bidwell, located in the celebrated Market at Union Market, was also recognized as one of Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand selections. Less than 20 restaurants were chosen from across the District for this notable honor for establishments that offer top cuisine at reasonable pricing. “We could not be more proud of the accomplishment of these business leaders and the contributions they have made to our community, including part of the roughly 450 new jobs here in the Union Market district,” says Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie. “Their talent and passion has drawn international attention to our neighborhood and what we are building here in Union Market and in Ward 5.” Union Market has proven to be fertile ground for entrepreneurs, launching and scaling over 25 businesses, as well as fostering a community of creative artists. “We took a chance building our business in this transforming neighborhood,” explains chef Stefanelli, “but I am from DC and proud to represent the great history of Union Market as a food hub, and honored to now be a part of its future as a world-class destination. Having Michelin recognize DC and our restaurant really shows the progress of our city as a culinary center.” “There is so much here at Union Market, and its culinary roots run deep,” adds John Mooney, chef and owner of Bidwell. “Union Market is a symbol of growth for a lot of people. Food businesses are opening here and growing throughout the city. But more importantly, it’s a place where all of Washington shares a meal.” For an inside look at Union Market, visit http://unionmarketdc.com/the-history-of-union-market/#today ABOUT UNION MARKET The Union Market District is a 45-acre district in NE that is one of DC’s most vibrant, diverse and thriving neighborhoods—a living laboratory for a sustainable urban community and place for creative minds and businesses to connect, thrive, launch and make DC their own. Since opening in September 2012, The Market at Union Market, the acclaimed food market with over 40 local scaleable businesses, averages 15,000 visitors per weekend and has hosted over 400 community and private events. For more information about Union Market, please visit www.unionmarketdc.com. SOURCE Union Market