Thompson Hotels Introduces Zentan by Chef Susur Lee

At Donovan House In Washington, D.C.

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. June 30, 2009

JUNE 30, 2009 - Donovan House, a Thompson Hotel, introduces internationally renowned Chef Susur Lee's culinary creation Zentan, and the opening of their rooftop pool and bar Above D.C. (ADC). Zentan will feature bold and inventive global modern Asian cuisine, located on the lobby level of Donovan House. Both venues will be managed by Do Not Disturb Restaurant Group, a restaurant, bar and nightlife partnership between Larry, Michael and Jason Pomeranc and Stephen Brandman. The hotel is owned by LaSalle Hotels.

Thompson pays homage to the father of the OSS (predecessor to the CIA), "Wild Bill Donovan" with the hotels name, and Do Not Disturb cleverly chose Zentan, meaning Spy in Mandarin, for the restaurant. Hong Kong native Chef Lee's praiseworthy approach to modern Asian dining remains true to his unconventional, evolving, rebellious style with an inventive array of flavors including signature dishes from his restaurant's Shang at Thompson Lower East Side hotel in New York and Lee in Toronto. His culinary creations comprise a variety of options from Chickpea Onion Rings with mango chutney & minted yogurt, to his tangy Singapore Slaw with salted apricot dressing, Szechwan Style Half Duck with bean jam louts pancakes and Occidental Crusted Vegetable Dumplings in Swatow chili sauce. In addition, other imaginative standouts include a wide selection of Asian crudos, sushi, and sashimi.

"Most of my focus is on cooking and experimenting, the experiences I have gained from traveling have inspired me to bring variations to classic cooking techniques using diverse ingredients from around the globe", said Lee.

Lee's prominence as a culinary master is a far cry from his humble beginnings as a teenage apprentice at Hong Kong's Peninsula Hotel. He quickly rose up the ranks to become a renowned craftsman of the Chinese cuisine, opening unique restaurants, challenging regional Chinese cooking styles and earning accolades in The New York Times, Food & Wine and Gourmet magazines.

"We're aiming for Zentan to appeal to the diverse international travelers and locals that Washington D.C. is known for. Donovan House was created bespoke to its surroundings" says Jason Pomeranc, co-owner of the Thompson Hotels and Do Not Disturb. "We're looking forward to having Lee break new ground, offering a premier experience unlike anywhere else in the area" adds Stephen Brandman, co-owner of the Thompson Hotels and Do Not Disturb.

Modeled after the exclusive A60 at 60 Thompson in New York and ABH at Thompson Beverly Hills, Donovan House's Above D.C. (ADC) will open its doors for the season. A signature Thompson trait, ADC boasts a full service bar, food from Zentan and a heated pool surrounded by chaise lounges, making it ideal for guests to soak in the summer sun in this private urban oasis. A horizontal fireplace, Brazilian Ipe decking and Cherry Blossom Trees create a warm, serene atmosphere to socialize and relax in, while taking in unparalleled views of the D.C. skyline. Keeping with tradition, 60 Thompson's A60, infamous signature cocktail "The Thom" will also be available at ADC.

Donovan House and Zentan were designed by the award winning Studio Gaia firm; a combination of deep purple and lavender paired with dark woods create a lavish dining room setting for guests to indulge in Chef Lee's epicurean delights. A sushi bar and large communal table create unique individual areas for diners to experience different vibes within the entity.

Zentan and Above D.C. are located within Donovan House, a Thompson Hotel, at 1115 14th Street N.W. in Washington, D.C. Zentan will be open daily for dinner service starting at 6pm. Restaurant reservations can be made at (202) 379-4306. For reservations or more information, please call 800.383.6900 or visit thompsonhotels.com.