Award-winning restauranteur Ashok Bajaj is pleased to announce Knightsbridge Restaurant Group’s fine dining concept Annabelle, located at 2132 Florida Ave., NW Washington, D.C. 20008 is welcoming a new executive pastry chef, Kyle Knaub. Knaub brings over a decade and a half of experience, having worked in leading kitchens, including two for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. He most recently served as executive pastry chef for the Michelin-rated one-star restaurant, Gravitas.
A graduate of the Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida, Knaub’s culinary career launched at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City in 2011, working in the pastry kitchen. He was promoted to a position at the Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C., as an acting pastry chef for West End Bistro. During his five-year tenure with this luxury brand hotel company, Knaub learned the art of fine plated desserts, wedding cakes, confections, French pastries. He created confections for celebrities, royalty, and other dignitaries.
In 2016, Knaub returned to his home state of Maine to become the executive pastry chef of the Relais & Chateux property, The White Barn Inn. Here he helped the restaurant maintain its longstanding Forbes five-star, AAA five-diamond rating by mentoring many international interns in the bakery and pastry shop. He returned to the nation’s capital in January 2020, to accept the executive pastry chef position at Gravitas. Here he wore many hats and participated in creating savory dishes as well. During the pandemic, Knaub assisted in successfully launching Baker’s Daughter, a take-out market headed by Chef Matt Baker. He lives at Falls Church, Virginia with his wife and two dogs.
Located in the heart of the Kalorama neighborhood, Annabelle’s kitchen is helmed by James Beard award-winning chef Frank Ruta. Ruta’s distinguished career spans over three decades and includes eleven years as executive sous chef at the White House, serving under three presidents and as owner/chef of the award-winning Palena. His tempting menu at Anabelle showcases fresh and flavorful, locally inspired cuisine. The menu tells the story of the local growers and producers and features the best quality products from around the world. His full seasonal menu is available for dining in the restaurant or on Annabelle’s outdoor patio, weather permitting. One can also order from the full menu for delivery or curbside pickup.
Annabelle is located at 2132 Florida Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20008. For reservations or additional information, please call (202) 916-5675 or visit www.annabelledc.com.
