Medium Rare, a steakhouse chain based in Washington, D.C., is set to open a new location in Watertown's Arsenal Yards by late spring 2024. Renowned for its unique prix fixe steak frites meal, the steakhouse already operates four other branches across Bethesda, MD, Arlington, VA, New Orleans, LA, and Washington, D.C. according to Boston Restaurants.
The restaurant chain also offers a variety of brunch items, such as steak and eggs and eggs benedict. Their dessert menu features staples like carrot cake and American apple pie. Additionally, they provide a selection of wine and beer as mentioned by Boston Restaurants. The founders' inspiration for the restaurant's model originates from their experiences in France, focusing on delivering an exceptional meal in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
The restaurant's moniker and concept are rooted, amusingly, in the history of founder Mark's ancestors, Malcom Rare and Sara O'Frites. The duo ran a steak and fries restaurant in the French coastal town of Deauville. It was on a 2007 trip to France that Mark and his business partner Tom stumbled upon this historic tale, unearthing Sara's original secret sauce recipe. According to Medium Rare's website, this discovery sparked the idea for the chain in the United States.
