New restaurant bringing taste of America to Washington officially opens

Diners can enjoy an authentic of the USA as the Carter and Fitch Pizzeria, Smokehouse and Bar officially opens.
Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland receiving flowers from Martin Hall, manager of the George Washington Hotel, part of the Ailantus Group, which houses Carter & Fitch restaurant.Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland receiving flowers from Martin Hall, manager of the George Washington Hotel, part of the Ailantus Group, which houses Carter & Fitch restaurant.
Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland receiving flowers from Martin Hall, manager of the George Washington Hotel, part of the Ailantus Group, which houses Carter & Fitch restaurant.

The restaurant, which is on the site of the George Washington Hotel, Washington, held its official VIP opening last night which saw the Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland turn out to show their support.

Carter and Fitch Pizzeria, Smokehouse and Bar which opened in January following a £500K investment from its owner, the Ailantus Group, treated their guests to a selection of Chicchetti (small plates), cocktails, champagne as well as entertainment from magician Ryan Phelps.

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Mayor and mayoress Coun Barry Curran and Carol Curran were treated to a tour of the restaurant and introduced to the American themed smokehouse and diner in support of the business, which has brought 20 new jobs to the area, not to mention huge investment into the local economy.

Named after the friends who ran a smokehouse in America with Mafia links during the prohibition, Carter and Fitch owners assures diners of a truly authentic realistic taste of the USA.

The authenticity is down to the experiences of long-term head chef from the George Washington Hotel, Chris Hume, who travelled around America to soak in the food culture of Arizona, California and New York and gain insight into how their dishes are prepared.

And Chef Hume, 59 from Washington, Tyne and Wear, who has been at the George Washington Hotel for an impressive 42 years, says Carter and Fitch aren’t stopping there with their faithfulness to the source.

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He said:“As well as taking in first-hand the methods used in America, we have bought a specially made smokehouse oven all the way from Oklahoma.

“It means that we can offer steaks as they are in Texas, burgers as they are in New York and pizzas just as they are in Manhattan. We really think we can offer something that’s completely different from the usual restaurants that we see out there.

“If last night’s response to the food is anything to go by, then our efforts to make the venue as authentic as possible have been rewarded, as the comments were all very positive – especially the delicious pizzas; our guests couldn’t get enough of them!”

Over 100 clients, friends, locals and guests at the George Washington Hotel were present at the event, all of which praised the food, decor, ambience as well as the exceptional service.

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The restaurant has room to seat up to 90 diners at a time, with more room available on the outside terrace and will be available to outside diners.

Neel Chawla, Director of the Ailantus Group says the food is not the only thing that will be a pull for diners.

He said: “We are delighted at the success of our first official engagement at Carter and Fitch and we’re especially grateful to the Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland for their attendance and support. It was wonderful to see them attend and gave a boost to all of the staff and suppliers that have worked tirelessly to ensure that the restaurant is a success.”