Gene Sohn, a Silver Spring resident, landed at The Black Squirrel in Adams Morgan after serving three years as Chef de Tournade at Marcel's in downtown Washington, D.C. Sohn jumped at the chance to bring a unique dining experience to Adams Morgan, one of the more densely populated neighborhoods in the city that serves as a hot spot for weekend partygoers.

We endeavor to deliver a fun, comfortable, family atmosphere that connects with the neighborhood," Sohn says. "We want our patrons to feel at home in our establishment and have an experience that prompts their return.

The French-trained chef has an extensive background in the restaurant industry, dating to 1987. He previously spent four year as a chef and part-owner at Saveur in Glover Park. He also spent five years as a charcuterie buyer with Dean & DeLuca in Manhattan and the District. Sohn attended the University of Maryland and is a die-hard supporter of the Dallas Cowboys. Try not to hold the latter against him. One of his best friends is Jack, an 80-pound German shepherd that loves to chase his tail and has a 17th Street restaurant named after him in Dupont Circle. Sohn takes great care with his menu, right down to the hand-ground Hereford beef. "We use fresh, local products as much as possible," he says. "We use sustainable, organic fish, meat and poultry." Sohn often steps out of the kitchen to mingle with the diners and establish a rapport, as if you are visiting someone's home.