Marcus DC will welcome Isla chef Lonie Murdock on Monday, September 28, for a one-night-only dinner blending Caribbean and Southern influences across five courses.
Two Personal Food Stories Meet at Marcus DC
Born to a Jamaican mother and Canadian father, Murdock developed an approach shaped by Caribbean traditions and her upbringing in Canada before opening Isla, her first restaurant in the United States. Marcus DC executive chef Anthony Jones grew up in Maryland, where the cooking of his Southern Black family helped form his connection to regional ingredients and storytelling through food. Their dinner will trace those personal routes from Canada and the Caribbean to the DMV.
Five Courses Move From Crudo to Coconut
The fixed menu begins with kingfish crudo prepared with coconut and hibiscus, followed by pumpkin agnolotti with jerk mushrooms and spiced butter. Roasted swordfish arrives with thyme ginger sauce and banana leaf before a fourth course of braised oxtail with escabeche. Coconut butter tart closes the meal. With two fish courses and an oxtail course, guests with dietary restrictions should contact the restaurant before reserving.
Jones Brings National Recognition Back to DC
Jones recently competed on Season 23 of Bravo’s Top Chef and was named a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Emerging Chef. The dinner also continues his practice of welcoming visiting chefs to Marcus DC, giving diners access to menus that may never be repeated. More collaboration dates are expected to be announced.
Reservations Are Open for a Single 6 PM Seating
The Marcus DC and Isla collaboration dinner begins at 6 p.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Marcus DC inside The Morrow Hotel, 222 M Street NE, Washington, DC. The restaurant is in NoMa near the NoMa–Gallaudet U Metro station. Tickets cost $140 per person, with an optional wine pairing available for $55. Reservations are available through OpenTable, and advance booking is recommended for the single seating. Follow The Washington Lobbyist for informed coverage of Washington DC travel, hotels, restaurants, and events.
