Jose Andres Wants to Makeover Jaleo

Chef Jose Andres announced his plans today to give Jaleo a face-lift in early 2012. The restaurant has been in Penn Quarter almost twenty years, and Andres "want[s] to put Jaleo on the path for the next 20 years," according to an article in today's Washington Post.

The renovation reportedly involves a foosball table, large photographs, and see-through beaded curtains to separate the booths.  The new plans for DC will mesh better with Andres' Jaleo outpost in Las Vegas, designed by Spanish architect Juli Capella.  "We are moving away from the Flamenco dancer and more to a Dali-like, modern provocative look," Andres told The Washington Post.

The menu will get an update, too - new dishes and drinks that stay true to the restaurant's Spanish roots.  If all goes according to plan, Jaleo may close just after January's Restaurant Week and rehab for about two weeks.  We will keep you posted as always.

6PM UPDATE:  Chef Andres provided us with this video of the new design.  What do you think?

While we wait for more info from Chef, take a look at his appearance on Conan O'Brien last night - the two are a hilarious pair as they make cocktails: