Our Story: From Italy to the Mid-Atlantic

In 1994, the journey of our beloved fritters began in the picturesque foothills of Piedmont, Italy. It was there that Chef Gray, after graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, started his culinary training in Torino. During his time in Italy, he discovered the traditional Italian arancini—crispy rice balls that originated in Sicily in the 10th century. These delightful treats have evolved over the centuries, becoming a beloved Italian street food enjoyed throughout Italy’s palazzos and towns. Inspired by these fritters, Chef Gray incorporated them into his culinary repertoire.

By 1999, these humble risotto fritters made their debut on the opening menu of Todd and Ellen’s first restaurant, Equinox, in downtown Washington, D.C. Not quite a side dish or an appetizer, the fritters were envisioned as a "for the table" item—perfect for sharing as a pre-meal bite with a beverage. They quickly became a menu staple and have remained a beloved feature at Equinox for over 25 years.

Fast forward to 2019, and the concept of The Federal Fritter was born. Initially envisioned as a vibrant summer food truck adorned with the D.C. flag, it was designed to serve street food at music festivals. Todd and Ellen planned to hit the road (or a parking lot) to offer these delicious fritters to concertgoers.

However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, The Federal Fritter had to pivot to the new business environment. In 2021, it transformed into a beachside bistro now known as The Federal. This unassuming restaurant has evolved into a full-service, casual fine-dining bistro, combining two concepts under one roof. Guests can grab fritters to go as beachy street food to enjoy while strolling the boardwalk, while The Federal's bistro-style cuisine pays homage to the Mid-Atlantic region and Todd and Ellen's culinary roots.

Join us at The Federal, where tradition meets innovation, and enjoy a taste of our unique journey from Italy to the Mid-Atlantic.