Rumored to be opening this week outside the nation's capital: the highly-anticipated new restaurant from award-winning chef Michel Richard. Located at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, the new "Michel" restaurant will be in the old "Maestro" space and will serve up "innovative modern French cuisine" in an "upscale, casual" setting. Zagat Buzz describes the design scheme:

A symphony of luxurious materials and craftsmanship, the chrome-and-burgundy-toned contemporary space features textured walls and banquettes, sculptured lights that change colors, cleverly designed viewing into a showcase kitchen and a chef’s table that’s suspended from the ceiling (look, Ma – no legs!).

At the helm is Executive chef Levi Mezick, who had former stints at top NYC restaurants Daniel, Oceana and Per Se. What's on the menu? Favorites like wild mushroom pie, steak frites, vegetable tartar, and duck with figs and cinnamon. Expect top-notch desserts, as Chef Richard got his start as a pastry chef in his native France.

Image Via Washington City Paper