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After 20 years in DC, Meiwah to close West End location

After 20 years of hobnobbing with the upper echelons of DC society, Meiwah will close in West End.

WASHINGTON - A Washington D.C. institution in the West End, Meiwah, will close after 20 years of serving politicos and high society.

Meiwah, located at the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue NW and Ward Place NW, has served everyone from Hillary Clinton to Dick Cheney to the Rolling Stones. 

Larry La, the owner, said their lease was ending and the owners had wanted them to pay more and expand the space. 

"It’s hard for me to leave D.C. without feeling bittersweet,"  he said. "We enjoyed meeting people – different people, celebrities and government officials."

He didn't rule out one day reopening in the nation's capital, and said maybe he would be able to open in a neighborhood with lower rent.

"D.C. has a lot of new areas opening up," he said. "Of course, nothing cheap nowadays, but maybe someplace reasonable."

La said he created the name of his restaurant, Meiwah, because it combines "Mei" which means America, and "Wah" which means China to mean "American-Chinese." He said it's indicative of how he lives his life and the restaurant's melding of cultures.

He suggested politicians come visit them at the Chevy Chase location - especially as the United States faces off with China over trade.

"No economic war, just come to Meiwah and talk it out," he laughed. "If you come to disagreement, just come to Meiwah!"

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