Estadio takes to the pitch in Logan Circle

Bread-thickened gazpacho laced with jamon. House-baked grilled bread with white anchovies and red peppers. Halibut accented with garlic and spinach.

Those are among the dishes restaurateur Mark Kuller suggests diners try at his Spanish-themed Estadio, which officially opens July 13 at 4 p.m. for dinner in Logan Circle. The restaurant's launch is overdue by more than a month, although the opening conveniently coincides with Spain's recent World Cup victory.

"The fix was in!" jokes Kuller, who gave his latest project a trial run over the past weekend when he served nearly 300 meals to friends and associates.

Estadio ("stadium" in Spanish) brings together a little dream team of cooking and liquid talent, including Haidar Karoum, the chef of Proof in Penn Quarter, Kuller's first restaurant; wine director Sebastian Zutant; and bar manager Adam Bernbach, who's introducing "slushitos" - alcohol-punched frozen drinks -- to our vocabulary. Snacks are priced between $3-$6, while tapas will go for $5-$11.

Insiders are already buzzing about the design, particularly the women's restroom. Its wallpaper is made up of photographs of buffed soccer players Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo --- both (whoo-hoo, girls!) shirtless.

-Tom Sietsema