Specialty Food Magazine is the leading publication for retailers, manufacturers and foodservice professionals in the specialty food trade. It provides news, trends and business-building insights that help readers keep their businesses competitive.
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/62387
Kuller created one of the city's best wine programs, including 32 wines by the glass and an impressive reserve collection. (Kuller also runs Estadio.) And Chef Haidar Karoum's entrees—from spicy meatballs with goat cheese agnolotti to a spice-glazed duck breast—are some of the best in town. 775 G St. NW; 202.737.7663. $$$ The Source by Wolfgang Puck Located next to the Newseum, this sleek Wolfgang Puck restaurant pulls in an eclec- tic crowd, from young urbanites to famous politicos, with an expertly executed menu of Asian cuisine. The dual-concept space offers fine dining on the top floor and a casual bar and lounge on the main floor, serv- ing a Japanese izakaya-style menu of sushi, sashimi, noodle dishes and more. Executive chef Scott Drewno's popular Saturday dim sum brunch features bao buns, an array of dumplings and spicy noodle dishes. 575 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; 202.637.6100. $$$$ Zaytinya Chef José Andrés's D.C. restaurant empire stretches from the flavors of Mexico at Oyamel to his native Spain at Jaleo and the avant garde at minibar. Zaytinya, his tribute to Greek, Turkish and Lebanese cuisine, is a chic spot to share small plates in the heart of Penn Quarter. Don't miss the havuc koftesi (carrot, apricot and pine nut fritters with pistachio sauce) or the shrimp saganaki with ouzo and melted cheese. The wine list features plenty of great lesser-known choices from Greece and Lebanon. 701 Ninth St. NW; 202.638.0800. $$ COCKTAIL CULTURE The retro cocktail trend has hit D.C. Here is just a sampling of spots where mixologists are serving up craft beverages with top-quality spirits and inventive ingredients. COLUMBIA ROOM & THE PASSENGER A reservation in the serene 10-seat Columbia Room is a must for visiting cocktail enthusiasts. Mixologist and co-owner Derek Brown and his dedicated staff pamper guests, from scented towels on arrival to hand-carved ice and thermometer-precise martinis. The incredible cocktails are crafted from top-quality spirits and housemade ingredients including cordials, bitters and customized mineral water. The cocktail den is tucked inside rowdier sibling The Passenger, where the bar staff creates witty cocktail chalkboard menus, and a hip crowd dines on kimchi hot dogs washed down with canned beer.1021 Seventh St. NW; 202.393.0220. $$ THE GIBSON Look carefully for the barely marked entrance to this neo-speakeasy, located on the hip 14th Street corridor. Once inside the dimly lit space, guests are treated to an extensive menu of craft cocktails, shaken and stirred by vested and bow- tied bartenders. Find a seat in one of the intimate nooks that span two floors of a historic building, including a small patio where summertime means frosty libations from the outdoor bar. 2009 14th St. NW; 202.232.2156. $$ TABARD INN Located in one of D.C.'s most eccentric small hotels, Tabard Inn's bar and cozy wood-paneled lounge is a favorite of locals. Bartender Chantal Tseng maintains an enticing cocktail list, including classics like Sazeracs and original creations using herbal teas and fragrant spices. The brick-walled patio, tucked away behind the inn, is a prime spot for dinner in balmy weather. The kitchen turns out American cuisine with global touches, and the jumbo lump crab cakes are a favorite.1739 N St. NW; 202.331.8528. $$$ MAY/JUNE 2012 71 ETHNIC SPOTS Beau Thai A bit off the beaten path, this small neigh- borhood gem turns out authentic Thai dishes to a crowd of locals. The intimate space features sage green walls offset by modern white chairs and blown-up old photos of the owner's family. You'll find all the Thai standards such as tom yum soup, drunken noodles, larb gai and pad thai. A small bar serves up clever drinks like Thai basil gimlets and housemade ginger beer mixed with beer. 1700 New Jersey Ave. NW; 202.536.5636. $$ Rasika The expertly crafted Indian cuisine keeps this stylish Penn Quarter restaurant peren- PHOTO: COURTESY OF TABARD INN