keepingupwithsasha

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El Presidente brings the fiesta to Union Market!

El Presidente has vibrant energy and a festive ambiance! Offering a fusion of festive and nostalgic Mexican flavors, their menu celebrates traditional ingredients infused with a contemporary flair.

I had the pleasure of indulging in delights such as the raw bar selections, guacamole with succulent king crab and delicious customizable lobster tacos. The menu also had indulgent shared plates like the Tomahawk Ribeye and Whole Striped Sea Bass. The menu delivers with both the anticipated guacamole and tortilla soup, alongside the more unusual offerings: oysters and colossal prawns showcased on ice near the partially open kitchen, reminiscent of a lively marisquería, or seafood eatery. Among the captivating pairings, one standout features slices of raw yellowtail nestled in a refreshing blend of cucumber juice, fennel, and lime—a vibrant green contrast to the velvety texture of the fish.

The best part of tis restaurant was immersing myself in the interconnected dining spaces adorned with eclectic decor, all while experiencing the legendary hospitality synonymous with the southern border. El Presidente promises an immersive dining experience that celebrates the artistry of socializing.

Complementing El Presidente’s culinary offerings were an array of tequila and mezcal cocktails, crafted to highlight the rich agave flavors. I especially enjoyed El Presidente's frozen pineapple margarita, a refreshing blend of fruit juice and tequila that packs a flavorful punch. Guests that dined close to me raved about a Pepper cocktail which lived up up to its bold name with a tantalizing combination of red bell pepper juice, chili liqueur, and smoky mezcal. And for a taste of tropical paradise, savor the irresistible mix of rum, coconut, lime, and pineapple juice served in a playful shark-shaped glass topped with a charming palm tree umbrella. The beverages certainly call for sponges!

All in all, El Presidente is easily a 10/10. It ventures beyond the scope of many typical Mexican restaurants and remains the easiest way to reach Mexico City without a passport.

[keepingupwithsasha]

RPM SETS THE BAR!

Located in the Mount Vernon neighborhood of Washington, D.C., RPM Italian embodies a modern ethos with an Italian essence, showcasing a chef-inspired menu that emphasizes contemporary flavors and encourages sharing among diners.

The ambiance- chic and contemporary, complete with white leather seats and attentive service, sets the stage for an opulent evening out. The menu offers versatility with its foundation in Italian comfort food: expect starters like prime beef meatballs in rich red sauce, premium steaks such as Gorgonzola-cured wagyu, and housemade pastas. Central to RPM Italian's culinary identity is its pasta program, featuring over a dozen varieties of freshly crafted artisanal pastas made by hand daily. Complementing this cornerstone are a plethora of menu highlights, including an extensive array of antipasti, crudo, steaks, chops, simply grilled fish, and beloved Italian classics, all ideal for communal enjoyment.

But what about the service? RPM understood the assignment in this department for sure!

The attention to detail and preparation are paramount at RPM Italian restaurant, where both style and cuisine are meticulously curated. From the impeccably dressed waitstaff in their white coats, evoking a Hollywood-esque ambiance, to the personalized approach of each waiter, it's evident that every aspect is finely tuned to deliver a sophisticated dining experience. Their eloquent descriptions of entrée choices and drink options further enhance the overall performance.

Yes, the menu is phenomenal if you're an Italian lover, but, the service is what really made the experience one to remember. RPM Italian deserves a spot on your list for anniversaries, memorable first dates, and any occasion where you seek to savor life's moments with flair. Kudos to the entire RPM team for their dedication to treating every guest like a celebrity and maintaining the integrity of the food and dining experience, which has garnered more acclaim than even the celebrity owners themselves. Here's to RPM Italian – cheers!

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dLeña? Don't Mind if I Do!

dLeña is a modern Mexican themed restaurant that has mastered the balance of luxury and comfort. With plenty of rustic warmth and worldly charm, dLeña is an upscale restaurant for Washington DC diners and has become a new neighborhood favorite in Mt. Vernon Triangle. The restaurant features a spacious dining area, an elegant private dining space and a live band! Its sexy ambiance is perfect for date night, chic for brunch, and splendid for happy hour.

"Leña," which means firewood, as a central motif, diverse wooden embellishments are incorporated throughout the space – walls adorned with sawed tree trunk rounds, rustic beams spanning over the bar area, and its subterranean cocktail lounge, dLeña Roja, boasting a vaulted wooden ceiling. The restaurant features snug leather banquettes illuminated by artisanal tasseled chandeliers, ensuring guests have a prime view of the culinary action at the wood-burning grill.

On to the best part- The Menu!

Featuring a menu that celebrates the finest flavors of Mexico and a Mezcal Lounge boasting a collection of over 100 tequilas, this establishment went above and beyond my expectations, particularly with their vibrant cocktail offerings! While the menu leaned towards the pricier side, there were also options that were less expensive.

Their diverse menu showcased a range of delights including ceviche, aguachile, salads, soups, and tacos such as crispy shrimp, short rib, and suckling pig. Among my top picks were the seafood topped guacamole and the Ostinoes a La Leña, a fancy twist on oysters. It’s worth noting, that each dish was served on mesquite and oak smoke wood, giving each dish different notes and flavors. I would confidently rate them a perfect 10/10 – not only for the delectable dishes but also for the exquisite presentation that transported me straight to one of my cherished dining spots in Tulum, Mexico!

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Shōtō for the win!

This vibrant establishment is located right in the heart of DC and has quickly grown in popularity. Featuring a bar, tables, and a dining counter, the spacious layout maintains an inviting ambiance. Illuminated with precision, the lighting accentuates the room's elegance. Stunning details, such as a volcanic stone installation descending from the ceiling, an ivy-covered wall, and richly toned wooden surroundings, add to the allure and makes the space super sexy! Regardless of where you sit, there's always something captivating to capture your attention.

The menu is curated with expertly crafted drinks, an impressive selection of Japanese whiskey, sushi counter, and Japanese robata grill that cooks an array of fish, meats, skewers, poultry, and produce over pressed Japanese white oak. I kicked off my experience with a Toki old fashioned, perfectly paired with a delicious dish with prawns and black cod gyoza, skewered chicken wings, soft-shell crab maki, and yuzu cheesecake to finish.

Shōtō, which means "short sword" in Japanese, exudes a sense of precision and accuracy evident in every aspect, from its expert fish slicing techniques to its thoughtfully curated design elements. For example, the sushi counter, which captivated me the most. Here, diners are offered a direct view of the intricate knife work on amberjack, fatty O toro tuna, A5 wagyu, and other imported delicacies from Japan. The restaurant's executive chefs, both seasoned veterans of the restaurant group, introduce patrons to omakase menus where you can opt to let the chefs serve you what they think is best. The only decision you need to make is how much you want to spend for five courses: $115 or $195, the latter for a meal built around Wagyu beef, lobster, truffles and caviar. However, there are also plenty of items on the menu that can be ordered a la carte.

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L'Ardente- Italian meets Glam

L’Ardente, a fresh addition to the Northwest, Washington, D.C. area, is an Italian restaurant led by Chef David Deshaies of Unconventional Diner. Having honed his skills under the renowned Michel Richard at Citronelle, Deshaies brings forth meticulously crafted dishes often infused with playful elements. For instance, consider the luxurious starter titled “Gamberi”, featuring grilled prawns, black garlic, pomegranate molasses and lemon. This decadent creation is presented on a glass iridescent plate, each prawn is brushed with a brown sauce that is rich in flavor, with a lemon wedge to add lemon zest flavor; that takes this dish to another level.   Although L’Ardente’s starters are magnificent, the short rib lasagna is honestly the hottest item on the menu. The 40-layer, short rib sugo is smothered in truffle mornay and topped with a flavorful sottocenere cheese. When I first saw this lasagna showcased on Instagram, I assumed it was a tactic designed solely for social media shares. With each social media share I became increasingly convinced of this notion. However, I bought into the hype and had to give it a try. Let’s just say that my skepticism was swiftly dispelled after tasting it; this lasagna truly delivers on all fronts. It’s flavor matches its visual allure, leaving no doubt as to its culinary mastery. No other lasagna can compare!  L’Ardente isn’t just D.C.’s newest hot spot because of the delicious menu, but also because of it’s fun and instagrammable design; glam Italian if you will. Many restaurant goers have flocked to visit in hopes of capturing a trendy photo of a sign on the wall that reads “DONT DO COKE IN THE BATHROOM” right above the walkway towards the restrooms.   If you haven't already been and you’re in the mood for Italian, run, don't walk to give this restaurant a try!

https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2021/10/29/lardente-restaurant-review/