DC "DCocktail" Series: BOE Restaurant & Bar

The DC “DCocktail” Series highlights the food, ambiance, and most especially the cocktails at restaurants in and around the District of Columbia.  We find out about the background of the cocktail menu and how the restaurant uses it to make its mark on the nation’s capital.  

Photo Credit: dc.eater.com 

Ambiance

When you first walk into BOE, you feel like you've just been transported to a log cabin in Salt Lake City. The bar/restaurant, located in the heart of Penn Quarter, offers an outdoorsy new look to what was previously the all-white laced Sei.  Besides the animal skull busts that adorn the walls and woodsy vibe, the highlight of the new venue is definitely the food and drink menu.

BOE Bathroom Sign/Photo Credit: Nyasha Chikowore

Cocktails

The cocktails are creatively named, such as the 'Should I Get High on My Wedding Day?', which works as a great conversation starter at the bar, and the food follows suit with the 'balls on fire', which are crispy bulls' testicles. What's also special about their cocktails is that they utilize the sous-vide method. In a nutshell, they seal cocktail ingredients and submerge them in hot water to infuse the alcohol.

The standout cocktail was the 'Should I get high...', not only because of the name, but the flavorful kick of the scotch bonnet and the ginger hemp liqueur. It's definitely one to sip slowly. Another winner was the Porn Star, which comes with a shot of sparkling wine and a $1 bill for your troubles. You take the shot first and chase it down with the passion fruit-flavored cocktail. 

'Should I Get High on My Wedding Day' Cocktail/Photo Credit: Jai Williams

Food

BOE carries an extensive menu of what they describe as American fare but it's apparent that there are some Asian influences. Honorable mention goes to the 'BOE Bacos', which are tacos in a bao bun. The garlic shrimp bacos were delicious and a great snack to pair with the cocktails.

Garlic Shrimp Baco/Photo Credit: Jai Williams

If you're in the DC area BOE should be on your go-to list. The drinks are fun and classy, and the menu will force you to try something different; I'm looking into the alligator ribs next time I go! You can find BOE at 777 9th St, NW DC or boewdc.com.

- Nyasha Chikowore

DC "DCocktail" Series: Succotash

The DC “DCocktail” Series highlights the food, ambiance, and most especially the cocktails at restaurants in and around the District of Columbia.  We find out about the background of the cocktail menu and how the restaurant uses it to make its mark on the nation’s capital.  

During a recent staycation at AC Hotel National Harbor, I dined at neighboring restaurant, Succotash.  Its website says it 'showcases a progressive prospective of classic Southern favorites.'  I love all things Southern so dining at Succotash was a natural choice for me, and it did not disappoint. 

Photo Credit: washingtonpost.com 

Cocktails

As you walk into the restaurant, you can't help but to notice several bottles of bourbon surrounding the bar.  I made a comment about the number of bottles to my waiter and he told me that they have over 100 types of Bourbon on the bar.  If that's not Southern, I don't know what is!

From a Manhattan to a French 75 and Mint Julep, Succotash's Libation menu offers something for everyone.  I was also shocked to see Haiti's Rhum Barbancourt served in one of their most popular cocktails, the 'Milk Punch.' For $49, you can enjoy a pitcher of Succotash's delicious cocktails.  I tried the 'Belle's Punch,' which was a mixture of mango-infused vodka, Jim Beam Bourbon, ginger, mint and topped off with a little champagne.  The 'Belle's Punch' is another one of their restaurant favorites and I can see why. It was simple and tasteful.

Food

I'm still thinking about the food at Succotash. Seriously.  The food was so delicious, that I couldn't stop saying how delicious it was while I was consuming it.  Their menu consists of traditional Southern dishes, including shrimp'n'grits, ribs, pork chops, collared greens and much more.

Appetizers

I tried the Pimento Fundido, and it was as good as you think.  Made from seven kinds of cheese, it was the perfect warm blend of cheesy goodness to spread over crackers.

Main Course

I had the Crispy Local Blue Catfish and it was fried to the perfect crisp.  My friend, Meghan, tried the Dirty Fried Chicken and enjoyed her dish as much as I enjoyed mine. We shared the Bacon Mac'n'Cheese and Brussel Sprouts.  Everything was delicious and prepared really well.

Dessert

We shared the Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie and again, it was delicious. (How many times have I used 'delicious' in this post? It's the only word I can think of when describing the food!)

Ambiance

The only words to describe the ambiance is 'southern elegance.'  The lights were dimmed a little and the wooden decor gave the restaurant an 'at home' feeling. I think it's a great restaurant for a date or catching up with an old friend who enjoys food just as much as you do!

I love how Succotash's theme flows throughout the restaurant for a traditionally southern experience.  While you're enjoying your staycation at the National Harbor, or looking for a quality restaurant outside of the city, I highly recommend Succotash.