Co Co Sala

Last date I was here: 1/21/2011

Restaurant: Co Co Sala (http://www.cocosala.com/)

Location: Gallery Place

Total Rating: 3.2
Food: 3, Price: 3, Service: 4, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 5

Summary: This chocolate lounge and boutique located near Gallery

Place features menu items from day to night centered around a chocolate theme. Specializing in espresso and chocolate-based drinks, artisanal chocolates, and exquisite pastries, patrons can also satisfy cravings of the salty and savory variety with trio dishes incorporating chocolate and coffee in surprisingly unique mediums. Dramatic wave walls emulate flowing chocolate while defining intimate seating areas. Elegant displays enhance the intricate details of the jewel-like chocolates being showcased. Two glimmering bars serve as the backdrop for the sumptuous pastries within and at night transform into a provocative atmosphere where tantalizing cocktails are served. Closest Metro is Gallery Place-Chinatown.

It is Restaurant Week again in DC and Co Co Sala was our first stop for the year. This chocolate boutique always intrigued me and I was really curious to see what items were offered on the prix fixe menu. Surprisingly, they only offered the RW menu which seemed a little forceful, but I suppose those who just wanted a cocktail would be served at the bar. Our server was very nice and attentive, yet the ambience was very crowded and dark, I could barely see what was being served. I ordered the featured cocktail of the evening, which tasted like a chocolate covered strawberry daquiri - very good, but too sweet to have more than one. We were also served an amuse drink of a hot cocoa sip. The food was served in smaller "bites" portions, which left us skeptical if the set price was worth it. Overall the food was good, and the concept is interesting incorporating chocolate flavors in some way via a sauce or dusting. However, the restaurant itself is over hyped and overpriced. It would be a fun place for a party, but I would not come back for a regular dinner.  Make easy reservations to Co Co Sala on CityEats.

What I ate:

Manchengo and Baby Arugula Salad

caramelized walnuts, dates, apples & oranges, coffee vinaigrette

Crispy Creole Crabcake

mango salsa, chipotle chocolate tomato glaze, avocado cilantro emulsion

Bacon Mac & Cheese

orechiette pasta, four cheeses, crispy applewood smoked bacon

Chocolate Onyx

dark chocolate mousse, vanilla crème brulee, salted caramel, crispy chocolate pearls,

brownie, chocolate sorbet, 72% cacao bon bon

Plus Keith ate:

Tomato and Burrata Salad

creamy burrata cheese, with basil and oregeno, balsamic reduction

Portobello Flatbread

portobello mushrooms, goat cheese, roasted peppers, kalamata olives, fig marmalade

Lamb Slider

curry & coconut organic lamb, baby corn, lime yogurt crème

A Sticky Situation

warm sticky toffee pudding cake, brown butter toffee sauce, ginger caramel ice cream

***TOP 10 in DC - 2010 Favorites of What Micky Eats***

Out of 76 restaurants that I've dined at across the globe this past year, here is my list of Top 10 restaurants in DC from 2010. The ranking is based purely on the total scores received. For more details - read each post for yourself!

1. Sou'Wester (4.75) - The menu reads with a Southern lilt and features traditional as well as interpretive takes on American classics such as Skillet Fried Chicken with Coleslaw, Chicken and Dumplings and Sautéed Red Snapper with Old Bay Chowder…Read More

2. Poste (4.7) - The food arrived beautifully plated and was absolutely delicious. My crepes were one of the best vegetarian dishes I've ever had and Keith's entree was tender enough to "eat with a spoon"…Read More

3. Blue Duck Tavern (4.5) - Blue Duck Tavern is located within the Park Hyatt in the downtown area and serves American cuisine using traditional methods such as roasting and braising…Read More

4. Peking Gourmet Inn (4.5) - This authentic Chinese restaurant features northern Chinese cuisine with fresh ingredients and Peking duck as the specialty…Read More

5. West End Bistro (4.45) - There were some other seafood items on the menu that caught our eyes, such as the grilled octopus and of course, the mussels…Read More

6. Tony and Joe's Seafood (4.35) - Tony & Joe’s located at the Georgetown Waterfront serves tempting dishes such as Maryland crabcakes, fresh lobster and shrimp scampi…Read More

7. Chesapeake Room (4.3) - Chesapeake Room brings an organic, sustainable and free range dining experience while highlighting a passion for all that our beautiful Mid-Atlantic waters has to offer…Read More

8. Policy (4.3) - No one cuisine is prominent, rather a fusion of flavors collected and presented as trendy tastes to be shared and chatted over…Read More

9. Greek Deli (4.3) - Serving fresh, authentic Mediterranean and Greek cuisine, the Greek Deli is sure to please…Read More

10. BLT Steak (4.25) - The menu showcases raw bar selections, the chef's signature warm popovers, and top-notch steak and fish which are complemented by a selection of sauces like Peppercorn or Red Wine and satisfying sides...Read More

Granville Moore's

Last date I was here: 1/7/2011



Restaurant: Granville Moore's (http://www.granvillemoores.com/)



Location: H St NE



Total Rating: 4.35
Food: 5, Price: 4, Service: 3, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 4


Summary: Granville Moore's kitchen proves that good things come in small packages. With only 150 square feet to work with, Granville's kitchen pumps out over 1200 pounds of mussels and over 1400 pounds of potatoes every week. This dark pub style restaurant also serves sandwiches, steaks, seafood, salads, soups and appetizers. Their menu changes with the seasons, and Granville Moore’s selection of Belgian Beers is one of the largest in the Mid-Atlantic. Closest Metro Station is Union Station.

November 2009: This was our second visit to Granville Moore's. Most popular for their traditional moules (mussels) prepared in multiple ways and frites (twice-fried fries, hand-cut) with various dipping sauces such as truffle aioli or chipotle. The mussels were amazing, full of flavor and freshness, and one of the biggest portions for a better price than other area restaurants. The frites are offered separately - the large portion is big enough for 3 people - yet flavored nicely and served fresh, not soggy, like some other places. A great restaurant for a date or with friends; I would definitely come back again.

UPDATE: We went back to satisfy my mussels craving, and it was just as good. Keith opted to try something else on the menu, and was a little disappointed. The bison meat was a little bland and the bleu cheese overpowering. He regretted not ordering the pork chop special. Oh well, we will still come back another time.



What I ate:

Moules Marinere

Steamed mussels in White Wine, Herb Mix, Butter

♥Moules Champignons♥

Steamed mussels in a mushroom cream sauce with Hoengarden beer

♥Frites♥

with truffle aioli, chipotle, and horseradish sauces

Plus Keith ate:

Clamcakes

New England style, deep fried clam fritters, serve with tartar sauce

Bison Burger Deluxe

freshly ground bison, topped with cheese, served on a potato Kaiser roll

with mushrooms and bacon, served with frites

Moules Fromage Bleu

Steamed mussles with Bacon, Hook’s Blue Cheese,

Shallots, Spinach, White Wine, Lemon Juice

Moules Moraccan

Steamed mussels in a spicy curry sauce with leeks, and lamb sausage