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