[mappress]

Ultrabar is aptly named.  The “Ultra” in “Ultrabar” can be taken to mean a number of things.  For example, “ultra” could be used to reference the venue itself: five floors that contain a chaotic blend of sounds, aesthetics and experiences.  Or “ultra” could mean the horde of clubbers (a head count that tops 1000 heads on many nights) that fills the club and stretches down the block, a truly heterogeneous blend of ages, races and ethnicities. “Ultra” might also refer to the international mix of events that work their way through Ultrabar.

Or it could refer to the synthesis of all these different things, which results in a slightly overwhelming, Cancun-ish vibe that extends itself throughout a wide breadth of sensibilities.

It has been more than a while since I visited the establishment.  It caters to the 18-25 crowd (and I unfortunately am a few years removed from their demographic) but Ultrabar Owner Antonis Karagounis’ birthday provided us with a good reason to drop in and see how the venue has come along and Karagounis was cool enough to take a few moments to chat with us about the venue that has become a landmark in the DC nightlife scene.

Cost – $$$

Service – A-
When most people think of large club venues, they assume they’ll be manhandled at the door and receive rude service at the bar (if they ever get served).  According to Karagounis, “The front door staff is comprised of nightlife veterans who have worked in many clubs and lounges and understand the importance of customer service.”  True to form, the service at the door was professional and polite.  Inside, the wait staff was prompt and friendly in spite of the chaos that surrounded the bar.  The service – both inside and out – was far better than what we have experienced at some of the other multi-floor clubs in DC.

Décor – B
The structure that houses Ultrabar is over 100 years old and has been a night club for the past twenty years.  Each floor has a slightly different visual sense to it and the age and history of the establishment – it feels like DC – pervades the venue (except for possibly the top floor, which felt a bit more modernized than the others).

Feel – A-
There are a lot of opinions about Ultrabar but you can’t argue with the following: First, that everyone has an opinion on the place…people have been talking about Ultrabar for years now.  Second, you can’t argue that Ultrabar has been drawing an enormous crowd for several years, based on a loyal following and a relatively simple formula.

The club doesn’t try to overstep into exclusivity; instead, it focuses on creating an open, fun environment that offers enough diversity to be a true “destination” venue.  With this winning formula, Ultrabar has become the “go to” destination for the 18-25 crowd in DC.  According to Karagounis, “We want to create a comfortable and welcoming venue without the crazy door policies.  Everyone is welcome as long as they make the effort.”

Ultrabar is located at 911 F Street Northwest.  They can be reached at (202) 638-4663 or on the Web at http://www.ultrabardc.com.

What’s the Buzz:

Ultrabar (Metromix) – For a place with a name like Ultrabar, they truly do have a superhuman line-up of events. Hosting a varied array of parties per week in the club’s four bars, there is no shortage of dance mayhem.  Full article…

Located above the Spy Museum, Zola flies a little under the radar compared to some of the other notable destinations in Penn Quarter. That said, not having a to deal with the an overcrowded bar scene in a little more sophisticated than usual setting is part of the draw for some. I don’t want to take the previous two sentences too far because the restaurant sees more than it’s fair share of rushes, especially when there is a game, concert or show taking place at one of the nearby venues. A cool thing about Zola is that the restaurant is at an above ground level which makes for a great view and an interesting perspective when the masses pour out of the Verizon Center after events. The view coupled with the upscale’ish but hip atmosphere make this a great place to entertain guests that don’t get to the city that often.

Cost – $$$

Service – A
The service at Zola has always been consistently attentive and friendly. As with most Penn Quarter establishments, the restaurant and bar get really busy on certain nights which can result in a little longer wait for food and drinks – but that’s to be expected.

Food – B
The innovative American cuisine may not fit everyone’s taste but I do applaud the restaurant for constantly trying new dishes and keeping things fresh. The wine list is eclectic but in a good way and a couple of the desserts on the menu are very good.  If you find yourself unsatisfied with the offerings at some of the nearby restarurants, you want want to pay your check and head over to Zola’s lounge for the finish. Also, I don’t recommend doing this on a busy night but do try the Blue Sting cocktail at some point. It’s like a bluberry mojito and one of the best drinks around.

Decor – A-

The dark wood and rich reds used throughout the restaurant makes for an attractive palette that strikes that balance of contemporary and classical. Adding in spy-themed decor seems as if it would be odd but Zola’s translation is very well done. Not all of it is obvious which is the whole point, right?

Feel – B+
The low lights and close seating of the bar/lounge area makes for more of an intimate feel but the sound level of the music keep things a little more on the upbeat side. The dining area, on the other hand, is sectioned off by partial-walls with each space having it’s own wine station/banquette in the center. All this which results in more of a private experience which contrasts to the more open and lofty style of restaurant.

Zola is located at 800 F St. NW. They can be reached at (202) 654-0999.

What’s the Buzz:

January 18, 2008 – Zola (DC Eats) – Okay so it’s one of my favorite weeks of the year!!! RESTAURANT WEEK! Unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to ravish it like I would like BUT I did get to try out Zola’s for lunch. So my co-worker made reservations at Zola on OpenTable for lunch. We left work and headed on over there. We got there and the atmosphere was really nice. The bar was to the right and I wouldn’t have minded taking a seat over there and grabbing some drinks if the table wasn’t ready. Its an inviting and has a very upscale feel. Full article…

Rosa Mexicano is one of two Penn Quarter establishments (Oyamel being the other) serving up modern and upscale versions of authentic Mexican cuisine. As I have referenced in some of my other reviews, having grown up in Southern California I thought “upscale” Mexican food was an oxymoron. I mean, why pay the high prices for food that was only marginally better than my El Taco de Mexico? Well, after my first bite of the Guacamole en Molcajete I knew I had this gourmet Mexican food thing all wrong.

Cost – $$$

Service – B-
Rosa Mexicano is one of the busiest restaurants in DC so service can sometimes take a hit during peak hours. I have always had good lunch expereinces but during the dinner rush, the restaurant usually gets jam packed and service is sometimes borderline acceptable.

Food – B
As stated above, the guacamole is very good and the only way to start off any respectable meal here. I have tried most of the menu and some of the entrees like the Alambre a la Mexicana and the tamales are great but generally speaking, the food is good and I am yet to have a subpar dish.

Decor – A-
Rosa Mexicano’s decor is a vibrant pool of pink, blue, red, aqua and orange with shades of everything thrown in. I know it sounds like a lot to consume but the restaurant decor works and I often find myself musing at the native Mexican masks and sculptures which are simple compared to the detailed walls and mosaics.

Feel – B+
If busy places with a medium-high noise levels are not your thing, you should stay away once Happy Hour kicks in. Otherwise, Rosa can be an upbeat and fun place but make sure you have reservations and are prepared to wait a few minutes to get a drink at the bar.

Rosa Mexicano is located at 575 7th St. NW. They can be reached at (202) 783-5522.

What’s the Buzz:

June 2, 2008 – Rosa Mexicano (Bacon and Blue) – Poor Rosa has been dealing with a ton of construction on 7th and F Streets during the past several months. But it’s location remains in operation and continues to serve high quality Mexican fare. For anyone that likes guacamole, Rosa is the place for you. It’s prepared table side with all fresh ingredients. I normally add some salt and a little pepper. Full article…

August 4, 2007 – Rosa Mexicano (DC Dine Blog) – Recently, Ryan and I ventured over to Rosa Mexicano for dinner. Prior to this visit, I had eaten at Rosa several times with my coworkers; however, this was the first time I went for dinner, and the first time as a reviewer.  Full article…

The Source is Wolfgang Puck’s first foray into DC and as one might expect, the restaurant has been an instant hit and in my opinion, a strong contender for top dining destination in the District. With its chic lounge and intimate upstairs dining room, The Source strikes the balance between cool and sophisticated.

Cost – $$$$

Service – B
A few diners have mentioned to me that the service has been lacking which is sometimes a symptom of newer restaurants but my experiences have all been quite positive. From the hostess to the waiters, the staff has been quick and attentive.

Food – A-
The downstairs lounge offers a casual dining experience with it’s interesting pizzas, mini-burgers and the like which are all good (especially the fries) but the upstairs is where chef Scott Drewno serves up an exciting menu of Asian-inspired fare. I particularly enjoyed the scallop and shrimp sui mai, grilled lamb chops and the duck. The wine list is impressive as well and there is a good variety of wines by the glass.

Decor – B+
The space is open and airy with simple clean lines. I appreciate the understated decor which leaves room for  the food and drink do the talking. The stairs leading to the dining room has a bit of a red carpet feel to it -  diners enter into the center of the room  in sight of other patrons. It’s a bit of a stretch but on a busy night it does have the feel of making of an entrance. The glass wall of wine bottles is also an appealing touch.

Feel – A
As I stated earlier, the restaurant has a great feel to it. The change of pace from an energetic lounge to a classy dining room makes for a complete dining experience for many.

The Source is located at 575 Pennsylvania Ave NW. They can be reached at (202) 637-6100.

What’s the Buzz:

April 14, 2008 – More DC Restaurants for Wolfgang Puck? (Washingtonian) – Superstar chef Wolfgang Puck flew into town last week for the grand opening of the Newseum, home of his DC restaurant the Source. Although he was a day too late for the Inn at Little Washington’s anniversary soiree, where he was one of the 30 “culinary pioneers” honored, . Full article…

Co Co. Sala is one of the latest restaurants to follow the trend of chocolate themed dining. Self-proclaimed as “DC’s premier Chocolate Lounge & Boutique,” this recent addition to Penn Quarter specializes in espresso, chocolate-based drinks, artisanal chocolates, and pastries. Born from a creative partnership between Nisha Sidhu, founder of The Sugar Gallery and Bharet Malhotra of Cvent, Co Co. Sala is a great change of pace to the DC scene.

Cost – $$$

Service – A
The wait staff here was well trained and knew the menu inside and out which I am sure is a requirement considering the offerings.

Food – B
Being someone with a healthy appetite, I found the portions to be on the light side. That said, each dish was savory and complex and rather than feeling teased I was surpisingly satisfied. The core part of the menu consists of four Monde du Chocolat prix-fixe selections which are inspired by flavors of India, Italy, America and South America. Additionally or as an alternative, you can order small plates or “Coco Bites” which are more traditional items: mac and cheese, crabcakes, sliders and salads. There is a selection of recommended cocktails for the prix-fixe and small plate choices.

Decor – A-
Co Co. Sala’s decor is a luxurious mix of interesting details: walls and ceilings created to emulate flowing chocolate

, plush mocha couches and chairs, chocolate sculptures, blue lit bar with flat screens, both fiber optic and slender overhead lighting, and open flame accents throughout the restaurant. All this makes for an attractive, different and unique setting.

Feel – B+
As I referenced above, Co Co. Sala’s is a great change of pace. The ambiance created by the dim lights, house music, rich decor and attentive staff really met the goal of being an intimate sophisticated lounge.

Co Co. Sala is located at 929 F St. NW. They can be reached at (202) 347-4265.

What’s the Buzz:

July 2, 2008 – New Heaven for Chocoholics (Washington Times) – Stepping into Co Co. Sala is a bit like falling into a box of chocolates. The new Penn Quarter restaurant is dedicated to chocolate. Obsessed, you might say. It is the place to go to die by chocolate: chocolate cocktails, five-course chocolate desserts and splendid chocolate candies.  Full article…

June 2, 2008 – Co Co. Sala (District Culturati) - Co Co. Sala is a self-described “chocolate lounge and boutique”, nestled on F Street in the Penn Quarter. I am, by no means, a Trendy Wendy. When making my nightlife choices, you’ll find me erring on the side of dive bars and undiscovered urban nooks. So color me a bit skeptical when we rush to make our reservation from our late showing of Sex and the City and arrive at Co Co. Sala’s chic exterior.  Full article…

Oya sometimes gets left out of the discussion of recommended restaurants in Penn Quarter but it shouldn’t. I think a lot of that has to do with Oya’s relatively subtle entrance and location on 9th Street which isn’t as noticeable as other nearby neighbors such as Zaytinya or Rosa Mexicana which are on street corners and get a steadier stream of foot traffic. That said, once inside you are quickly impressed with the presentation of the French-Asian cuisine and chic decor which in my opinion is one of the best renditions of modern simplicity in the city. Whether you are a cost conscious diner or not, the nightly three course dinner prix fixe menu for $30 is one of the best values around.

Cost – $$$

Service – B
I have had excellent service here and of the times it has been less than that, it has still been good. Waiters are attentive and accessible and usually quick to please.

Food – B
During my first visit to Oya, I thought the place was so aesthetically pleasing that the food would be a disappointment. It wasn’t that time but since then it has been good but a little inconsistent. Some longtime DC’ers tell me that the place has been improving over the past year and half or so. However, the one thing Oya is very consistent and good at is presentation.

Decor – A
The sleek white decor, high ceilings and fireplace lit walls make Oya one of the most eye-pleasing restaurants around. It manages to be both modern and warm especially with the 12 foot long fireplace in the main dining area.

Feel – B+
When I am looking for fun and hip but a little more on the quiet side, Oya makes the short list. I had visitors in town on my last visit and they fell in love with the cherry blossom decor used by the interior designers. Rather than feel like we were in another hip restaurant somewhere in a major city in the US, they knew they were in DC which is the way I like it.

Oya is located at 777 9th Street NW. They can be reached at (202) 393-1400.

What’s the Buzz:

January 22, 2008 – Oya (The Baltimore Snacker) - I finally caught up with my Washington Restaurant Week excursion, and as I said earlier I had to visit a place that carried the deal out through January. That place was Oya. This was such a fabulous restaurant, and I think i am going to visit this place again soon. Full article…

August 8, 2007 – Restaurant Week at Oya (Culture Me, DC) - As promised, here’s the full rundown on my Restaurant Week dinner at Oya last night.A note before I begin: RW has to be hard on chefs and servers, so I don’t always expect that I’ll see the absolute best of what a restaurant has to offer when I eat there during one of the busiest weeks of the year. On the other hand, though, these places should be showcasing the top dishes because that’s what’s going to make me come back, even when the deals are over and I have to pay full price. Full article…

November 3, 2006 – Oh Yeah!….OYA (Chowhound) – As I entered the restaurant I nearly forgot to assemble my “I’m somebody” face but the 3,000 lb. chain link curtain was the perfect reminder that I wasn’t in Kansas anymore. My unfashionably punctual buddys were seated and kind enough to have left my name and likeness with the maitre d’(helped me get in character). Moving through joint I was struck by the absence of kitchen aroma I have come to expect and love when gathering my appetite for a new menu. Full article…

Asia Nine is the latest endeavor by Boonrod Yotmanee and Nuthinepan Tantivejakul, the couple that runs Rice and Spice Thai Cuisine in Alexandria. As a person who spends most of their life in Penn Quarter, I was looking forward to the opening of a convenient restaurant with a selection of Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Thai cuisines. I had read that Asia Nine was going to be mid-priced and casual so on my first visit with Jiyan, I was a little surprised on how expansive and well put together the place was. Truth be told, the hooks for me here are the flat screen televisions at the bar, sushi and the extensive sake list.

Cost – $$

Service – B+
I have eaten here a number of times since the doors opened in March and the service has been consistently good. Like most new establishments, there are kinks that will have to be worked out but the attentive and friendly attitude of the staff as a whole makes up for it. Expect the grade for service to improve once the sushi chefs start taking sake bombs with me.

Food – C+
The drawback of restaurants, especially Asian ones, with menus that span a variety of cuisines (fusion aside). Although the food in general can be good, the offerings tend to be the more popular safe dishes. Asia Nine fits into that mold and the dishes and sushi range from pretty good to average. Some may find the number of salads on the menu a plus.

Decor – B
As I alluded to above, I have come to expect most casual Asian restaurants to be a little thrown together including decor that falls along those lines but Asia Nine differs here. The space is open with high ceilings but the use of red, gold and orange color palette helps maintain a comfortable feel. Overall, I would say it’s a stylish restaurant.

Feel – B
I recently had dinner on a weekend and the place was full with a good buzz. It was nice to see a diverse crowd of people that seem to range from people on a date to casual diners to those who looked like they were warming up for a night on the town. A consistent solid experience be it happy hour or a Saturday night dinner.

Asia Nine is located at 915 E Street NW. They can be reached at (202) 629-4355.

What’s the Buzz:

March 26, 2008 – Asia Nine (Washington Post) – “I haven’t seen cocktails in these colors since spring break!” A buddy makes a nostalgic, and accurate, point as three of us ease into dinner at the sweeping Asia Nine Bar and Lounge in Penn Quarter: Our spirit-laced drinks form a Day-Glo rainbow of pink, yellow and blue on the tabletop, which is all but hidden by multiple menus that have been distributed to each of us. Full article…

March 18, 2008 – Asia Nine (DCfabulous) – Penn Quarter location. Check. Sushi menu. Check. Looks of what can be a trendy place to have sushi. Check. Tables full of children and tourists…ummmmm. I have been waiting for Asia Nine to open for a long time. And I was excited when I stopped by last Wednesday for the soft opening. Full article…

Rasika is part of the new-wave of Indian fusion that seems to be emerging in major US cities. Despite having an unbelievably irritating Web site that made me want to forego eating there (before realizing this would be a ridiculous reason to not visit a restaurant) the restaurant offers some pretty unique flavors in a stylist upscale environment.

Cost – $$$

Service – B-
I visited on a Friday night when they were probably slammed but for an upscale establishment, I felt like the staff was a bit frantic and frazzled. When I called at about 6PM I was told the earliest I could get a table in the main dining area was at about 10PM but I was told that I could get seating in the main bar area in about 30-40 minutes. I checked in with the hostess shortly after we got there and headed to the bar to get a drink. Strangely enough, I found it more difficult to get a drink at Rasika than most of the clubs I’ve been to on a Friday night and decided to forego the drink all together. I was then seated by one waiter before being told by the hostess and the manager that the table was already committed to another couple. After going back to the bar and failing to get the bartender’s attention I then decided to go sit and eat dinner at the bar towards the back of the restaurant. Again – not really bad service (in fact everyone was extremely polite and friendly) – it just seemed a little disorganized.

Food – A-
I dug the food at Rasika. The chef, Vikram Sunderam, has a reputation for practicing aggressive spicing and it was evident in the calamari. The tandoori chicken was actually a bit scaled back (as far as spice is concerned) but absolutely delicious. The presentation was pretty solid as well.

Decor – B
Solid but unspectacular. After reading the review of Rasika in USA Today I was expecting a bit more style and sexiness in the venue. In fact, I didn’t really notice much distinctive about the place although there is certainly nothing wrong with the decor.

Feel – B
I enjoyed my experience at Rasika but it didn’t live up to its hype in my opinion. The food was the best part of the experience for me and that shouldn’t be the case with a high-end restaurant like Rasika because quite frankly, there are loads of places to go if you are simply looking for good Indian food. Another factor I feel inclined to mention is the issue with eating at an Indian restaurant before going out. Much like with Korean barbecue, you are going to end up stinky inside and out. The scent of a place is often a neglected characteristic in most reviews but I’m going to factor it in. I have eaten at other Indian places that smelled a less pungent than Rasika. Overall it was a solid establishment and well worth a visit.

Cafe Japone is located at 633 D Street NW. They can be reached at (202) 637-1222.

What’s the Buzz:

December 20, 2005 – Rasika (DC Foodies) – I had a chance to stop by Rasika last Saturday. I love Indian food, and as soon as I heard that a new restaurant was opening, I had to go and see what it was like. I was also curious what Sebastian, the former wine and service director at Komi, was doing at an Indian restaurant of all places. It was only the second week that Rasika had been open, so I’ll try not to be too judgmental. Full article…

Cost – $$

Service – B
Friendly and prompt service but can get hectic, as with most restaurants, during Sunday brunch. Bartenders are pretty down to earth and personable as well.

Food – B
Pretty seasonal menu with a wide-variety of choices. The happy hour burgers and pizza are two of the best deals in town. Monday nights are 1/2 price bottles of wine.

Decor – B
Traditional with lots of wood. – pretty typical decor for an American restaurant.

Feel – B
The uptown location has a better feel with all of the locals. Both offer a decent Sunday jazz brunch.

What’s the Buzz:

May 23, 2007 – Chef Geoff’s (Tremonkey’s DC Bar Tour) - So yesterday Twin #1 texted me asking if I wanted to dine on some cheap burgers after work with some friends, which spawned the post below containing mass quantities of cheap meat eateries when he said he was not sure where they were planning on going! After much deliberation (to be honest, after I remembered about the Super Mugs) I suggested we hit up Chef Geoff’s. Full Article…

September 17, 2006 – Chef Geoff’s (Le Cuvee Amercain) - After attending Christmas Lessons and Carols at St. John’s, Robert and I wandered in to Chef Geoff’s Downtown for brunch. A festive jazz quartet played Christmas songs in the front dining room. We wanted to be able to chat, though, so we asked to be seated in the back dining room. The food was pretty much as usual. It’s not bad, but it’s not special. Full Article…

Cost - $$$

Service – B+
It is rare that you can find a person that can keep pace with the gauchos. The skewered meats keep coming as long as your card is on green and come they do. If you want a specific offering, say the tenderloin wrapped in bacon, simply ask your waiter and viola, you should have someone tableside within a minute or two. Everyone working always seems friendly and attentive.

Food – B-
Do not come to here unless you have a big appetite. The lunch and dinner menu features 15 different cuts of meat ranging from rib eye to leg of lamb. Included with your meal is a gourmet salad bar, cheese bread and a few Brazillian sides. I am a quality over quantity person so after the first plate, I quickly start experiencing diminishing returns.

Decor – B
The restaurant has a large dining area which has a good balance of traditional and modern elements. My favorite part is the 20′+ back wall which is stocked top to bottom and wall to wall with wine bottles. The front bar with its dark wood and clean lines, although not always occupuied, is pretty cool as well.

Feel – B
Between the gauchos running around, salad bar line and somewhat tight seating, things can be a little chaotic at times. However, it works, especially if you have larger parties. Most patrons seem to enjoy the fast pace and overabundance of food.

What’s the Buzz:

October 31, 2007 – Fogo de Chao (DC Dining) -Well, I finally made it to Fogo de Chão. First of all, what an enormous restaurant, packed nearly full, with what must have been hundreds of people. This place is huge! The restaurant’s strategy is to have you frequent the salad bar first. Don’t. Go ahead and get a couple polite pieces of asparagus, peppers, or whatever, but no more than two or three. Full Article…

March 21, 2006 – Fogo de Chao (D.C. Foodies) – It’s not every day that I like to totally pig out, but I made an exception last weekend for Fogo de Chao. Fogo de Chao is a churrascaria, a Brazilian restaurant where you’ll find different kinds of savory meat served on spits — all you can eat for a fixed price. As you can read on Fogo de Chao’s web site, they cook their beef the “Gaucho” way. Ideally this would mean that they would grill their meat over open fires, but somehow I doubt that’s how the meat at Fogo de Chao is actually being cooked. Full Article…