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"Opened in June, with longtime collaborator Anthony Jones tapped to helm the kitchen, this newest D.C. outpost from Marcus Samuelsson showcases flavors that made Samuelsson famous—like blue cornbread with berbere honey—while riffing on mid-Atlantic classics Jones grew up with, including rave-worthy crab rice with decadent uni béarnaise named after memories of picking up a bushel from Mel’s crab truck, and a whole-roasted chicken slathered in mambo sauce. His attention to detail shines in seasonal pasta dishes, from smoked clam cacio e pepe to rich Parmesan gnocchi with spiced mushroom broth, and in sides that are impossible to skip, such as thinly sliced, crispy sweet potatoes seasoned with berbere and served with crème fraîche and trout roe. The result is a thoughtful hotel-restaurant menu with something for everyone that never skimps on unique ingredients or distinctive flavors." - Tierney Plumb