A New Cocktail Lounge in Georgetown Cranks Up the Luxury With Caviar and King Crab - Eater DC
"A new cocktail bar catering to a crowd with a taste for Champagne, caviar, seafood towers, and foie gras opened its doors in Georgetown at the end of March. Donahue moves into the space that used to house Smith Point, a former go-to for D.C.’s preppy, young Republican set. The partners behind the new high-end lounge include Luca Giovannini, a former corporate beverage director for Fabio Trabocchi’s group of power dining restaurants; Cesar Varela, a sommelier and cellar master in the same company; and Noe Landini, the restaurateur whose family owns properties like Bar Deco and Junction Bakery & Bistro. Junction chef James Duke put together a food menu that starts with a la carte snacks like salmon ‘nduja, Iberico ham that’s been cured for three years, and platters for charcuterie or cheese. A raw bar features oysters on the half shell, sashimis, and seafood towers built for two people ($90) or four ($160). The exorbitant theme continues in a section of plates listed under “New American Inspiration.” King crab gets paired with a 62-degree egg and placed atop asparagus ricotta tortellini along with a dollop of salmon roe caviar. Duke explains the soft yolk of the egg is intended to coat the pasta, acting as an additional sauce. A platen of duck breast and duck confit has sweet and sour components thanks to cherry strudel, pickled cherry, and a generous helping of ricotta. Cherries again play a supporting role in a seared foie gras dish that includes cured pork belly and Asian pears doused in teriyaki sauce made in-house. Cocktails ($14) riff on classics, reference Prohibition-era drinks, and provide some after-dinner options that can be ordered as alternatives for dessert. A signature Donahue feels appropriate for spring with vodka that’s been infused with roses, elderflower, rose vermouth, lemon champagne, and “rose air.” A Oaxaca Italiano that includes mezcal, yellow chartreuse, and Campari is an ideal patio sipper for when the outdoor space opens later this spring. Bottles of Champagne range from $100 to $410. A well-dressed usher stationed by the entrance and a private room in the back add to the exclusive feel. Modern minimalist decor feels a little livelier with tropical techno thumping in the background." - Vinciane Ngomsi
