Rihanna’s Cult Caviar Combo Takes Center Stage at D.C.’s Hot New Supper Club | Eater DC
"Opening Saturday, April 19 near the White House at 1025 Vermont Avenue NW, this sizable supper club offers an excellent espresso martini, massive mains, and a caviar-and-nuggets novelty that superstar singer Rihanna helped popularize last year when she DIY’d it and posted it on Instagram. Award-winning chef Sammy Davis, known for his Southern soul food at regional chain Milk & Honey, expands his global repertoire here with a Mediterranean-meets-Latin menu: starters include deep-fried hummus that features refried beans for an airy, mousse-like texture; a red snapper filet with black rice and tamarind-curry sauce; salmon “lollipops” — a classic Davis calling card — slathered with tzatziki; and Peruvian shrimp ceviche elegantly presented atop ice inside a glassy orb, with Himalayan sea salt tostadas serving as dining utensils. The centerpiece may be chicken nuggets topped with caviar — a high-meets-low-brow combo Rihanna put on the map — and here the pairing joins forces with creme fraiche and a show-stopping finish of 24-karat gold flakes ($60). (The chicken nugget–caviar combo has also been a smash-hit at NYC spots like Coqodaq, the fried-chicken temple from Simon Kim.) If that’s not indulgent enough, there’s a 1.5-pound tomahawk rib-eye served with truffle butter, chimichurri, and Tiger Sauce, plus an anchovy-topped Caesar that pairs with a whole Mediterranean branzino swimming in a tangy tomato sauce. The project is from D.C. nightlife vets Wayne Johnson and Tony Perry (behind Saint Yves and Abigail), teaming with East African–born entrepreneur Mele Melton, and the swanky look comes courtesy of Drummond Projects. Beverage director Hakim Hamid, formerly of L’Annexe, riffs on crowd-pleasing classics with creations like “Enough is Enough” — his side-eye to packs of Georgetown guests all ordering an espresso martini at last call — which swings a little sweet thanks to strawberry-macerated Casa del Sol tequila, almond, chipotle, espresso, vanilla, and chocolate bitters; other cocktails starting at $18 include the “Last Wordsmith” (blueberry-infused Uruapan rum, yellow Chartreuse, Maraschino liqueur, lemon) and “I’ll Take Four of ‘Em” (Champagne, Aperol, orange blossom, raspberry, soda). To drive the carefree tone home, the drink napkins read: “Enjoy your f**kin’ cocktail.” The room — an LED-lit ceiling like a constellation of stars with plush banquettes and swan-backed seats for about 70 patrons and a lengthy front patio coming to life in spring — promises roving violinists, dancers, DJs, and a vibe taking tips from hot spots in Mykonos, Dubai, and Saint-Tropez; hours are Tuesday–Sunday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m." - Tierney Plumb
