Matthew Motley
Google
Casamara DC, an ambitious establishment, offers a truly unique dining experience, even if it occasionally veers into the theatrical. Our recent celebration there for my fiancée's birthday provided ample opportunity to assess its various facets.
The atmosphere is immediately striking. Upon entering from the lobby, the space dramatically unfolds, revealing an architecturally pleasing design with elegant marble tables, a commanding oval bar at its center, and a myriad of stylish seating options. We were escorted toward the back to a chic circular booth. The techno/house music, surprisingly, lent a rather chill and sophisticated vibe, a refreshing departure from typical restaurant soundtracks. Throughout the evening, the service was impeccable, with attentive staff anticipating our needs. However, the reset between courses, while undeniably classy with new silverware and plates, felt somewhat over the top and created a distracting break in our conversation and overall dining experience.
The drink program deserves commendation. We indulged in Pepperoncini-tini (Grey Goose, drai siderale vermouth, feta stuffed pepperoncini), which was so delicious that I ordered a second. The ladies in our party raved about the refreshing Acqua Verde (Tito’s vodka, salted cucumber, cordial kiwi, lime). The Côte d’Amour (St-Germain elderflower, malfy gin, lillet blanc, strawberry, mint, cava) could be described as a French summer countryside in a glass – a delicious and light concoction.
Our culinary journey began with a selection of appetizers. The Otoro Prosciutto & Melon (Tuna belly, chili, honeydew, cantaloupe, mint, extra virgin olive oil) was a delightful exercise in balance, with the toro, melon, and chili oil creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The Crab Dip (lime, green chili, dill, fennel, flat bread) was refreshing and crisp, a perfect palate cleanser. The Potato & Mozzarella Dumplings (with truffle, wildflower honey, brown butter, aged balsamic), ordered in duplicate, proved to be a highlight – delightfully cheesy with an unexpected yet welcome sweet shell topping. Even the accompanying focaccia, while seemingly simple, was elevated by the delectable herbal butter served alongside it, prompting a mental note to inquire about its preparation.
For our second course, we indulged in the Ricotta Gnocchi (Morrel, pea, ramp leaf, balsamic, caprino goat cheese) and the Truffle Bucatini Cacio e Pepe (Pecorino romano, black pepper, butter). The bucatini was a triumph of flavor, with the truffle and garlic butter achieving a perfect equilibrium. The gnocchi, with its unexpected sour tang, was surprisingly delicious and memorable.
The main courses, however, presented a more mixed bag. The 8oz Tenderloin (Rosemary salt, bone marrow & herb butter), while cooked to the requested medium-rare, was disappointingly cool to the touch, failing to melt the accompanying rosemary butter. In contrast, the grilled Seabass (with chermoula, lemon, urfa) offered a pleasant citrus kick that brightened the dish. The undisputed winner of the mains, oddly enough, was the XXL Grilled Shrimp (prepared eith garlic butter, white wine, fresh herbs) – a masterclass in charred garlic floral perfection. The sole side we ordered, asparagus, was unfortunately massively over-seasoned with Herbes de Provence, although the candied olives that accompanied it were a nice touch.
Despite the minor setbacks, the dessert course truly knocked it out of the park. The cheesecake, mousse, and key lime pie were all mind-blowing, providing a spectacular conclusion to our meal.
All in all, Casamara DC offers a dining experience that is both innovative and, at times, a little dramatic. While some dishes could benefit from minor adjustments, the overall culinary ambition, impeccable service, and captivating atmosphere make it a noteworthy contender. The highlights, particularly the excellent drink selection, the crab, bucatini, shrimp entrée, and the spectacular desserts, certainly shine through. I highly recommend Casamara DC.