Before we headed over there we decided to make a quick stop at the U.S. Botanic Garden to check out the holiday-themed decorations and carefully crafted D.C. monuments made out of natural, organic parts.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The White House
The Lincoln Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial
The Smithsonian Castle
National Museum of the American Indian
Washington Monument
U.S. Botanic Garden
Union Station
The Capitol
Library of Congress
The Supreme Court
El Cielo is tentatively opening in its permanent space in February but in the meantime it has a temporary restaurant space in La Cosecha. Its current digs are lovely with tall windows and a beautifully tiled prep area.
I have to say that this was a marvelous meal from start to finish. We enjoyed it much more than our anniversary meal at Pineapple & Pearls. It was delicious, filling, and elegantly presented. We'll absolutely pay them a visit when they move into their new home. Our biggest critiques were that we had a difficult time hearing our few hosts when they presented the different courses. This was the result of thick accents, soft voices, and loud music. Consequently, I think it would add a nice (and informative) touch if they provided diners with their own personal take-home menus. Lastly, while we loved all of the savory dishes we absolutely hated the dessert. It was interesting to look at it but it really wasn't enjoyable to eat. Otherwise, it was perfection!
First Course:
We were given a refreshing sorbet, cheese balls for lack of a better term, and little puffs filled with creamed crab for me and sour cream for Evan. We could've eaten fifty "cheese balls" each. So good.
In between these courses (not pictured) our host poured chocolate on our hands to "play with". I don't think they knew who they were dealing with because I don't play with chocolate - I eat it! And it was yummy, of course.
Second Course:
This was a carrot soup that was so delicious I could've licked my bowl clean.
Third Course:
Tree of Life bread with cilantro and tomato. Yum!
Fourth Course:
Ceviche with fluke (I think?). Evan and I are indifferent to ceviche in general but we agreed that this was the best we've had.
Fifth Course:
A corn tamale with lobster for me. Evan's came with a substitute. Delicious!
Sixth Course:
Colombian-style gnocchi with yuca and bits of fried plantain. This was amazing and indulgent.
Seventh Course:
Halibut over coconut rice - decadent and rich in flavor. This is about the time when I started to think I might need to unbutton my pants! Everything is amazing but there are so many starchy dishes that despite the reasonable serving sizes, the meal is quite filling.
Palate cleanser:
This rum really put some hair on my chest. Evan tasted it and said I got about twice the amount he did.
Eighth Course:
I don't know what all was in this but the only aspect I liked was the pumpkin cake hidden underneath the "fruit roll-up". Not our cup of tea.
They closed out the evening with some traditional Colombian coffee. I'm not a coffee drinker but I surprised myself by liking it. I'll probably be up for a week now. Ha!
This is a really cool, up and coming part of DC, just a street over from Union Market. We were very impressed and look forward to seeing what else springs up in the near future.
