New Indian
The Capitol Hill dining scene is slowly expanding despite fears of ICE immigration sweeps, high tariffs and other challenges. Among H Street corridor newcomers is an Indian-Nepalese charmer, Nanglo Restaurant & Bar, 1301 H St. NE, site of the departed Kitchen Cray. Husband Peter and I ventured there for lunch at its “soft opening.”
Owner/chef Nabin Paudel, who hails from Nepal, designed the stunning interior, which features murals depicting Buddhist deities and images from his Himalayan homeland. He explained that “nanglo” refers to a bamboo tray used for winnowing to separate rice grains from dust and chaff.
As we unfolded our colorful patterned napkins, we studied the extensive, ambitious menu. First, a dish of palak chat, baby spinach crisply fried with tamarind and dappled with yogurt. The feather-light dish was addictive; we couldn’t stop eating it.
Next stop, Nepalese momos, feather-light dumplings filled with chicken (options are buffalo or vegetables). Himalayan spring rolls were stuffed with crunchy veggies. Lamb saagwala was made with tender chunks of lamb paired with creamy spinach. The spicing was well balanced, not incendiary but delivering just enough warmth to caress the palate.
Peter’s rich, sweet mango lassi was like dessert. There’s also a mocktail listing; at this writing, an alcohol license is in the works. Our tab for two came to $43, including a 20% service charge. Service was excellent. Nanglo is closed on Monday. For more information visit www.nanglodc.com.
Shhhh …
Down the street, Hush Harbor has debuted at 1337 H St. NE. Proprietor is Rahman “Rock” Harper, who closed his Hill Prince (same address) to open Hush. If Harper’s name sounds familiar, the Washington-area native won the third season of “Hell’s Kitchen” in 2007.
Dubbed Washington’s first “no phones” bar, Hush bans the devices, which customers check at the door. The restaurant’s moniker also honors secret gatherings where enslaved African Americans met to plot and pray. Hush is mainly a nightclub, but the kitchen prepares New Orleans style “small plates” including Creole shrimp, Cajun-style red beans and rice with smoked turkey, buttermilk biscuits with trimmings. Jazzy cocktails complement the spicy menu. For hours and more information visit www.hushharborband.com.
New Menu
Nearby at 709 H St. NE, Tiffany’s Bar & Bistro has unveiled a new fall/winter menu. Taking center stage is dry-aged duck shawarma paired with “forbidden rice,” mushrooms and tangy amba sauce (made with pickled green mangos), along with spicy grilled chicken (or steak) shish kebabs.
Seasonal house-made ravioli comes with garlicky yogurt, shallots and pine nuts and schuh (Middle Eastern spice blend) butter sauce. Among sweet finales are cardamom panna cotta and the signature, decadent Dubai chocolate cheesecake. For hours and more information visit www.tiffanysbarandbistro.com.
Wharf News
At District Wharf, restaurants keep coming, despite challenges aforementioned. Among recent arrivals is Jinya Ramen Bar, 675 Wharf St. SW. Latin America meets Japan at this Asian hotspot, where diners enjoy sushi, traditional noodles, dumplings and mini tacos with salmon, spicy tuna and “impossible” fake ground beef. Other dishes include crispy chicken thighs and takoyaki (octopus balls), which I was eager to sample. Husband Peter and I headed there for brunch.
Although Jinya’s interior is alluring, we chose the spacious front patio to savor the last of summer. First, our waiter presented a trio of sauces in ceramic pots. As we sampled the dips ‒ ranging from incendiary to mild ‒ I sipped a yazu Margarita. Floating in the tangy drink was a lime slice capped with what looked like caviar. No, the item was black salt, an interesting twist.
Sunday brunch offers a choice of three “small plates” for $20. Peter selected edamame (nicely salted), which we shared. Next came four tasty pork gyozas (dumplings), followed by a steaming bowl of spicy chicken broth laced with bean sprouts, spring onions, spinach and noodles. And they mean spicy; the soup was scorching.
Oh yes, I tried the takoyaki. The half dozen “balls” were lightly battered fritters containing octopus bits and resting on “egg tartar.” The latter tasted like coddled eggs. The cephalopod spheres were topped with mayo and okonomiyaki sauce and sprinkled with bonito flakes. Whew! Our tab, with my cocktail, came to $66, before tip. Service was excellent. Founded in Tokyo, Jinya is the latest offshoot of an upscale nationwide chain. For reservations (recommended) and more information visit www.jinyaramenbar.com.
More Asian
On Barracks Row, someone is finally moving into the spot vacated two years ago by Crazy Aunt Helen’s. Taki Taki and Rumba Rumba, 718 Eighth St. SE, is due later this fall. The two-level newcomer will showcase chef Santanu Brahmachary’s “modern South Asian cuisine” on the first floor, with “global tapas and cocktails” served upstairs. Watch for details.
Oink Oink
Also on Barracks Row, coming soon is Federalist Pig, 527 Eighth St. SE, where Joey’s used to be. According to the Washington Business Journal, restauranteur Steve Salis has purchased the space, where he plans to open a sibling to his same-named Adams Morgan barbecue eatery. For updates visit www.federalistpig.com.
Puck On Track
Plans are rolling along for Wolfgang Puck Bar+Bites, due to arrive at Union Station’s upper level. At the 55-seat future restaurant, patrons may expect avocado toast, turkey Cobb, beef kebabs, warm chocolate truffle cake and a full bar. Union Station is at 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE. For updates visit www.wolfgangpuck.com.
Literary Feast
Just a reminder: coming up Oct. 25 is our annual Literary Feast, a fundraiser for the Capitol Hill Community Foundation benefiting local schools. The feast is a series of lively dinner parties held at dozens of Hill homes. Each repast has a specific book theme. Starting at 6:30 p.m., dinners are followed by a reception at Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE.
Participants register and choose a book title from the description on the provided list, not knowing who is hosting what. Shortly before the event, participants learn their host’s name and address. You don’t HAVE to read the selection, but it’s more fulfilling if you do. We go almost every year. Admission is $100 per person, which includes the dinner and reception. To register and purchase tickets visit www.aliteraryfeast.org.
Soon if not Already….
On Barracks Row, Awakening Bar and Grill is set to open at 520 Eighth St. SE, in the former Extreme Pizza space. Watch for details.
