Reinvigorating Fusion on 14th Street
Reported by Jordan
The new addition to 14th street, Masa14 is alive and buzzing with excitement. The fusion restaurant with chefs Kaz Okochi (of Kaz Sushi Bistro) and Richard Sandoval (of Zengo) at the helm has been flooded with crowds all awaiting a taste of the collaboration of these two masterful chefs. Masa14 can best be described as lively; with its lengthy bar (65 feet to be exact,) open spaces, and hip yet minimalist decor. Masa14 has also proved early on in its life that it is a prime location for a super swanky event i.e. last Monday’s Fashion Washington first anniversary party, which featured The Sartorialist, Scott Schuman and the Washington fashion elite.
Masa14 has sought to reinvigorate the fusion restaurant, and this Latin/Asian fusion concept seems to find a nice home in the eclectic and ethnic U Street Corridor. Aside from its conceptual aspirations, Masa14 boasts a sample ready menu, with small portions perfect for those of us who can’t help but ogle our neighbors plates. Masa14 also provides quite the tequila selection; with 119 varieties, Masa14 seeks to become the District’s first tequila bar.
The menu itself is divided into two categories; hot and cold. From the cold side, you can enjoy Masa14′s cleanly presented Temaki Hand Rolls. I recommend the Spicy Tuna, with wasabi, tuna, jicama and scallions. The sweeter Barbecued Eel with pickled jalapeno, mint and eel sauce is also well recommended.
From the hot side I recommend; Barbecue Salmon, a light and rustic fillet of Salmon topped with a flavorful achoite ponzu, bacon and spinach. The Yucca fries with a lime ailoi dipping sauce are wonderfully simple and delectable. The Kobe Beef and Pork Meatballs are quite impressive; tangy and spicy. Hands down the most skillful entree on the menu, is the Black Cod with chipotle miso and pickled onion. The Cod has a subtle spice, is unpredictably light and melts in your mouth.
If you are not entirely stuffed after your meal, Masa14 offers up four dessert options; my personal favorite the Panna Cotta with coconut milk and fresh mango.
Masa14 is located at 1825 14th Street NW. Call (202) 328-1414 for reservations. Masa 14 is open Monday through Thursday.
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by readysetdc: Reinvigorating Fusion on 14th Street – http://shar.es/a0Gno – Our recommendation? Black Cod……
uberVU – social comments said at 9:02 PM on October 26th, 2009