Medley of cuisines create South American journey
Seven Reasons, a Pan-Latin restaurant that serves up a medley of recipes from Peru, the Amazon and the Carribean, opens on 14th Street in Washington, D.C. April 16. Executive Chef Enrique Limardo heads up the venture with Sous Chef José Ignacio “Nacho” Useche. Limardo has worked in Baltimore at Alma Cocina Latina since 2014. Seven Reasons’ South American-inspired interior is designed by Valentina Story of Miami. Expect to experience Latin-American dishes that are big on flavor, including Ravioli de Chuchos, Cheese Arepas and Lobster Ceviche.
“Our purpose is to recreate Latin-inspired dishes to be experienced in new ways through unexpected flavors and fun, innovative plating that reminds the diner of the landscapes where the foods come from,” says Limardo. He was named the Best Chef in Baltimore by Baltimore Magazine in 2016.
Limardo looks to work some culinary artistry
The Ravioli de Chuchos takes a detour on traditional preparations. Limado opts for plantain dough, skate fish, cheese foam, and ink squid sauce. Cheese Arepas are a spicy chancaça syrup. Sure to a guest favorite, the Lobster Ceviche is prepared with coconut leche de tigre, lemongrass extract, crispy quinoa, purple sweet potato, trout caviar and Wagyu Coulotte, with roasted potatoes, and a smoked tomato cumin sauce. The ceviche is served with a palm and cucumber salad.
He says he’ll use culinary techniques, including freeze dry, sous vide, liquid nitrogen, and dry ice treatments, to represent and reimagine Latin-American dishes.
Cocktails, design hint at the Amazon
Rum, Cachaça, Pisco, Sake, Shochu, Tequila, and Mezcal will flow freely and creatively, thanks to Bar Manager Josue Gonzalez. And the cocktail list will feature drinks that are infused with exotic fruits, vegetables and spices from the Amazon, said the restaurant in an announcement.
Miami-based designer, Story, aimed to provide a warm, elegant mood for the Seven Reasons space. Said the restaurant announcement, “Ivy is extensively draped throughout, along exposed brick and concrete finished walls. The jungle theme continues with wall columns of plants highlighted by natural light from the triple height ceiling. Chartreuse banquettes are complemented by mid-century modern dining chairs in purple tweed, charcoal suede and tan leather.”
Wood pendant lights guide customers into the dining room. Also, the patio, which will be unveiled subsequent to the grand opening, seats 30. Additionally, Seven Reasons takes reservations for private parties in the mezzanine.
Seven Reasons operating hours:
- Tuesday-Thursday: 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- Friday-Saturday: 5:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- Sunday: 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Get additional information on Seven Reasons here. Reservations are available through Resy.
Seven Reasons, 2208 14th Street Northwest, Washington, D.C. 20009
Photo credit: Jen Chase for Seven Reasons
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