Capitol Cuisine by Celeste McCall

Capitol Cuisine

by Celeste McCall

Grownup Silver

Silver Diner, the dazzling diner in Capitol Riverfront, has spawned a grown-up, sophisticated sibling. Silver Social has made its splashy debut upstairs from the art decoappointed diner. The handsome terrace lounge dispenses “contemporary American sharing plates and craft cocktails” to customers 21 and older. The dressy newcomer also features a heated, 1,700 square foot outdoor terrace overlooking Nationals Park.

Award-winning chef and cofounder Ype Von Hengst has created a menu sourced from local farms and purveyors. In addition to tasty bar bites, the dinner menu includes Bu alo chicken tacos, scallops Romesco, tuna tartare, octopus, lump crab cakes, tenderloin medallions, chicken parmesan, and Faroe Islands salmon.

At a recent brunch, our table of four considered mimosas (orange or grapefruit) but settled on tangy bloody marys poured into Old Bay rimmed glasses and garnished with celery and olives. Speaking of potent potables, mixologist Richard Torres concocts pre-prohibition style cocktails from locally distilled spirits and freshly squeezed juices.

Back to our brunch: Four sourdough wedges of avocado toast were topped with crumbled queso fresco, radish circles and crowned with silky smoked salmon. Bright red pomegranate seeds added a festive touch. Smoked salmon also appears on a Benedict (English mu ns with rich Hollandaise sauce). Cuban eggs Benedict was replete with crispy ham. Enlivened with feta and leeks, a spinach and roasted tomato omelet was generous and avorful. Most entrees arrived with greens.

Unfortunately, we did not save room for dessert. Next time maybe cinnamon sugar-sprinkled churros or ourless chocolate cake. To ac-

Silver Diner/Silver Social Executi ve Chef/co-founder Ype Von Hengst visits with guests at Navy Yard’s Silver Social.

Besides excellent food, drink and upbeat ambience, Silver Social off ers a stunning view of Nati onals Park.

cess Silver Social, enter the Silver Diner (don’t miss the vintage Washington Senators Gri th Stadium mural) and then head upstairs. Reservations are highly recommended. Silver Social is open daily for dinner plus Saturday and Sunday brunch service. www.silversocialdc.com.

Smoky Happy Hour

We were delighted to learn that Smoke & Mirrors, perched atop the AC Hotel at 867 New Jersey Ave. SE, is o ering half-price small plates during happy hour. Among options are local oys-

Check out all of our happenings at www.Mrhenrysdc.com LIVE MUSIC

Wed through Sat evenings. Tickets at Instantseats.com Every Wednesday Capitol Hill Jazz Jam

1/5 - Seth Kibel and Flo Anito 1/6 - Elijah Jamal Balbed 1/7 - Stan Killian 1/12 - Jeff Antoniuk and Jazz Band Master Class Showcase 1/13 - Jared Simms 1/14 - Lionel Lyles 1/19 - Dustin Garza 1/20 - Kevin Cordt Quartet 1/21 - Jeff Weintraub 1/25 - Cindy Moses 1/25 - Aaron Myers 1/26 - Julian Berkowitz Group