OUT AND ABOUT
Insatiable by Celeste McCall
S
ince Jan. 15, diners 12 and older entering a District restaurant, bar, nightclub or entertainment venue must show proof that they have had at least one shot of an approved coronavirus vaccine. As of Feb. 15, everyone visiting those same venues will have to demonstrate they have had “a full initial course of vaccination,” not including boosters.
Joyful Japanese
Peace and Joy. What a welcome thought on a dreary, miserable winter day. That was our pleasant experience at Takara 14, which debuted late last year at 1326 14th St. NW. The Logan Circle newcomer is upstairs from Ammathar Thai Cuisine. Takara is Japanese for ‘peace’ and Joy was the name of our wonderful server. We climbed the rainbow-hued steps which led to a cheery, cherry blossom-filled dining room. One wall was painted pale pink. Was it spring already? A spacious two-level bar in the back was festooned with
multi-colored lights, glittering chandeliers and brightly painted chairs and banquettes. Chef John Yi’s menu with international flair focuses on hot and cold small plates: Expect house-smoked Norwegian salmon with edamame mash, soy sake, basil oil and salmon roe; tuna “tartare;” a soothing miso soup laced with assorted mushrooms; grilled nasu (eggplant); vegetable tempura; the ubiquitous brussels sprouts enlivened with bonito flakes. A quartet of New Zealand baked mussels was arranged on a copper-tinted plate with a pair of little wooden spoons for easy eating. But I gobbled my chicken karrage, Japanese-style fried chicken morsels, with my fingers, which proved easier than wielding chopsticks. Sushi shines here, with an assortment of fishy and vegetarian options. For an omakase, the At Logan Circle’s Takara 14, rainbow-hued stairs lead to an chef will choose equally colorful dining and bar area. Photo: Celeste McCall favorite sushi and sashimi, perhaps the tiny floral saucers. A charming touch of class. Our “opal,” blue fin tuna, salmon, lunch for two came to $65.40 including tax and yellowtail and pickled radish, Joy even signed our check with a “thank you.” swathed in sesame soy, or Takara 14 is closed Mondays. For more splurge-worthy wagyu items in information, including hours or to place an order, the $30 range, perfumed with visit www.takara14dc.com truffles or other luxuries. I settled for a la carte sushi: yellowtail tuna rolled with rice and scallions wrapped in seaweed; and my favorite, With the Super Bowl coming up Feb. 13, our unagi, eel, perched on a rice pillow bound thoughts turn to comforting, yet festive, party fare. with a strip of seaweed. After cancelling our holiday plans when Peter and We also found moderately priced bento I both caught COVID, we are ready to party, safely boxes, as well as rice and ramen bowls. Add in a of course, masked, vaxed and boosted. High on full bar with happy hour. Our server Joy poured our list of celebration victuals is tummy-warming our warm sake into little white cups, resting on chili with myriad toppings. We are listing only
Chilling Out
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