OUT AND ABOUT
Business Briefs by Sarah Payne
Mariscos 1133 owner/ chef Alfredo Solis. Photo by Alexander M. Padro, Courtesy Shaw Main Streets.
Mariscos 1133 Features Affordable, Authentic Eats
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Latin Seafood & More In Shaw
ariscos is Spanish for seafood, and Shaw’s newest restaurant, Mariscos 1133 at 1133 11th Street NW offers the ocean’s bounty, Latin style, in addition to a vast menu of beef, pork, chicken and beverages. The owners, siblings Alfredo and Jessica Solis, are originally from Mexico and own several restaurants, including Shaw’s El Sol and 14th Street’s Mezcalero and Anafre. Alfredo Solis said that the goal of creating Mariscos 1133 was to show the community how broad Latin-inspired cuisine can be. “People always think of tacos or burritos, when they’re talking about Mexican food,” Solis said. “I want to change that mentality when they are thinking about Latin or Mexican food.” Mariscos 1133’s menu offerings reflect PanLatin influences, ranging from the Caribbean to South America. Whether you’re thinking of a seafood feast (Mariscos Duo a la Diabla (spicy grilled
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octopus and scallops), grilled sugar cane skewered shrimp, Puerto Vallarta salad) or meat (Caribbean lechón (slow braised pork) and Argentine Churrasco (grilled skirt steak with chimichurri sauce)), or even sandwiches (Latin Po Boy (fried oysters with jalapeño remoulade), Cuban), you’ll find delicious options here. Renowned DMV wine and beverage director Scott Clime is responsible for Mariscos 1133’s beverage program. Cocktails, both classic (margaritas, mojitos, caipirinhas, piña coladas, pisco sours) and house specialties (Michelada Solis, Mariscos Sangria), a large selection of wines from Spain, Argentina and Chile and an extensive list of mezcals and tequilas are available to complement meals. Affordability is also key for Chef Solis. He said oftentimes restaurants sacrifice quality for lower prices, but that he is committed to providing excellent quality with reasonable prices. “I like to combine the quality and the price,” Solis insisted. “I want my customers dining once or twice a week, maybe once a month, not just one time.” Solis emphasized that the food and atmosphere, not the profits, are the most important thing for his restaurant. “If my staff make good money and I can pay my rent and pay my bills, I’m happy,” Solis said. “I’m not wanting to be rich, I don’t want to be so selfish.” The neighborhood response to his latest restaurant has been overwhelming. “It’s amazing how many people live around the area and come in twice a week,” Solis exuded. “People already feel like they’re engaged with the restaurant because they liked the food, they came into the room, the taste is good, and the price is very reasonable compared to downtown.” Mariscos 1133 is open Monday through Thursday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Kearn more about their food, view their menu and place takeout orders at www.mariscos1133.com.
Electric Cool-Aid Offers Days and Nights at the Beach
Frozen Drinks & Rotating Food Options Highlight Casual Outdoor Bar
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he beach is a walk or Metro ride away at Electric Cool-Aid at 512 Rhode Island Avenue NW, a three-year-old outdoor bar with a variety of frozen drinks, unique cocktails, beer and food. Just don’t expect to go swimming or surfing there. Angela DelBrocco, business manager of Electric Cool-Aid (ECA), said she walked past the abandoned lot that is now home to Electric Cool-Aid often. Together with business and life partner Ben Schwartz, ECA’s general manager and Ben’s brother, Jesse Schwartz, operations manager, the trio teamed up to clean up and transform the space into a fun, vibrant setting for drinking and socializing. After moving to DC from Memphis, Tennessee, and working at Nellie’s and other DC establishments, and meeting Ben Schwartz at Ivy Electric Cool-Aid co-owner and General Manager Ben Schwartz. Photo by Alexander M. Padro, Courtesy Shaw Main Streets.
