Date Night: Co Co. Sala Chocolate Lounge and Boutique
Atmosphere, aesthetics, and taste. Three things that Scott and I look for when we venture to a new restaurant. A trifecta of perfection. But the real trifecta is cocktails, avocado, and chocolate. All of which Co Co. Sala Chocolate Lounge and Boutique have mastered.
A few nights ago, Scott and I took off to DC for a random Wednesday Date Night. We had been meaning to get in to a Wizards’ game before the season was over, and always love an excuse to cross off another restaurant from our bucket list. Nestled snugly on F Street, Co Co. Sala was the perfect before-game dinner spot, and we’ve heard so much lately on not only their cocktail and dessert selections, but also on how good their dinner menu is. We are huge fans of small plates to share, and find this fosters a more romantic dinner experience. So, sitting down with the menu, we narrowed it down eventually and ordered what has become our new favorite dishes in the District.
Seated in their posh and sophisticated dining room, we started with their cocktail menu and ordered an Allure (which had been recommended to us) and their Cilantro, an exquisite and surprising combination of Patron Silver, fresh cilantro, and lime juice. Scott and I just bought a vintage cocktail book, and have been eager to try new and eclectic cocktails, which this definitely fits. Though we’d like to recreate it, we just might settle on letting Co Co. Sala work their magic and venture back whenever we are in need.
The difficulty was narrowing down their menu and satisfying both of our cravings – too many items of interest for both our palettes. Fortunately, the prices are more than reasonable for the product, which allowed us to indulge and order several items. I can say without reservation that the Shrimp Crostini and the Creole Crabcake are to die for, and Scott has voted the Bacon Mac & Cheese one of the best he’s ever had. I have video of his reaction to prove it.
Not quite able to put down the menu, Scott demanded we try the Rosemary Parmesan fries, which did not disappoint. Scott feels that every restaurant should be judged on their ability to serve a good fry, and I feel vehemently that the condiment paired with the potato says it all. Co Co. Sala again did not disappoint, and the chile and garlic mayo dipping sauce was the perfect compliment.
One of the most surprising dishes of the evening was the Sweet and Sour Cauliflower, which rested on a bed of crispy spinach. The spinach was as delightful as the cauliflower, which at this moment I am closing my eyes to relive. It seemed simple, but the taste was deep and complex, and my only wish was that instead of 3 on a plate, I had at least 10. But we understand the importance of serving size, and could appreciate the perfect portion of every plate.
On that note, the presentation of their food alone had us at hello, and we were in awe of the creativity which accompanied every dish. Scott and I are Chopped addicts as of late, and we constantly critique the plating of the chefs on the show. Co Co. Sala could have given their own lesson on this skill, as we have yet to see food look as good on a plate as it tastes. We were blown away.
We finished the night with dessert, which we were warned we better leave room. Co Co. Sala is known for their decadent pastry and dessert menu, and currently their Pastry Chef, Santosh Tiptur, is nominated for the RAMMYS as Pastry Chef of the Year. We wholeheartedly concur. Scott ordered the ‘Some More Co Co., which was a trio of chocolate creme brulee with toasted marshamallow and grahama crumble, accompanied by a malted shooter and chocolate brownie. Out. Of. This. World.
I indulged in the Chocolate Onyx, a combination of dark chocolate mousse / vanilla crème brulee / salted caramel / crispy chocolate pearls / brownie /dark chocolate sorbet / cinnamon toffee bon bon. That should be retitled “Heaven on Earth.”
Scott and I are not self-proclaimed “foodies”, but we feel we know good food. This? Amazing food, killer presentation, and luxurious atmosphere. Unfortunately, we are getting spoiled as we continue to try the best DC has to offer, and it seems each restaurant leaves us craving more. Our evening at Co Co. Sala left us wanting more – but from THEIR menu.
Cheers!
-Al
