Date Night: El Centro D.F., Georgetown

Our first date night of 2016 found us in Georgetown last Thursday to experience the latest culinary foray by Chef Richard Sandoval and team at El Centro D. F.  Though we have been to the 14th street location multiple times, this was our first trip to the Wisconsin Avenue location and we were equally impressed.

The marriage of the cool blue vibes and the warmth from the natural wood and candlelight was a perfect backdrop for the Destination: Oaxaca menu, which debuted in November. This specialty menu follows that lead, and offers a fresh palette of flavors that once combined, creates a warmth and depth in each dish that is perfect for cooler months.

Our guacamole was excellent, and though we usually prefer slightly more heat in the bowl, that was made up for by the specialty cocktail Moni”K”a which kicks it up a notch with a bit of serrano pepper. We also tried the El Chapo, which is a great compliment with a sweeter side.

Our appetizers included the Crispy Potatoes and Chorizo and the Shrimp Ceviche. The chorizo won us over, but one taste of the ceviche broth and you have instant conflict for a favorite dish.

To round out the menu, Scott and I shared the specialty Shrimp Tamal and the Braised Short Ribs in Mezcal Mole. Both were as pleasing to the eye as to the tongue, and though the beauty of the Shrimp Tamal cannot be contested, the short rib was a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Incredible.

For dessert? A caramel flan, recently added to the dessert menu. Though flan never ranks up there with our favorite sweets, we love carrying the Mexican experience throughout the entire meal and sampling all of the traditional dishes. A great end to our evening at El Centro D.F. in Georgetown.

The service is top notch (a huge thank you to our server Grace and the bartender Rocky!!) and the menu never disappoints. Head over to sample the specialty Destination:Oaxaca menu before it’s too late…

Cheers!