Apparently second time’s a charm. For months, Peter and I had been eager to check out Hiraya, the well-received Filipino restaurant at 1250 H St. NE. The first time we tried, we struck out. The place was slammed, and lacking reservations, we were turned away. So, before attending a matinee at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, we went there for a late lunch.
Hiraya’s menu showcases the vibrant cuisine of the Philippines, an exotic blend of Spanish, Chinese, Malay, various indigenous tribes and American. (Until 1946, the Philippines were a US territory.) Hiraya means “hope” or “imagination” in ancient Tagalog, one of many dialects in this Asian nation.
From the brunch menu, I chose a “Filipino breakfast,” composed of heirloom garlic (black) rice and atsara (pickled green papaya), crowned with a fried egg. Protein options include tocino (marinated pork belly), marinated short ribs, corned beef and longganisa, homemade garlicky sausage. I chose the sausage and was glad I did. The generous dish arrived with four plump, soy-infused sausages. If I had a complaint, the portions are too large, and since we were going straight to the theater, we could not take any leftovers.
Peter decided on the chori burger. The double pork chorizo patties and atsara were all piled on a ube bao (purple yam bun) and served with kamote (sweet potato) fries.
On the Hiraya dinner menu you’ll find duck adobo, prawns laing (simmered in coconut kale stew), king salmon escabeche (in sweet and sour sauce), grilled lamb with eggplant. Among exotic desserts are calamansi tarts (black pepper meringue) and Milo crepe cake (chocolate).
From the cocktail menu, I sipped a ionfruit mimosa, tangy and thirst quenching. The bar also offers Philippine beer and a listing of “all natural” wines. You’ll find interesting lattes and teas, including a blueberry lavender espresso tonic.
Lunch for two came to $82 including tax, tip and “employee wellness fee.” Not cheap, but well worth it. Hiraya is a 2024 RAMMY finalist for “Best New Restaurant.” See RAMMY item below. For hours and more information visit www.hirayadc.com.
Lovable Newcomer
An amicable addition to the bustling Navy Yard neighborhood is Ama, 885 New Jersey Ave. SE. Ama, which translates to “love” in Italian, is the creation of husband-and-wife team Micah Wilder and Johanna Hellrigl. Both partners have already operated several top-notch local restaurants.
Heading Ama’s largely Northern Italian menu are focaccia di formaggio, salmon tartare, vitello tonnato (veal with tuna in a caper sauce), myriad pasta dishes, rabbit stew with fennel and olives, herb roasted half chicken. For desert try tiramisu, panna cotta or gelato. The Ama bar pours innovative cocktails, plus an extensive wine selection. For now, Ama is open for “aperitivo hour” and dinner only; for exact hours and more information visit www.amarestaurant.bar.
Top Toque
Congratulations to chef Michael Rafidi of Albi, named Outstanding Chef at the 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards sponsored by the James Beard Foundation. The awards were presented June 10 at a glitzy gala at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Albi, which means “my heart” in Arabic, showcases vibrant Levantine/Mediterranean cuisine featuring a woodburning oven. Albi is located at 1346 Fourth St. SE, in the Navy Yard area. Albi also operates Yellow, a Levantine patisserie in Georgetown, with plans to open a spinoff in Union Market later this year. For more information visit www.albidc.com or www.yellowthecafé.com.
Pupatella Arrives
At last, after endless depays, Pupatella Neapolitan Pizza has opened at 301 Mass. Ave. NE. The latest spinoff of a local chain, Pupatella—“little doll” in Italian–offers red and white pies; “Nonna’s meatballs” with homemade bread; arancini (fried rice balls) with sausage or eggplant; zucchini fries, paninis, salads, desserts and a kids menu. Plus cocktails, wine and beer. For more information visit www.pupatella.com.
Italian to French
Look for a Paris-based boulangerie/patisserie at 303 Seventh St. SE, in the space recently vacated by Radici. Called Saint-Georges, the future bakery will carry artisan breads, pastries, soups, sandwiches and French wines. Watch for details.
RAMMY Awards Gala
Coming up Sunday, July 21, the 2024 RAMMY Awards Gala at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The annual black-tie bash honors the ability and accomplishments of area restaurants and food purveyors in a wide range of categories. Among them are best new restaurant, best brunch, favorite gathering place, hottest sandwich shop, chef of the year and many more. For RAMMY Awards Gala tickets and more information visit www.therammys.org.
Plan Ahead
Coming up August 12-28: Summer Restaurant Week. Sponsored by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), the tasty promotion celebrates the Washington region’s spirited restaurant industry. Participating establishments will again offer multi-course brunch and lunch menus with updated tiered pricing for $25 or $35 per person. Multi-course dinner menus are $40, $55, or $65 per person for on-premises dining. Many restaurants will also offer cocktail, wine, and non-alcoholic pairings.
The official Restaurant Week website www.rwdmv.com will be launched early this month. Diners should visit the site to view participating restaurant menus, hours, and to secure reservations, which are highly recommended. Participants will continue to be added to the website as they the party.
Established in 1920, the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is the regional trade association representing restaurants and the foodservice industry in the Washington metropolitan area.
Market Watch
On a recent Saturday at Eastern Market, Peter discovered Sunny’s Teppan Grill at the outdoor plaza near the weekend farmers row. The Asian vendor offers soy-marinated grilled chicken and shrimp, served with rice and veggies (sometimes broccoli and shredded cabbage). We watched Charlie, who hails from Shanghai, deftly stir-fry our shrimp right in front of us. We’ve also sampled his chicken; both are delicious. A hefty portion with sides is just $15, generous enough to feed two. You’ll find Sunny’s most weekends at the plaza. For more information visit www.easternmarket-dc.org.
