Matchbox Capitol Hill is one of several incarnations of this wonderful
dining spot where I have not been in ages since the opening of the
first location in Chinatown DC (www.matchboxchinatown.com). Last night
a group from our office was treated to a mostly superb dinner at their
Capitol Hill location at 521 8th Street SE. I was given the privilege
of ordering the wines and went for the blends to start: A very
aromatic Rousanne/Viognier ATREA "The Choice" 2010 from Mendocino
which was not the biggest hit at the table, so we switched to an
excellent Matanzas Creek 2011 Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma (another
wine I love, but have not tried in a long time) which was a big hit.
Sadly, it was their last bottle. The red blend was Zin, Cab, Petite
Syrah and Verdot from Rutherford/Napa and called Tres Sabores "Porque
No" 2009, a name that intrigued me, but a wine that was delish!
A number of us were ready to share dishes so I enjoyed the MANGO-LIME
CEVICHE with scallops, shrimp, salmon and sriracha served with tasty
blue corn chips. It only needed a dash more sriracha. The TUNA TARTARE
with honey-garlic sauce & wasabi oil came with crispy yucca chips
which was a nice and healthier change, but still did not compare to my
now most-popular home made version! Crab and Avocado Salad was quite
rich with a bit too much mayo in the Tarragon Aioli.
The main course had hits and misses but I adored the BLACKENED
FLOUNDER served with excellent fresh baby veggies in the form of
zucchini, sunburst squash, green beans, fava beans and crispy fried
leeks. A pineapple salsa was a nice tart and light accompaniment. The
salmons, Creole pork and pizzas all got raves but the Korean Style
SHORT TRIBS had a lot to be desired as they were a bit too greasy. The
accompanying house made KIMCHI was spectacular and the Jasmine rice
unexciting.
We were all so stuffed there was no room for dessert, but a great time
was had by all!
