Last week Will's cousin was visiting and we headed down to our 'hood special BLACKSALT for a brilliant local fish dinner. We were thrilled to find Chef JG(Jeff Gaetjen) is now in charge of the kitchen there and hails from Will's days back at the famous Kinkead's. Serving was Tommy, also from the old days at Kinkead's, so it was a nice reunion!
Chili Margaritas were yummy with Milagro Tequila, Habanero, Lime & Salt and we decided to have some fun with LA PETITE TOWER which is not so petite as it had Peruvian Bay Scallop Ceviche, 10 Oysters(Hammersley from Washington State and Raspberry Point from PEI), 4 plump shrimp, mussels, Crab Salad and a superb Sea Scallop with Uni Butter. The phot on FB shows you this glorious creation. White wine was in order so we chose the Castellucci Miamo 2017, delicious and perfectly-paired with seafood Catarratto from Sicily. Will's cousin liked the Sea Scallop so much she ordered the appetizer of the same dish next!! Will and I both chose the superb, moist and tender Butter Poached Lobster with Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms, Roasted Cauliflower Puree, Pearl Onions, Leeks and a Sherry & Lobster Vinaigrette. YUM!
Sam loved his Gnocchi with San Marzano Pomodoro, Royal Trumpet Mushrooms, Organic baby Napini and shaved Pecorino.
Our second wine was a delish 2015 Woodward Canyon Chardonnay from Washington State. We had collected Woodward Canyon for years as we met the winemaker decades ago, but honestly had forgotten how brilliant all their wines are!
The Crab Cakes here are one of DC's best with Tasso Ham, Honey Crisp Apples, Shaved Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potato Puree and a Mustard Creme Fraiche. Will's cousin was thrilled to have some of the best Chesapeake Crab around. Will & I split the Thai Coconut & Galangal Seafood Stew with Prawns, Snapper, Clams, Mussels, Scallop and a Tamarind Rice Cake. It was a filling and thoroughly delicious stew that packed a punch and filled us totally.
We are so thrilled to have a great seafood spot just around the corner and even more thrilled that the entire team makes us feel like family. Bravo Blacksalt!
