DC's BLACKSALT always gets big bravos (9-24-21)

 Last week we had the pleasure of returning to our neighborhood's and the best fish restaurant in DC since pre-Covid; Blacksalt did not disappoint.  The menu choices were wide and varied and we all tried new dishes as well in many cases. I started with the House Made Spaghetti all Chitarra made here with lumps of Maryland Crab, Fava Beans, Cherry Tomatoes, Fines Herbes & Shaved Bottarga all with a nice spiciness to boot. The Fried Green Tomato Remoulade looked fabulous as well with a load of Maryland Crab & Crayfish, Guacamole, Gazpacho Sauce, Local Chiles & Basil. I have never ordered the BlackSalt Oysters Rockefeller and may have to next time as this signature dish here has bacon, spinach, vermouth cream and parmesan; to die for. king Crab & Hiramasa Tartare was a new special that Will loved with Avocado Relish, Grilled Shishito Peppers, Habanero & Passion Fruit Aioli and Crispy Tempura(fotos on FB as always).

Our server Catherine was a gem and Kristin the sommelier was a super help as we enjoyed some magnificent wines starting with a Saint Joseph (Marsanne/Rousanne) 2018 from Romain Duverney in the Rhone that was creamy yet loaded with mineral flavors that are so common in the Rhone! We moved on to a Pinot Gris from Eyrie 2018 in Oregon's Dundee Hills which was more acid and went great with our starters. We finished with a Ken Wright 2019 Pinot Noir from Willamette, Oregon that was quite nice, but wouldn't win awards in my book, but paired well with all or fish mains.

Speaking of mains there were two takers for the Washington State Wild King Salmon with Black Beans, Chile & Local Corn Hash, Arepas & Salsa Verde, while the signature Blue Crab Cakes are always a huge hit with Lemon-Caper Aioli, Broiche Roll & House Sale. My special Pan Roasted American Red Snapper was divine with Sweet & Sour Clam Broth, Vermicelli Noodles, baby Corn, Water Chestnuts and Snap Peas giving it a truly Asian feel.

yes, dessert could not be skipped and we tried the Key Lime Pie with Blueberry Compote, Passion Fruit Caramel, whipped cream and Pistachio Milano Cookie!! tThe exciting was the Butterscotch Pot de Creme with Scotch-Vanilla Milkshake, Almond Brittle, Milk Chocolate ganache and Butter Shortbread, but had many different flavors and options to enjoy. Raspberry Eton Mess is Lemon Olive Oil Cake with Raspberry Mousse, Poached Local White Peach with Raspberry Coulis, Lemon & Yuzu-Lime Custard with Salted Caramel Ice Cream. Will always chooses something with salted caramel, but the Mess was not the best dessert. I loved the decadent and way too rich  Chocolate Peanut Butter Torte  made of Crunchy Peanut Butter Crisp, Caramel Mousse, Dark Chocolate Ganache, what a great way to go! What a great place to dine and just 5 minutes from our house!