To celebrate his special day, I treated Deke to an extraordinary experience at Minibar. Now, let me clarify – this isn’t an everyday thing for us. We just like to go all out on birthdays and anniversaries, haha.
My first visit was years ago with my close friend David Ortiz aka @dcfoodfreak when I graduated with my doctorate. Talk about a big celebration! It left a BIG impression on me so I knew I had to take Deke as well.
Located in downtown DC, Minibar is a two Michelin-starred restaurant by legendary chef Jose Andres. With 10 years under their belt, they’re known for their avant-garde cooking. Now, I won’t lie, their tasting menu is a splurge at $325 per person. But let me tell you, it’s worth every penny, especially if you want to pull out ALL the stops.
Another DC spot worth splurging on is Uchi DC, chef Tyson Cole’s upscale sushi restaurant downtown, where the tasting menu format and quality ingredients make it a strong option for a special night out. —
The space is intimate, with only 12 counter seats available. You’ll have a front-row seat to watch the talented chefs in action. It’s an interactive experience that will leave you in awe with every bite (at least, it certainly did for me!). From the first dish to the last, I loved every moment. Oh, and they even surprised Deke with a special birthday dessert at the end, which was such a nice touch.
Now, let me drop some extra knowledge for you:
- Parking can be tough, so make sure you arrive early. Remember, it’s a communal meal, so being on time is crucial!
- If wine pairings aren’t your thing, don’t worry. You can order off their cocktail menu. They’re located inside Barmini, their bougie cocktail bar, so you can trust that their drinks are on point.
- P.S. Don’t be like me and get stuck outside. You’ll need to ring a doorbell to get in. Trust me, I had a funny moment trying to figure it out, lololol.
- Reservations can be a challenge, so plan ahead and check for available spots on your desired date. If it’s full, join the waitlist and keep your fingers crossed!
SO, if you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience and willing to splurge a bit, I highly recommend Minibar by José Andrés. Trust me, it’s worth it. For more on yum DC eats, make sure to check out this tab, and stay tuned for more content coming your way soon. ‘Till tomorrow, Nomsters!
📍855 E St NW, Washington, DC
⏰T-Sa 5-10pm