Small Plates in D.C.

Where to grab an easy bite to eat while in Washington D.C.?

That is what I was wondering last night.

Yearning for something fun, young, interesting, and yet, at the same time delicious, I perused the options for this particular evening in D.C.

My choice?  Zaytinya Middle Eastern Restaurant

When I told my friend Joan Nathan that we were heading to Zatinya, she responded with: “small plates.”  That sums it up perfectly.  ‘Mezze’ as it was formally called translates to: the small plates of the Middle East.

Chef Jose Andres was in Spain, but the talented Sous Chef Greg Basalla was in the kitchen. He sent out a table of six spreads, including pita bread that released a pillow of steam as you broke it – Ahhh.

Plates and courses filled the table.

My Favorites:

• Baba ghannouge htipiti – roasted red pepper, feta and thyme

• Labneh – white Middle Eastern yogurt cheese

• Avgotaraho – cured grey mullet roe cured in bees wax

• Raw scallops

• Brussels sprouts

• Roasted chickpeas in the pod

• White beans with kale

Seriously, after a while, I lost track – the flavors and variety were intoxicating and delicious. We enjoyed everything and all along our server Joel was attentive, if not fantastically humble in his knowledge of wine.

Copper pans lined up for service at Zaytinya

Greg led us on an enthusiastic tour of the kitchen at the end of the evening. He clearly loves his job. His embellished descriptions of life in the kitchen reminded me a bit of Chef Jose Andres himself.  A year ago, we were in Washington D.C. and had a chance to walk through the markets with Jose. Although the conversations at that time may have been very different, there was definitely a similar passion present.

As we were completing the kitchen tour, my friend Filippo was curious and asked about organ meats.  Greg described several that we missed seeing on the menu, but when Greg mentioned sweet breads, Filippo had to have a plate! The sweet breads were fried and lightly dusted with an anise powder. We stood over an open pit and just devoured the sweetbreads. Perfect.

Back to our table and a fine treat – a spread of beautifully presented desserts. My favorite was the apricot yogurt with pistachio ice cream. What a wonderful ending to our very special meal of delectable “small plates”.

Zaytinya – an easy restaurant to visit and enjoy – absolutely delicious and just what we ordered!