it's just got to be good, right? We stumbled upon one of the best restaurants Peter and I have ever eaten in, on F Street in Washington D.C., called Co Co Sala. I'd seen it from the double decker bus that we'd been touring the city on to get our bearings, and with a name like CoCo I couldn't resist. There were tables outside under chocolate brown umbrellas, but the day had heated up and we decided to cool down inside. Walking inside was like being transferred to another world. It was immediately apparent that this was no ordinary restaurant and that this was going to be an experience to remember. In fact, Co Co Sala isn't a restaurant in the ordinary sense of the word, it's a "chocolate lounge and boutique". The decor is comfortably modern with two rooms and we chose to sit in the one where we could watch the artisanal chocolates being made as well as the artistic dessert plates being prepared. The staff could not have been more friendly and our waiter guided us to selections we may not have made without his assistance.
Peter photographed every aspect of this unique environment, including the four foot tall flower sculpture made entirely of chocolate that could be seen behind the glass, in the kitchen. Once we finally settled in, our waiter suggested that we might like to try one of Co Co's "Signature Sips" - perhaps an Alisar might quench our thirst, made with Grey Goose Le Citron, cucumber and fresh lime juice, or perhaps the Co Cojito, Van Gogh infused vodka, with fresh mint and limes, topped with dark chocolate flakes, the latter having been recently voted the best cocktail in D.C. We had one of each and my oh my what an experience in flavors!
Co Co Sala has a three course prix fixe lunch which we had to partake in because it all sounded just so interesting and good. Peter started with Five Cheese Fritters and, believe it or not, I started with Rosemary and Parmesan Fries - the best fries I have ever had! Our entrees were Chicken Caesar Flat Bread and Artichoke Tart, and dessert was simply sublime. Check out the photographs in the slide show. Every plate was a work of art, appreciated by the eye as well as the palate. Needless to say, we didn't leave the boutique without a small sampler of Co Co's artisanal chocolates and of course Peter couldn't resist the chocolate cover, apple-smoked bacon! Mon Dieu!
This was such an unexpected surprise and an experience neither of us will forget. Co Co Sala is a must if you ever come to D.C., especially if you have a penchant for chocolate. It's located at 929 F Street, NW and you can call 202 347 4265 for a reservation.
Hello...
My name is Bharet and I am the co-owner of Co Co. Sala. THANK YOU for not just the gracious review but the time and effort that you took to write and document the experience. I am always hopeful that we get these types of reactions from people and I am thrilled to bits that you had an amazing experience. Kieran is certanly very good and interestingly enough we recently won "Most Friendly Staff"...
Anyhow, if and when you come to Co Co. Sala again, please email us at [email protected]. I always like to reach out and hopefully meet as many patrons as possible.
Take care and a pleasure to have you!
Bharet Malhotra
Posted by: Bharet | Sunday, May 16, 2010 at 01:42 PM
Kieran, Many thanks for everything and we're thrilled that you liked the post.
Posted by: Coco, a.k.a. Claudia | Sunday, May 16, 2010 at 08:44 AM
I really like your article and the slide-show. It was a pleasure to meet you both, it is always a treat to serve guests that love dining at CoCo Sala as much as I love working there. I'll be sure the owner sees your blog.
-Kieran
Posted by: Kieran Lahmann | Sunday, May 16, 2010 at 02:11 AM
One of my best friends nickname is CoCo.........loved the article......
Carl
Posted by: [email protected] | Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 10:07 AM
Been meaning to tell you that I discovered "Les Halles" in DC the last time I was in town! It had a big sign in the window that said .... "For Rent" Bummer, I know.
Posted by: Lee | Friday, May 14, 2010 at 12:58 PM
There are no words, oh my palette is going into shock! I also would appreciate the name of the the muscians playing that very smooth jazz AND please send me the photos when you get back... what wonderful experiences you are having. Thanks for taking us with you.
Posted by: Barbara | Friday, May 14, 2010 at 11:44 AM
Returned for dinner yesterday and "Oh My!". We had the same waiter, who is absolutely wonderful and such fun. The food and waiter combination is unbeatable in our estimation. Run don't walk to Co Co Sala the next time you're in DC, but note we were told that they will be discontinuing lunch in the next month or two.
Posted by: Claudia | Friday, May 14, 2010 at 09:34 AM
Sounds and looks absolutely wonderful!!!!!!!! I hope you took some samplings with you.
Posted by: Sally | Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 08:26 PM
Charlie, "Hey Now" by Red Garland is what Apple told me. We like it too.
Posted by: Claudia | Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 08:20 PM
I knew I liked your name for more than one reason!! Looks great. But PLEASE tell me what tune & artist kept my feet moving while my salivary glands were on overload!!!!
Posted by: Charlie | Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 08:14 PM
OMG...I want to go there NOW. They didn't have anything like that when I lived on F street when I went to GWU-probably a good thing. Enjoying reading about your travels. I wish your travels would take you to Wellesely in June!
Posted by: Nancy Karp | Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 11:46 AM