Review: SEI

Initial thoughts:

• Design and Decor:  Lavish white interior with dim lights.  Beautiful hanging Capese shells.  Similar to Oya.

• Wait:  No wait.

• Food:  Amazing and inventive!  The menu is super fun and one of my favorite restaurants that I've tried in a long time.  I loved the Fish and Chips Roll and the Triple Tuna.  

• Drinks:  Extensive Sake, Wine and Cocktail list.  We loved the Lavender Margarita!

• Price:  Reasonable.  Most dishes are small plates style around $10 each.  You could order 3 between 2 people and be good to go.  They also have a Prix Fixe 3 course dinner for $29.

• Service:  Exceptional.  Our waiter was extremely knowledgeable and friendly.  Thanks Walter.  Also, Steven Chiang, the manager, was very helpful

• Would I go back?  Yes!

Photos by Emily Clack

SEI takes a modern twist on classic American with Asian flair in a prix fixe menu filled with inspiring dishes and mixing in innovative cocktails, such as, Liquid Wasabi Cocktail (this has a kick!), Asian Pear Sangria, Zen Collins or the Lavender Margarita.  

 We also tried the house-made ginger soda to cleanse our pallets.

SEI, a White House favorite, recently hosted Michelle Obama and guests.  Located at 444 7th Street, NW in Washington DC, SEI amazed us with its distinctive cuisine.  

We started with the creative creamy Wasabi Guacamole with Wonton Chips.  We loved the award winning Fish and Chips roll never with flounder, malt vinegar, french fries and wasabi tartar.   

I couldn't get enough of the triple tuna roll with spicy tuna, albacore and akami.  The SOS will leaving you wanting more with the surprise strawberries inside.

Getting full?  There's more... Shishito Poppers with tempura shishito peppers, crab and havarti cheese pack the heat.  So good!

The Toro Tartar is beautifully presented with wasabi guacamole, salmon roe, lemon soy espuma and tonburi, served with wonton chips. 

OMG, the Orange Miso Bread Pudding with Soy Caramel Ice Cream will melt in your mouth.  The bread pudding has a buttery delicious flavor.

I walked out completely impressed and dying for more.  I know I'll be back real soon.

Special thanks to Rachel Krupa!

Photos by Emily Clack