Capella DC’s One-Year Anniversary Rye-Ception

By: Laurie Wallin 

Capital Cooking Contributor

The Capella hotel, located in DC’s Georgetown neighborhood, opened one year ago, and on Wednesday, March 26, the hotel celebrated its one-year anniversary with a Rye-Ception hosted at the hotel’s swanky Rye Bar. An intimate event, the Capella treated reception guests with a complimentary Signature Rye Bar Spring Cocktail and several delicious passed hors d’oeuvres.

Being that the Rye-Ception was held in the Rye Bar, the celebration wouldn’t be complete without the Signature Spring Rye Cocktail that the Capella generously provided, made with Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye, lemon juice, and lavender. A refreshing alternative to other spring cocktails that can sometimes be too sweet, this one was light and smooth and the spring flavors of the lavender and lemon really balanced the whiskey.

Several hors d’oeuvres made their way around the room that evening, including a quinoa croquette with piquillo pepper sauce, a shrimp & red curry on toast, beef tartare, and a duck croquette with piquillo pepper sauce. My personal favorite was the shrimp and red curry; the sweetness of the shrimp paired very nicely with the slightly spicy red curry. The quinoa croquette was a favorite as well.

The Rye-Ception coincided with the official opening of the Capella's terrace that overlooks the C&O canal (although this never-ending winter prevented guests from enjoying it, unfortunately). The Rye Bar's dark wood tones, comfortable seating, and large doors that open up to its terrace, make it the type of space that can be enjoyed year-round.

While I was at the hotel, I had the opportunity to learn about events the Capella is featuring in the future, including a wine dinner with Quintessa wines hosted at the Grill Room, the "Constellation Series," the Style Series, and a cocktail class hosted at the Rye Bar, among others. I'm particularly interested in the Constellation Series and can easily see myself returning to the Rye Bar to indulge in more whiskey cocktails while enjoying the DC summer breezes out on the terrace. Happy anniversary, Capella DC! Cheers to many more!