Capital Cooking with Lauren DeSantis: Opening: Claudia's Steakhouse

By Claire Goldman

There's a new steakhouse on the block, the block being K Street. Claudia's Steakhouse opened at 1501 K Street NW earlier last month. Claudia's is determined stand out from the steak crowd with a Latin infused menu, white hot Miami style decor and head chef, Brad Race, with an impressive list of credentials including Minibar and Le Cirque.

Claudia's hosted a media preview before the official opening. Guests gathered around the 360 degree wraparound bar to take their picks from the cocktail list.

The Adam's Manhattan

Pepino - Leblon cachaca, lime, sugar, cucumber & St. Germain

Sunset Mojito - guava infused rum, strawberries, mint, lime & grapefruit bitters

Cozy booth seating options

Claudia's most anticipated menu items from Chef Brad Race have been the Latin themed Negro Modelo Drunken Rib-eye, Claudia's Prime Empanadas and mojarra frita. Unfortunately, the only menu item from that list that I was able to try was the empanada with steak, olive, raisin and egg which was meaty and delicious. Some of my other favorite bites from the party included the oysters with chili ginger mignonette.

Oysters with assorted cheese and charcuterie

I enjoyed the lamb skewers with pickled shallots and roasted red peppers. My favorite flavors came from the pork belly with chimichurri. The moist meat and with the fresh and slightly spicy topping made for a perfect bite.

Pork belly perfection preparation

Lettuce wraps and Ceviche Mixto bites with market fish,
octopus, shrimp and vegetables.

Lamb Skewers & Pork Belly with chimichurri

Save room for dessert?

Try the Almond Semifredo with passion fruit coulis, crunchy almonds and chocolate pearls. The White Chocolate Cheesecake with blueberry coulis and candied lime zest is a matrimonial mix of sweet and tangy.