Monday, December 5, 2011

First Taste: Elisir

From the moment I heard about Elisir Restaurant, I couldn't wait for the opening.  I had my first taste of Chef Enzo Fargione’s talent at Teatro Goldoni.  He has a personalized vision and interpretation of modern Italian cooking that makes eating fun.  Elisir means elixir in Italian and Enzo wanted to create that light and refreshing feeling when dining in his restaurant.


The design and decor makes you feel like you're swimming in a sea of champagne (what could be better!).  Elisir accommodates approximately 70 patrons in the dining area, 20 patrons at a bar, and 25 in its glass enclosed private room. 
The Chestnut Soup offers a surprise with each bite.  You'll find buffalo ricotta, quail sausage and capon liver caviar.  The soup has great textures.

Elisir offers unique and creative multi-course tasting menus nightly highlighting Fargione’s unique style and constant search for taste, presentation and concept.(7-Course $75 and 10-Course $95).  
This pasta was made with square black squid ink and saffron pasta sheets with a ragu of Maine Lobster and tomato confit ($29).  Yum!

The restaurant also offers a very detailed a la carte menu which changes seasonally ranging from $17-$36. 
Don't miss the baked Chilean sea bass with crunchy celery, spicy curry salt and pickled purple potatoes.
 At lunch time the restaurant offers a simpler and faster Bistro concept with an a la carte menu for the main dining room and a dedicated limited Bar menu inclusive of alcoholic beverages for a lower set price.  The wine list features extensive selections from Italy, California, South Africa and a few French and Virginia labels (about 220 labels).  The craft cocktails are excellent.
You've gotta try the Kentucky Irby made with gin, lemon, powdered sugar, rosemary and mint foam.  So creative and refreshing!
Located in the heart of Washington DC Penn Quarter Elisir is conveniently located at 427 11th street NW Washington, DC (between Pennsylvania Ave and E Street).  Stop in soon for a delicious dining experience!  Congratulations to Chef Enzo!


Photos by Emily Clack

Elisir on Urbanspoon

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