Chef Cathal Armstrong. © Rey Lopez
Chef Cathal Armstrong. © Rey Lopez
The dining room at Kaliwa. © Rey Lopez
A wealth of choices on the menu at Sababa. © Greg Powers
The bar at Sababa. © Greg Powers
The bar at Kaliwa. © Rey Lopez
SOUTHEAST ASIA MEETS SOUTHWEST DC
Chef Cathal Armstrong and his wife, Meshelle Armstrong, are now celebrating the bold flavors of Thailand, Korea and Meshelle’s native Philippines at their new hot spot, Kaliwa, located in District Wharf. Meshelle designed the restaurant interior in conjunction with Patrick's Design House.The dining room sports a riot of coco-shell chandeliers from the Philippines, while a photograph of a tattooed female figure dominates the bar. The cocktail menu tempts with libations such as the Frozen Mai Tai and the Phuket Sunburn, laced with Thai chilis. 751 Wharf Street, SW; 202-516-4739.
MIDDLE EASTERN MEZZE
Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj (Rasika, Bibiana) has opened an Israeli eatery, Sababa, in the Cleveland Park location of the former Ardeo+Bardeo. Sababa, which means “cool and carefree” in Hebrew, is headed by chef Ryan Moore; the cuisine focuses on salads, hummus, mezze, kebabs and a wide array of vegetarian options. Martin Vahtra of Projects Design Associates dreamed up the interiors, which include a bar clad in antique tile. 3311 Connecticut Avenue, NW; 202-244-6750. sababauptown.com