Zengo

I have been to Zengo's on a date catching up with friends and business associates for quick eats and good drinks. The environment is really modern, hip and trendy. It's a perfect way to start the night, or a perfect way to end an evening. Zengo's is a restau-lounge spot. I would recommend coming dressed up, or at least casually cute. The first time I went, I was unaware of what the dress code was and wore jeans and tennis shoes, and felt so out of place. The chicken emapanadas are REALLY good. The sushi, eh, I wouldn't recommend ordering any of them except the Angry Zengo (which are pretty good). I went for my cousins birthday dinner and I think we ordered everything on the menu. The Tuna Tataki Salad (My fave) was devoured by everyone at the table. A couple of my friends ordered the Grilled Lamb Striploins and I swear within a matter of minutes their plates were absolutely spotless, I really think they licked their plates clean. The tuna belly tartare was okay the tuna is cut up pretty chunky but it was cooked a little more than I preferred, but it was okay. The drinks are really good and would recommend ordering any of them. Definitely a must stop spot =) Being that the restaurant is tapa style you can get caught up trying to order every menu dish on the menu and your bill starts adding up, so if your on a budget be cautious, this place can be dangerous on your pockets!

Location: ChinaTown
Price Range $25-up

http://www.modernmexican.com/zengodc/

Mie-N-Yu

I have always walked past this place and was intrigued by the waterfall theme in the window with a golden Buddha in the window and beautiful drapery. Finally some kind soul took me here for dinner. The decor is so ecclectic and pretty that its art for the eyes decorated with pieces from different ethnic cultures and countries from around the world. What stood out to me is the intimate seating arrangments, it makes it a nice place to go on a first date or with your beau. It would even be a good place to gather for an event such as a birthday. I strongly suggest making reservations before just stopping in.

They have a very extensive wine and cheese menu and they also have a menu and cheese sample specials that allow you to order a few cheeses and wines for your own pairing and tastings of your choosing. The menu is really diverse and would appeal to a variety of palates. We ate the smoked salmon bruschetta (AMAZING), Grilled Calamari Salad, and the Chili Infused Crab Cakes. It was so good! I was very impressed and left extremely full! The portions are filling but not large. However they will hook your wine glass up if you order a glass. After wanting to try everything on the menu it can begin to get a bit pricey, but it's well worth it. Another great place to impress a date.

Location: Georgetown
Price range $12-25

https://www.mienyu.com/

Banana Cafe

One day speaking with my boss he suggested I find a good Latin restaurant that served Cuban &/or Puerto Rican food that would remind him of home (he is Cuban raised in Puerto Rico). Well I passed this place one day and figured it would be a good place to check out. He checked out the menu before we invited the whole division to dinner and he agreed that the menu was authentic Latin Food.

We got there and the decor seemed to have caught my co-workers a little off guard. The decor seems a bit eccentric and loud, and not necessarily the classiests, but it was friendly and definitely somewhere to come casual and catch up with the family or friends for cheap eats, cheap drinks and a good time. The atmosphere was lighthearted and everyone in the place seemed to be having a really good time.

The menu had a little bit of everything on there chimichangas, Paella (My fave but they had Chorizo in it so I couldn't order it), Relleno, Enchiladas, Burritos, and some authentic Puerto Rican dishes. While waiting for the drinks and food the waiter brought out some chips and salsa, and the whole table just demolished the salsa and chips. My boss had the Ropa Viejo (rice with shredded beef flank) and was thoroughly impressed and claimed it reminded him of home. The table ordered a couple of pitchers of the margaritas which I must say were GREAT! I ordered the Camarones Andaluz (sauteed shrimp and vegetables in a white wine sauce) and I completely savored the dish.

My thoughts: RUN to this place and try it out. You don't have to dress up to feel comfortable and you can kick back enjoy the atmosphere, margaritas and the cheap eats. Definitely a must!

Latin Cuisine (Cuban/Puerto Rican)
Located in the Eastern Market District
Price Range $7-35

http://www.bananacafedc.com/menu.htm

Mate

Sunday night with a taste for sushi and some tasty drinks, a friend suggested Mates. Mates (pronounced Mah-tay's) is apart of the Latin Concepts chain of restaurants. As soon as I walked in I had a strong feeling I wouldn't be disappointed. The menu had the usual maki rolls, nigiri and sashimi but also has a nice amount of creative latin inspired maki rolls that are quite delectible. (Mmmmm my mouth is actually salivating thinking about their rolls, especially the Bamboo roll) The different flavored mojitos and pomegrante inspired drinks are to die for. The bartenders are pretty good and timely unfortunately the waitresses can sometimes be slow, but after getting your food it's well worth the wait. The calamari salad is interesting, the seaweed salad is VERY good. I've never had the ceviches, but I'm sure they are just as good as the sushi!

There is a happy hour during the week, and MAN, me, my cousin and a friend of mine went one day for their happy hour and ate sooooo much, had a few drinks and our tab only came up to about $80 for the three of us (we ordered about a million rolls and a couple of drinks) and we had SO much food leftover. The happy hour menu can be found on their website. http://www.latinconcepts.com/mate

Don't let the ambiance and setting fool you, it's not as expensive as it looks ;)

Location: Georgetown (K & 31st St.)
Cuisine: Latin, Sushi
Price Range: $10-$20

http://www.latinconcepts.com/mate