Mate (Washington DC)

Who knows cool like the owners of Chi Cha Lounge and Guarapo? So we weren’t surprised when their new Latin-Asian fusion restaurant and lounge near the Georgetown waterfront was a hit from day one. Their Latin Sushi cuisine boasts such one-of-a-kind items as Tamalito Rolls (straight, vegetarian or spicy) with Yellowtail, Avocado, Jalapeno, Plantains and Corn Masa wrapped in Diakon Radish Skin), and Mar del Plata (made with Lobster, Avocado, Cucumber, chives and Soy Nori). You can also find four different types of Ceviches, and appetizers such as Edamame and Yellowtail with Truffle Oil. Try their Sake – they offer 8 different choices including brands such as Hakushika, Ozeki and Choya.

Sake Club (Washington DC)

Sake Club in Woodley Park is a "package deal" of tour of Asia. It’s an up-scale Japanese restaurant, but the décor is more Asia chic. Part of the décor speaks Chinese: 19th century Chinese tables and doors adorn the reception area; while the dining room walls are painted China red. Brightly painted Tibetan antique sideboards anchor the corners of the dining area. The rear lounging area is Thai, subtly lit by lotus petal candles. The bar area is very Japanese, adorned by only the most exclusive sake bottles and white orchids. Have some sushi or sashimi with that sake. The Korean owners have stamped their influence on the menu. Korean dishes include: Bibimbap (Rice with mixed vegetables and Gochujang - red bean paste), Bulgogi (tender marinated beef). Grilled Entrees include: Chilean Sea Bass (with Saikyu Miso Kinoko sauce) and Sautéed Salmon (with Mango Basil Shitake sauce). You also can’t go wrong with any of the deserts. It seems the ladies first discovered Sake Club for its romantic appeal and somehow, the gentlemen followed. Sake Club is not cheap, but everything on the menu is a winner.