Flaming Success: Fire and Sage

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IF YOU HAVE ever visited the Regatta Bar at the
Washington Marriott at Metro Center, you'll see right away that Fire and Sage, which opened in the space in March after an extensive renovation, is a big step up. The airy space features an open kitchen and tall tables along the left wall.

The menu is new, too. One of the signature dishes, a short rib ciabatta sandwich topped with sweet caramelized onions and Muenster cheese, requires a knife and fork to eat. Besides sandwiches, there are several flatbreads like the calabrese, topped with calabrese sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, arugula and buffalo mozzarella, and entrees such as jumbo lump crab cakes and tea-smoked halibut.

Of the soups, the three-onion soup gratin is topped with Gruyère and Parmesan, with croutons and a generous amount of onions floating under the surface. Appetizers range from a crab and artichoke dip to sliders, while the fries, which are served with roasted garlic aioli, sparkle with flakes of sea salt. The side of homemade macaroni and cheese is dotted with red peppers and topped with bread crumbs.

The menu saves the best for last — hot doughnuts are served in a white bag along with whipped honey butter and tart strawberry compote for dipping. The sugar-coated pillows are a real treat, but for an even more kid-like dessert, the hot chocolate chip cookies and milk let you dunk away till your heart's content.

The wine list has several dozen choices, and a cocktail menu includes sips such as the F&S, a mix of Absolut mandarin and pineapple juice muddled with fresh berries, and a pomegranate ginger martini.

The same menu is served all day. Sandwiches, flatbreads and salads are $8 to $16, entrees are $17 to $28.

» Fire and Sage, 775 12th St. NW; 202-661-8925. (Metro Center)

Written by Express contributor Amy Cavanaugh
Photo courtesy Fire & Sage