photos courtesy Scale Hospitality
From a press release:
“Scale Hospitality, the group behind some of the world’s most lauded restaurants and bars, is making its first foray into Washington with two groundbreaking new concepts set to anchor Dupont Circle’s posh new SIXTY Hotel (1337 Connecticut Ave, NW). Opening Friday, May 23 are Casamara, a glamorous, airy restaurant capturing the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean, and Reynold’s, an intimate, art-covered cocktail bar elevated by intricately crafted cocktails and impeccably prepared bar snacks.
With more than 100 seats devoted to indoor dining, a 24-person private dining room, plus a stunning 3,000-square-foot rooftop overlooking the vibrant neighborhood, Casamara is inspired by the sun-baked coastal regions of Spain, France, Italy and Greece, where cultures intersect and flow together like the sea itself. Modern and old world at once, the restaurant conjures European elegance and the youthful energy of the coast in rich earth tones, with a custom, 54-foot tapestry hand-tufted in Spain, luxe textiles, striking checkered marble floors, and equally upscale finishes. It’s certain to become a place diners will want to gather, rejoice and unwind, all the while sharing in a menu packed with coastal flavors and simple indulgences.
Nosh on the rustic, lovely Sardine Toast (sourdough, avocado aioli, pickled red onion, almonds, fresh herbs), or the delicate and citrusy Branzino Crudo, flecked with Italian peppers, and hints of basil and lemon, brought together with an exquisite single-origin olive oil, before indulging in the show stopping Double-Boned Iberico Pork Chop (maple brine, peppers, onion, urfa, maple cider jus) or Harissa Roast Chicken, redolent of paprika oil and brightened with tart grapes and lemon. For lovers of the bounty of the sea, the menu teems with fresh seafood offerings uniquely prepared with flavorful regional ingredients, while handmade pastas very nearly hog the spotlight here: An Octopus Casarecce (with nduja, harissa, tomato, white wine and pangrattato) elicits wows, while the melt-in-your-mouth Ricotta Gnocchi is the picture of spring, with morels, ramp leaf and peas.
“D.C has such a great food scene, with fantastic local produce, farms and suppliers,” says Zachary Albertsen, Executive Chef of Casamara and Reynold’s. “I’m excited to be part of it and look forward to our guests experiencing something comforting and familiar in Casamara and Reynold’s, while also seeing the new and exciting energy Scale brings to this market.”
Highlights from Casamara’s creative and equally sun-kissed cocktail menu include the Pepperoncini-tini, a playful twist on a dirty martini featuring Grey Goose vodka and pepperoncini brine, accompanied by a feta-stuffed olive; and the Donatella’s Kiss, pairing Espolòn reposado tequila with the kick of Italian Calabrian chili and warm floral briskness of Ginger of the Indies, all sweetened with a touch of honey.
Just steps away, Reynold’s cocktail bar (1320 18th St. NW) will capture everything Washington needs in a watering hole now: An Americana-inspired wood-paneled design is made to foster connection and intimacy, with a menu that showcases visionary flavor profiles and experimentation, whimsical garnishes and seasonality. Reynold’s is sure to be a destination for the martini, from its nouveau iterations to its adventurous Dirty Secrets (think: a savory pesto-washed tequila and tomatillo brine martini known as Night Shade). Unearth Forgotten Classics, like the Connecticut Shade, which pairs Martell VS cognac, Johnny Walker Black, Cynar and Luxardo Maraschino with angostura and flamed orange; or share large-format favorites such as the French 750 – finally, a French 75 large enough for your whole friend circle. Cocktails call for snacks, and Reynold’s offers high-end noshing (think: Ossetra Caviar and Dill Chips or the Poutine, elevated here with foie gras) as well as playful, nostalgic bar fare, such as the Corn Dog or Mini Burger topped with black-pepper onion jam, each served as duos perfect for two.
Casamara and Reynold’s mark the inaugural entry into the nation’s capital for Toronto-based Scale Hospitality, founded by industry veterans Hanif Harji and Terry Tsianos. Known for world-class restaurants including the luxurious, Mykonos-inspired Toronto Beach Club; sultry Middle Eastern hotspot Mar’aa Yorkville; and Miss Likklemore’s, a vibrant journey of global flavors inspired by the Caribbean islands, Scale is excited to bring its signature blend of elevated cuisine and unforgettable experiences to Washington, D.C.
“We have long loved Washington DC for its vibrancy and great food scene,” says Scale Hospitality founder Hanif Harji. “We’re excited to work with one of the world’s most creative hoteliers, Jason Pomeranc, and his SIXTY Hotels to truly show the city how ambitious our partnership can be. We think Casamara and Reynold’s and the collective, guest-focused hospitality of Scale and the SIXTY Hotel will reflect the sort of refinement that really resonates with guests and diners here in this amazing, global city.”
Casamara will be open weekdays for lunch from 11:30am to 3pm, and dinner daily starting at 5pm, as well as for brunch weekends from 11am to 3pm.
Reynold’s Bar will be open six days a week from 4pm to 2am (closed on Tuesdays).”