CoCo Sala

CHOCOLAAATTTTEEEEEE! Though I'm not a huge chocolate fan, and never order chocolate ice cream or chocolate cake, I really enjoyed Co Co Sala. A step up from my usual bar choices, the atmosphere was dimly lit, had upscale clientele, and was intimate. I went for the launching of my co-worker's new company, where they had privately rented the bar area. The restaurant is in the vicinity of the Metro Center (yes, I still refer to DC locations by the closest metro station), it is easy to get to. I enjoyed the sculpture that was on display and the color palette of the entire restaurant, but the televisions constantly scrolling chocolate and Co Co Sala's logo got a bit tiresome, especially as we were there for the launch of a company, and they failed to give the company the screen for their logo as promised. Thumbs down there, they should take better care of their peeps.

A few of my favorite snacks from the night:
Sirloin & Gorgonzola, wrapped with Bacon — yes, it is as amazing as it sounds, meaty-delicious.
Crispy kalamata olives & manchego cheese fritters — good god I love olives, and combining them in a fried cheese concoction was genius. There is a reason I don't own a deep fryer, and it is because I would eat these all the time and become a total lard.
Crispy fillo wrapped adobe spiced chicken & andouille sausage — sounds like a very heavy hors d'oeuvre but it was actually light and crispy. With the roasted pepper and cilantro dip, quite tasty and well rounded too!

As a side not, I didn't love the crab cakes. I say that as an aside, because I generally don't like crab cakes. I only get them in season, in Maryland, or a seafood restaurant on the water. Perhaps I'm overly picky, but that's how I roll with my crab cakes. Beyond that, I enjoyed the rest of the food. I only tasted the hor d'oeuvre so cannot speak to the rest of the menu.

Some of the specialty drinks:
Cilantro: Patron Silver + Fresh Cilantro + Lime Juice + Cilantro Salt. I sampled my friend's drink, and though it sounds like it would be a nice, tart spin on a margarita, but it was actually very sweet.
Co CoJito: Chocolate infused vodka + Fresh Mint & Limes + Dark Chocolate Flakes. This was refreshing and tasted vaguely of a thin-mint, but not in the overpowering way you would probably imagine. It was a light combination and the mojito-ness of the drink shone through.
Blue Bliss: Stoli Blueberry + Basil Infused Syrup + Fresh Lemonade + Fresh Basil. I liked this one a lot, but it seemed much to summery given that it was very cold and rainy outside.

For those of you who like the bourbon and whiskey side of life, they had some great options for you too. What I really enjoyed about the drinks at Co Co Sala was that if you don't like Chocolate, you didn't have to have it. When/If it was infused in the drinks, it was done in a light touch — a dash of white chocolate in the champagne, shredded dark chocolate over my Co CoJito, or a hidden hint you couldn't visually see.

I accosted the bar tender and got the DL on the happy hour deal. Seems like it could be a great location for a special night out with friends, or for a private function. Overall, two thumbs up. Minus points for not displaying the company's logo despite them following the file format's requested.. but the drinks were great, food was served hot and often, and the ambiance was perfect.

the deal:
selected/special cocktails: $8 (normally $13)
Heineken & Amstel: $4
house wines (2): $6

www.cocosala.com

Tenpehn

When I walked into Tenpehn I had to ask where the bar was, and found it tucked behind a large, curving wall, completely separated from the restaurant. The lounge area had tons of seating with low couches and chairs, the bar had plenty of stools and some high-boys, and I was digging the pan-Asian colors that created a relaxing environment. Plopping myself down on the couch I had to wait until the waiter came around (5-10 minutes) to get my first drink, strike one.

The food was great deal! We sampled the menu and really enjoyed the dipping sauces and the tuna-sushi. I ordered edamame and it was served cold with a light sprinkling of cheese... I found that strange as I love sushi and usually order edamame as a starter, and it is never served cold. I didn't love it, but when dipped in the sauce of another appetizer, it was good.

I misunderstood the drink deals and thought the beers were half-price... they are not. Instead they are $5 each, strike 2. Really, they call $5 beers a deal? I say no. My friends did not stop me from ordering a $5 Bud (some friends)! If you order one of the 8 different specialty cocktails, you would be much more satisfied than I was.

Final Strike was the slow and stiff wait staff who seem perturbed when we ate our food slowly, despite ordering many appetizers and drinks. The bar and lounge were not crowded by any means, and we weren't skimping, so I'm not sure why we were treated in such a manner. Getting the check was a semi-nightmare (another 10 minute wait in the almost-empty lounge) and we got more glares as we split the check.

I might return to Tenpehn for a meal during restaurant week, but that is a big might.

the deal:
M–F, 3–7pm, 930–Close
Sunday 5:30–Close
$5 cocktails, selected draft beer & house wine
1/2 price apps ($2 edamame!)


Tenpehn