Prince Of Petworth » Judging Restaurants

Judging Restaurants – Masa 14

Speaking of new restaurants I’ve been wondering if anyone had the chance to check out the recently opened Masa 14 located at 1825 14th St, NW. Their Web site says:

“Chef Richard Sandoval, who brought us his marriage of Latin-Asian flavors, Zengo has partnered with Chef Kazuhiro “Kaz” Okochi of Kaz Sushi Bistro to bring us Masa 14 – a new joint concept serving Latin and Asian small plates. The 5,000 square foot restaurant is slated to open mid-September this year just north of Logan Circle located at 1825 14th Street, NW.

The new concept will have capacity for 240 guests and features a spacious 100-seat dining room, plus a private dining room which can accommodate parties of 18.

In addition, Masa 14 will house one of the largest bars in the DC area with a whopping 65 foot long – 74-seat bar/lounge which is divided into three sections featuring selections of tequila, sake, beer, wine and cocktails. In addition, guests can view the open kitchen complete with a wood-fired brick oven which will be most utilized after midnight for Masa 14’s late night menu.”

You can see their menu here. Any early word yet?

Category: Restaurants

By: Prince Of Petworth | 04 November 2009 12:00 PM | 13 Comments

normantown

A great addition to the area. Wonderful – and long – bar + really nice small plates.

Anything in this area that is not an Ethiopian ‘restaurant’ is most definitely a great addition.

November 4, 2009 at 1:03 pm
awful

It has a TERRIBLE atmosphere and is impossibe to have a conversation over the screaming crowds of people.

November 4, 2009 at 1:14 pm
AA

I love Kaz sushi bistro, so anything that he touches with his golden hands gets a thumbs up from me!

November 4, 2009 at 1:29 pm
formerchef

Masa14 has 3 of my hated things in a restaurant: fusion food, small plates, and a bright dining room. o, and they list ceviche like its a legitamate menu category! BUT like the other poster, i am happy to support a new restaurant in my ‘hood that is not ethiopean – because, really, we have enough of those now. dined at Masa with visiting mother and boyfriend their first “real” opening night, had delicious food – tried 7 of the small plates, nicely priced glasses of wine, attentive service and a non-invasive visit from the manager who seemed to genuinely want feedback. If they lower the lights, and we only go on weeknights when the suburbanites haven’t taken over…try it everyone – its a great addition to 14th!

November 4, 2009 at 1:32 pm
+1

+1 to formerchef’s comments. also, add LOUD to that list. Why does every restaurant in DC sound like a chuck e cheese?

November 4, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Laetitia

Been there, done that… my advise: tequila flights on a wednesday night are a bad idea!
The small plates are really small so be prepared for very small portions.

November 4, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Peggy Lee Zorba

I thought the food was excellent. (I was also skeptical about the fusion dishes, but thought it worked quite nicely.) I do hope they maintain a “no reservations” policy, which will keep it more of a neighborhood place. It will be the locals who ultimately determine the success of Masa14 as trendy restaurants come and go on 14th.

November 4, 2009 at 1:49 pm
ET

So how many decibels would Tom Sietsema give in his Sound Check?

November 4, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Goot Lemmon

Yes, Masa, it sounds tempting!

November 4, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Joe

Post reviewed it last week

http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/restaurants/masa-14,1158447/critic-review.html

November 4, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Chris Loos

We were at the preview a month ago and reviewed it 2 weeks ago. The post needs to step up their game ;P

Preview: http://readysetdc.com/2009/10/13/opening-night-masa14/
Review: http://readysetdc.com/2009/10/26/reinvigorating-fusion-in-logan-circle/

November 4, 2009 at 4:29 pm
URdweller

I tried to eat here but the menu offered very few vegetarian options. I hope that the owners decide to expand their offerings with more vegetarian-friendly dishes!

November 4, 2009 at 5:04 pm
KK

Went for dinner last week. I liked the atmosphere and the beer and wine selection. It was Sunday night so not too crowded or loud. I thought the food was tasty, but a bit to expensive for me. I’m just not that into tapas, the check adds up quickly but your stomach doesn’t. I would go again for drinks though.

November 5, 2009 at 4:39 pm