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| Sakerum Partner Constandina Economides & Owner Stephanos Andreou (r) (Photo: John Robinson) |
From our friends at Sakerum...
The Asian-Latin Restaurant Hosted an Invite-Only Soiree to Celebrate the Launch in the 14th Street Corridor
Last night, Latin-influenced sushi bar Sakerum (2204 14th Street, NW) welcomed more than 150 guests to help celebrate the launch of the new Asian-Latin restaurant on 14th Street. Owner Stephanos Andreou and wife/partner Constandina Economides opened the doors to their two-story resto-lounge this Monday, August 22. Guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres including signature sushi rolls and Latin bites while sipping cocktails such as frozen slushies and sake and rum-based libations during the invite-only celebration.
Designed by the innovative team at SWATCHROOM, Sakerum fuses the restrained elegance and vibrant energy of Asian and Latin cultures. The atmosphere is modeled, in part, on the traditional Japanese concept of the izakaya, a warm, welcoming gastropub - tinged with the flair of a Latin lounge.
Sakerum’s menu of sushi & sashimi and Latin-inspired Asian dishes offers an exciting blend of flavors and cultures based on innovative recipes. The 3,600-square-foot Sakerum features bars on both floors in addition to a private dining space that can accommodate up to 12 guests and a 90-person retractable rooftop on the second floor.
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| Photo: John Robinson |
The colorful sushi bar, located on the restaurant's first floor, is led by Chef Khan Gayabazar, whose sushi, sashimi and appetizer offerings are big on both flavor and creativity. The Mar y Tierra Roll - sushi made with Maine lobster tail and scorched Miyazaki Wagyu beef - and Yaki Tako, tender grilled octopus brushed with lemon oil and served with orange-mango picante, are just a few of Sakerum’s unique dishes.
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| Photo: John Robinson |
Beverage consultant Gina Chersevani leads Sakerum’s cocktail program, which uses fresh sugar cane for cocktails and drink flights. Chersevani’s cheekily-titled drinks include the “Wandering Samurai,” made with sake, Flor de Cana, yuzu and bitters, topped with 6-piece sashimi and the "Pirates Creed,” rum, coconut, pineapple, Yuzu and nutmeg.
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| Photo: John Robinson |
Sakerum’s general manager Justin Cho, whose family has been in the restaurant business for his entire life, has more than a decade of experience working in and managing restaurants in Washington, DC, Michigan and Washington state. Cho brings his lifelong passion for all things culinary to the table at Sakerum.
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| First Floor and Bar of Sakerum (Photo: Farrah Skeiky) |
The interior of Sakerum highlights textiles from both worlds, combining minimalist Asian sensibilities with whimsical art, found objects and gilded bird cages. Because the Sakerum concept celebrates two of the most iconic spirits representing both cultures - sake and rum - the elements of the restaurant’s namesake are used in the polished rice and sugarcane motifs found in the logo and interior decor.
ABOUT SAKERUM:
Sakerum, a sushi bar, Asian-Latin restaurant and cocktail lounge in DC’s highly-developed 14th Street dining, shopping and residential corridor, is located at 2204 14th Street, NW. For reservations, please call (202) 518-2222 or visit www.sakerum.com.
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Monday - Sunday: 5 PM to close. Sakerum will launch brunch this Fall.
ABOUT STEPHANOS ANDREOU:
Hospitality entrepreneur Stephanos Andreou has nearly a dozen years of nightlife and dining experience in the Washington, DC area.
