Sunday, May 8, 2016

Occidental Showcases Mint Julep, Modernized Classics This May

Crab Louie

From our friends at Occidental Grill & Seafood...

Occidental Introduces Modern Takes of Classic Dishes & Cocktails Throughout the Month of May

Occidental Grill & Seafood introduces modern interpretations of classic dishes and cocktails to its menu this May, as part of its continued 110th anniversary celebration. A featured Crab Louie appetizer and Trout Amandine entrĂ©e will be offered during Thursday dinner services during May, complemented by an incomparably refreshing frozen-style Julep cocktail.

A play on Trout Amandine showcases the creativity of Executive Chef Rodney Scruggs and Chef de Cuisine Scott Perry in Occidental’s kitchen, as well as the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients. The ‘amandine’ preparation commonly refers to a fish dish with green beans and asparagus garnished with almonds, but Occidental’s fresh twist incorporates yellow and green beans, smoked trout mousse, almond puree, and browned butter. Typically, amandine sauce is either poured over the fish or tossed with all of the dish’s elements; Occidental’s contemporary version presents the trout stuffed with the classic dish’s components.


Dinner service on Thursdays will also introduce a Crab Louie appetizer, which typically utilizes crab with tomatoes, asparagus, hard boiled eggs, and a mayonnaise dressing on a lettuce bed. Occidental’s versions turns to Jumbo Lump Crab, a Mid-Atlantic favorite. Crumbled egg, a smoked tomato vinaigrette and an avocado lime puree stuffed in a crispy artichoke recall the classic dish’s flavor profile with new flair. Crab Louie originated as a dish around the same time period that Occidental opened in the early 1900s.

Occidental’s Bar Manager, Aubrey Walkins, offers her take on the Julep this May, opting to freeze the classically refreshing drink for an added chill. An exceptionally old cocktail, the Julep was originally prescribed by physicians to cure “sickness of the stomach” and was introduced to the Washington, DC area in the early 1800s by Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky. Now the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, guests can enjoy Occidental’s frozen Julep leading up to, during, and after the Kentucky Derby on May 7.

Occidental Grill & Seafood’s inspired chefs and mixologists will continue to incorporate creative twists into classic dishes and cocktails throughout the year. Guests are encouraged to stop by, step back into history and enjoy both old favorites and new ones of their own.

About Occidental Grill & Seafood:
Since 1906 the Occidental has been a gathering place for the nation's political power brokers, sports figure and celebrities. The Occidental prides itself on offering seasonal dishes, a distinguished wine selection, and innovative cocktails, all served in an ambiance both elegant and welcoming. For more information or to make reservations, call (202) 783-1475 or visit www.occidentaldc.com.