A new communal cocktail bar, La Cosecha, has opened in the Union Market area’s vibrant Latin market on Sunday, February 8. It has garnered attention due to its connection with a prominent Hollywood figure. Co-founded by actor, activist, and entrepreneur Wilmer Valderrama—famous for his role as Fez on the popular sitcom That ’70s Show—and Daniella Senior, the driving force behind the beloved Cuban cafe Colada Shop, which boasts six locations across D.C. and Virginia. Elegancia, which takes over the spot previously occupied by the holiday pop-up Coquito Bar (1280 4th Street NE), promises “expressive cocktails and bold bites,” featuring a logo inspired by native South American wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds.
“Elegancia embodies everything I cherish about our culture,” shares Valderrama, whose heritage includes Venezuelan roots from his father and Colombian ancestry from his mother. “I’m thrilled to revisit one of my passions: creating a unique hosting experience.” Having started his career as a busboy, Valderrama has built a notable hospitality resume on the West Coast, with connections to establishments such as Geisha House, Dolce, the Lodge, the Big Wangs sports bar chain, and the upscale bowling venue Ten Pin Alley.
Elevated Burgers in Anacostia
Award-winning Ethiopian chef Elias Tadesse, known for his work at Shaw’s Mélange and Doro Soul Food, has launched DaBo Burger at the flagship location of the new Atlas Bridge District Brewery & Tap Room in Southeast D.C. DaBo, meaning “bread” in Amharic, draws inspiration from Tadesse’s fine dining expertise, featuring house-made milk buns topped with pearl sugar. The opening menu includes four innovative burgers inspired by his favorite pain au lait from his culinary school days, along with rich milkshakes. The first 25 patrons to arrive on Thursday, January 15, will receive complimentary hand-cut beef tallow fries with their burger purchase (600 Howard Road SE).
The popular beauty salon Nailsaloon has partnered with Just Ice Tea, a canned tea brand founded by Top Chef alum and Plnt Burger founder Spike Mendelsohn, to support the East African regions where their organic ingredients are sourced. Throughout January, all five Nailsaloon locations (Logan Circle, Walter Reed, Capitol Hill, Chevy Chase, and National Landing) will offer customers a complimentary Just Ice Tea and will match any voluntary donations made at checkout to help fund a much-needed health clinic in Mozambique.
Dupont’s ‘Five-Star Dive’ Expands to Old Town
Commodore, a cherished spot in D.C. known for its Southern comfort food and lively trivia nights since 2016, is set to expand for the first time beyond state borders. The new Virginia location will open in Old Town, Alexandria, taking over the site that was previously home to Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster Barbecue (220 N. Lee Street). After moving from its original location in Logan Circle to Dupont Circle in 2021, Rob Van de Graaff is collaborating with industry expert Steve Kim to revamp the establishment in 2024.
