minibar by José Andrés

Arguably the brightest star in the Spanish chef’s growing restaurant empire, minibar by José Andrés’ is an avant garde chef’s table experience in Washington DC, typically seating 12 lucky diners twice per night for a 20+ course tasting menu. Originally opened in 2003 as a literally miniature bar counter with six seats inside the Latin American fusion restaurant Café Atlántico, this dedicated location opened in 2012 to expand the concept and availability. In minibar’s main dining room and open kitchen, each dish is finished and/or plated in front of guests, then served immediately; a private dining space without this experience can be separately reserved by small groups.

While its West Coast counterpart (é by José Andrés) is in “greatest hits” mode, new minibar Chef de Cuisine Jesús Serrano is offering a menu substantially different from ones we’ve experienced at minibar in the past. Edible “butterflies” and caviar-topped blinis made from beets recall treats served at Beverly Hills’ SAAM years ago, a liquid nitrogen-frozen cucumber salad rewires the brain with melting textures, and a translucent soy “chicharrón” is accented with sea urchin, then presented floating in the center of a chrome bowl.