Richard Sandoval’s Masa 14 Has New Chef De Cuisine, Eric McKamey, and Exciting New Dishes

The expansive, multistory Masa 14 from Richard Sandoval on 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. is currently serving up an exciting lineup of Latin-Asian small plates. New Chef de Cuisine Eric McKamey, most recently at The Curious Grape in Arlington, Virginia, is taking the reins of a menu which includes plates pairing those flavors, as well as dishes which are squarely in one realm or the other.

For instance, you’ll find a selection of Temaki, large cone shaped sushi, and Chirashi, rice topped with a selection of sashimi, certainly representing the Asian portion of the menu. Then you’ll find Yucca Fries, and flatbreads such as the Prosciutto Flatbread, with goat cheese and Oaxaca cheese, guava, cilantro and prosciutto, representing Latin flavor profiles.

But many of the best plates on the menu do indeed pair Latin-Asian flavors, ingredients and traditions to offer an innovative and potent dish, and it’s a concept familiar to other Sandoval restaurants as well, such as Zengo.

Try the Thai Shrimp Ceviche, with a creamy coconut milk sauce, serrano chili, and mango, and the Thai Pumpkin Soup with hidden chunks of lobster. You won’t want to miss the Pork Belly Steamed Buns — seriously, order a few rounds for the table — or the Crunchy Shrimp, think “popcorn” shrimp taken to the highest possible level, with teriyaki, chipotle aioli, and toasted sesame.

Other new dishes and standouts include Drunken Adobo Pork, with chayote squash, long beans, roasted peanut and tequila reposado, Korean Grilled Hanger Steak, tender, juicy cuts of steak with black sesame, bok choy kimchi and guajillo red miso and Chimichurri Grilled Baby Octopus, with cucumber, roasted peanut and snow pea shoot.

Roasted Beet Salad. Pork Carnitas Flatbead. Ancho Rubbed Beef Brisket. Shrimp & Bulgogi Fried Rice. Lo Mein Noodles. Crispy Brussels Sprouts with kimchi ponzu. You’ll want to try it all.

There’s something for everyone’s tastes and preferences on this menu, as long as you like bold flavor. From seafood lovers to vegetarians, indulgent eaters to light snackers or those who may be more keenly watching their waistlines, from Latin to Asian, back again, and somewhere in the middle.

To quench your thirst with all of those big flavors, check out the cocktail list, including caipirinhas, margaritas, mojitos, palomas and sangrias, as well as lower-calorie “modesto” versions of the margarita and mojito. There’s also a hand-picked selection of sakes available, excellent if you’re veering in the Asian direction with your food selection.

The Spicy Cucumber Margarita is a cocktail worth trying, packing a real spice punch balanced by the light flavors from the cucumber-infused tequila and sweet agave.

D.C.’s favorite meal, brunch, is also available on Saturdays and Sundays at Masa 14, with an unlimited pre fixe lineup of flatbreads, salads, eggs, and bottomless beverages, ranging from traditional mimosas to a Bacon Bloody Mary, Lemon Lager beer cocktail, or Lychee Bellini.

Masa 14 is located at 1825 14th St NW, Washington, D.C., a few blocks from the U Street Metro Station. For more information, check them out at Masa14.com.

*This article was first published on Yahoo Voices on December 19, 2013