April 25, 2007

Captain Hook

Hook Restaurant Opens

For you, the word hook conjures up visions of pirates, ships, and Robin Williams as an overgrown Peter Pan.

But that ought to change with the opening of Hook, the new restaurant from Chef Barton Seaver (of Bar Pilar and Cafe Saint-Ex).

The seafood restaurant centers on sustainable cuisine — all of the menu’s fish comes from small, artisanal sources that practice responsible fishing. Its meat and dairy are certified humane, and its produce is locally farmed. (Wind energy credits were even purchased to power the place.)

Menu highlights include Maine scallops with almond milk and sofrito, Columbia River sturgeon with oregano and black olive oil, and Chesapeake smoked tomato bouillabaisse with orange-Pernod aioli.

Take a seat at the long bar, make friends at the communal table, or gaze at ocean photography from Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau’s EarthEcho International from your spot on the banquette.

Before you know it, you’ll be a regular. And (need we say it?) hooked.

Hook, 3241 M Street NW, between Wisconsin Avenue and 33rd Street (202-625-4488 or hookdc.com).