Dear Chi-Cha Lounge:
Oh, neighborhood gem of mine, what's happened to you?
I am the first one to recommend you to my friends. After all, you are attractive for your hookas, atmosphere, and happy hour prices. I even accept your loudness with the after-work crowd, and that your drinks are, well, just OK at times. But you crushed my heart last night with your new working menu!
Your new tapas-style dishes are simply not as tasty or memorable as my old favorites. Your long-served "platos fuertes" were outstanding. My mom visited from NYC in March and agreed. She happily enjoys your Andes/Latino-inspired flavors, a woman who prides herself on making authentic Ecuadorian dishes. Your favorite, "Mauricio's favorite," was my favorite -- mmm, the pork loin and sweet plantains truly reminding me of home. The Lomo Saltado -- your Peruvian-style beef with onions/tomatoes + rice and fries: phenomenal and filling.
Maybe I'm too old school, but your tapas yesterday were boring. I understand you are following a trend, and that your dishes are a work in progress, but the quality of your food has gone down. What's happened to your ceviche, for instance? I want the old ceviche back. The ceviche sampler I had last night tried to do too much within its small four or so compartments.
As a U Street corridor favorite, I will always come back to you. Your music is appealing to those with ears for the obscure. And yet you also retain a good balance of the lively, popular, and familiar. Your have a unique, beautiful inside space. Your deep reds, patterns, and paintings elicit ideas of warmth-- ranging from the exotic (some of your parties can be crazy), to the romantic (sometimes a little too much PDA), to the peaceful.
Thanks to buddies Pete and Claire for coming to enjoy with me!
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