Tapas for brunch? It’s so much better than you would expect.
14th Street’s Masa 14 fuses Latin and Japanese flavors to take everyone’s favorite weekend meal to a whole new level.
By Katie Test
When I think of Masa 14, I think of dinner dishes: great fried yucca, pitch-perfect sushi, and a lovely black cod. What I don’t think of is breakfast.
And yet I found myself totally enthralled by Chef de Cuisine Antonio Burrell‘s newest meal at the 14th street eat place: brunch. While I’ll always have a soft spot for pancakes and bacon, I always love trying something new, and Masa 14‘s dishes are certainly non-traditional.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, guests can dine on a mix of small plates for brunch. Priced from $4 to $12 each, grab your friends and nurse your hangover by dining on dishes like Yucca Brisket Hash with smoked brisket, caramelized onions, poblano chilies and chipotle hollandaise; Masa Breakfast Pizza with house bacon, egg yolks, gruyere cheese, pico de gallo and arugula; and one of my dinnertime favorites, Hijiki Seaweed and Jicama Salad with sesame, chayote and daikon sprouts. The brisket hash is hearty, while a nice fruit and yogurt parfait satisfies those looking for something on the lighter side.
Toasting something special, or need a little hair of the dog?
Masa 14’s mixologists have crafted up breakfast cocktails ranging from $4-$8. Choose from The Galleata with Faretti Biscotti Liquor and orange juice; the Clamato with vodka, clam juice and tomato juice, along with traditional brunch favorites such as the Masa Mimosa, made with Champagne, mango and blood orange juice.
Ask to sit near the front windows and suddenly the normally trendy, full nighttime bar scene transforms into a relaxing look out onto the bustle of 14th street‘s morning crowds, while neighbors walk dogs, and begin their days.
If you’re bored by the waffle and ready to look outside the scrambled egg, Masa 14 is a welcome change from the average.
Masa 14 is located at 1825 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.
m. to 3 p.m. For more information or reservations call (202) 328-1414 or visit www.masa14.com.