Richard Sandoval doesn’t need any introductions or promotions. That’s why I was delighted when General Manager of Zengo, Frank Ortiz, agreed to have me write a feature story to spotlight their new menu items. I invited Anca Grindeanu, a bartender at the Carving Room, to be a guest blogger for RUNINdc

Before the MCI Center, the home of the Wizards and Capitals, was built in 1997, Chinatown was struggling with many restaurants and stores barely hanging on. Then came a wave of restaurants owned by celebrity chefs, such as Zaytinya by Jose Andres and Zengo by Richard Sandoval as Chinatown became less Chinese.

Zengo served up trendy fusion food in an upscale, eye-catching setting. One of the first things that striked me when I walked in were the mysterious orbs hanging from the ceiling as I ascended the stairs. The walls were full of colorful textures and murals with decor from all around the world.

Zengo was a sexy place to get a seat and be seen. Centrally located next to the Chinatown Metro, romanticos and politicos came here to feel glamorous and enjoy the haute cuisine.

We sat at the communal table by the bar, and the staff served us with their prix fixe menu.

“How’s your ceviche and Peking duck tacos?” I asked Anca?

“Incredible!” she replied as she sipped on her passion fruit cocktail. “The fusion of Asian and Mexican is surprisingly successful.”

“Yes, what a fun place with spectacular food infused with creativity,” I replied. “Richard Sandoval definitely covers all the bases here.”

Zengo which opened in 2005 was Richard Sandoval’s first foray into DC. Since then he’s opened El Centro, Masa 14 and Toro Toro.

“You should check out Toro Toro,” Frank suggested. “It’s a Pan-Latin restaurant that features Latin fusion.”