“H Street NE just got classy” Ocopa, Peruvian fare, now Open

1324 H Street, NE

From a press release:

“Chef Carlos Delgado, formerly Executive Chef for The Caucus Room, Boveda, and Smith Commons, joins his culinary talent with H Street investing partners, Eddie Migues and Italo Rodriguez. Ocopa opened its doors to the public August 5th, after a successful weekend of “wow-ing” friends and family with exquisite cuisine and pisco-centric cocktails. Located at 1324 H St. NE, Ocopa is a welcome addition to the up and coming foodie corridor.

Italo Rodriguez is a long time investor of the H St. Corridor and has been doing business on H St. for over 20 years. Having spent three years living in Peru and extensive time in Miami, Italo says that he fell in love with the flavors and freshness of Peruvian cuisine. “I believe that Peruvian cuisine is the next great food trend and will be as popular as Mexican or Chinese cuisine,” says Italo Rodriguez. When Italo met Chef Carlos Delgado, his search for the perfect Peruvian chef was complete.

Chef Carlos Delgado, a native to Peru, brings his culinary expertise and a vision of Grandma’s kitchen to fruition in this trendy, youthful, and comfortable atmosphere that spotlights an open kitchen, 28 seats, and a patio with seating for larger parties. The rustic yet sleek layout was designed by Demetrios Stafilatos and the playful graffiti art on the walls throughout, by local artist, Mas Paz. Carlos’ vision was to incorporate what he remembers from his grandmother’s kitchen growing up, where he says he gained his passion for food, and a modern neighborhood gathering place that will attract the most discerning palate.

Chef Carlos says, “I want Ocopa to be the place where people feel comfortable hanging out, talking to each other and enjoying really good food. I hope it portrays the fact that we are young and fun but serious about what we do in the kitchen and behind the bar.”

Heavy in cebiche options, the menu will also feature classic Peruvian dishes such as causitas- a classic whipped potato dish complimented by flavors of rotisserie chicken, crab and escabeche to name a few. Maki-ruvian and Tiraditos (think Japanese sashimi, Peruvian style) will feature the freshest seasonal array of fish with daily offerings listed on a giant chalkboard. Entrée attractions are rich in flavor and exquisite in presentation. Short ribs, beef tripe, pork belly and confit hen ravioli are just a few of the Cositas Calientes that will come sizzling out of the kitchen. Ocopa’s hydroponics system provides the freshest ingredients that are “home grown” to ensure the highest of quality standards. If you are sitting at the kitchen counter, wondering who the chef is, look for the one that doesn’t look old enough to have his own gig. At only 24 years old, Chef Carlos brings a maturity to the kitchen that will impress the most critical eye.

Ocopa will also offer a refined beverage menu created by Glendon Hartley. His former passion for fashion breeds creativity behind the bar with drinks such as the Red Radish Chilcano and Pisco Punch. With over 20 Piscos available, Glendon will feature daily Pisco cocktails with homemade sodas, intricate recipes, and lots of pretty edibles to add an extra “wow” factor. It’s worth your time and money to sit at the bar and watch these spirits come to life.

Ocopa will serve dinner Tuesday through Saturday evenings, with the Chef’s Tasting Table coming soon to Monday evenings. Tasting dinners will feature fixed price, preset menus featuring some of Chef Carlos’ favorite dishes paired with Pisco cocktails and South American wines. Lunch service is not far behind- a traditional offerings of rotisserie chicken and select sides will be available Monday-Friday, beginning August 18th. Pay close attention- this is a new spot that you won’t want to snooze on. It’s your chance to get a first-hand look and taste of a culinary expert who is about to take the cooking world by storm. Chef Carlos Delgado offers Ocopa, with a delicate eye and an incredible hand for his craft. H Street NE just got classy.”