“Bar Roubaix welcomes Sim’s Creole Kitchen pop-up for Mardi Gras”

1400 Irving Street, NW courtesy Bar Roubaix

From a press release:

“Bar Roubaix is throwing a month-long fete for fans of Cajun flavors, king cakes, second lines, and fleurs-de-lis, with Sim’s Creole Kitchen. Located at 1400 Irving Street, NW, in Columbia Heights, the pop-up kitchen opens this week and will feature classic creole cuisine from the family recipes of New Orleans Chef Sim Bates.

Chef Sim’s cooking is meant to warm you up and stick to your ribs. Guests can expect Red Beans & Rice, traditional and vegetarian Jambalaya, Grilled Oysters, and of course Grandma Bates Gumbo, with small plate options throughout.

“My food is a celebration of life from my Mississippi and New Orleans roots.” says Chef Sim. “When my grandmother and mother were in the kitchen, they were like magicians to me, and I had the awesome opportunity to learn from them — and taste every delicious creation before the rest of the family!”

Relocated to the District of Columbia after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Chef Sim completed culinary school with Amala Lives Institute, a program offered by the DC Government. “After Katrina, everything I loved and worked for was gone. I lost my brother. I was homeless and separated from my kids. I found that cooking always gave me peace.” adds Sim, who began a catering business in his new community. “When I was relocated to DC, I wanted to help bring the foods and flavors of home to my extended NOLA family.”

Sim’s Creole Kitchen pop-up runs through Mardi Gras with beignets, brass bands, second line dances, and New Orleans cocktails and beers all making appearances. The experience kicks off at the soft opening Wednesday night with 50% off the new menu and happy hour from open to close, and in traditional Crescent City fashion, happy hour won’t end till Fat Tuesday! For more information, please follow the team on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) @RoubaixDC.”