Latin American-inspired Seven Reasons Opens Tuesday in the former Piola space on 14th

2208 14th Street, NW

From a press release:

“Seven Reasons – a bold dining experience by lauded Chef Enrique Limardo – offering his creative take on Latin American-inspired cuisine opens on Tuesday, April 16 at 2208 14th Street, NW. The name is a fun nod to numerology, where the number seven symbolizes one who is searching for new experiences. With his debut Washington restaurant, Chef Limardo will offer an exceptional culinary experience while having fun with texture, flavor and plating. Designed in collaboration with Miami-based Valentina Story, the space is inspired by the diverse landscapes of South America.

Photo by Jennifer Chase

Seven Reasons introduces unexpected flavors by presenting new recipes that highlight the best of Latin America’s most creative cuisines, including dishes from Peru, the Amazon and the Caribbean. Limardo’s inventive Latin-inspired fare has earned local and international accolades, most recently during his stint from 2014 to 2019 as the Executive Chef at Alma Cocina Latina, in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was named the best Chef in Baltimore by Baltimore Magazine in 2016. Together with accomplished Executive Sous Chef José Ignacio “Nacho” Useche, Seven Reasons has created a menu divided into seven sections: snacks, small plates, medium plates, large plates, desserts, cocktails and wines & cocktails.

“Seven is the seeker, the person who is intuitively trying to find the truth by looking for something different and unique,” said Chef Limardo. “We want to unlock surprising culinary experiences for our guests by using techniques such as freeze dry, sous vide, liquid nitrogen, and dry ice treatments. Our purpose is to recreate Latin-inspired dishes to be experienced in new ways through unexpected flavors and fun, innovative plating that reminds the diner of the landscapes where the foods come from.”

Photo by Jennifer Chase

Menu highlights include Ravioli de Chuchos, a modern version of a Venezuelan fish stew lasagna traditionally made with sweet plantains, fish, sofrito, and cheese. Chef Limardo’s twist on the dish is made with plantain dough, skate fish, cheese foam, and squid ink sauce. Other dishes include standout items such as Cheese “Arepas” made with a spicy chancaça syrup, Lobster Ceviche with coconut leche de tigre, lemongrass extract, crispy quinoa, purple sweet potato and trout caviar and Wagyu Coulotte: roasted potato, smoked tomato cumin sauce and heart of palm and cucumber salad. The signature dessert, Pink Guava, is composed of pink guava dulce de leche foam with raspberry croutons.

Photo by Jennifer Chase

Bar manager Josue Gonzalez, most recently bartended at Bresca and St. Anselm, relied on his Cuban roots and years of experience at award-winning cocktail bars in Miami, Florida, to create a drink menu inspired by the diversity of South America and the Caribbean. Rum, Cachaça, Pisco, Sake, Shochu, Tequila, and Mezcal are all featured on the cocktail list and drinks are infused using exotic fruits, vegetables and spices from the Amazon. “As a culinary school graduate, I’m equally passionate about food and drink,” said Gonzalez. “Sustainability is important to us, and Chef Enrique and I will work together to ensure that every part of each ingredient is used either in the kitchen or behind the bar.”

The restaurant’s interior was inspired by nature using a mix of different textures and applications to create a warm and elegant space. Ivy is extensively draped throughout, along exposed brick and concrete finished walls. The jungle theme continues with wall columns of plants highlighted by natural light from the triple height ceiling. Chartreuse banquettes are complemented by mid-century modern dining chairs in purple tweed, charcoal suede and tan leather. Laser cut wood pendant lights are suspended at different lengths above the staircase. The outdoor patio, opening in the coming weeks, can seat 30 and the mezzanine can be reserved for private parties.

Seven Reasons will accept reservations through Resy. Operating hours will be Tuesday – Thursday 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.; and Sunday from 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.”