5507 Connecticut Ave, NW photo by Elisa Haddid
From a press release:
“Restaurateur Aaron Gordon, behind Little Beast and Red Light, along with Chef Mike Kang, will launch MiShi, a new Japanese sushi and izakaya pop-up inside BirdSong Thai, at 5507 Connecticut Avenue NW, beginning Thursday, September 17th.
The launch also marks the introduction of lunch service at BirdSong, previously open only for dinner. Guests will be able to order from both MiShi’s Japanese menu from Chef Michael Kang and BirdSong’s Thai menu from Chef Kiti Ma—“two distinct kitchens, one table.”
Kang is a longtime fixture in Washington’s restaurant scene whose résumé includes The Oval Room, Ardeo/Bardeo, Oyamel and Nobu, as well as The Aviary in Chicago. At MiShi,
he brings that experience to a relaxed, neighborhood setting centered on high-quality fish at an approachable price point and the convivial, shareable style of a Japanese izakaya.
For Gordon, MiShi also reflects his commitment to supporting local chefs and giving them a place to develop and showcase their own concepts. BirdSong itself began as a pop-up before evolving into its own brick-and-mortar restaurant, and MiShi gives Kang a similar platform to bring his own vision to diners.
The menu features sushi, nigiri, sashimi and hand rolls, along with hot and cold shareable plates. One highlight is a tuna flight featuring different cuts of tuna, designed to let diners experience how flavor, richness and texture vary throughout the same fish.
Other dishes include hamachi tiradito with mandarin, ají amarillo and persimmon; chawanmushi with uni and caviar; soy-braised A5 Wagyu shank with roasted carrot and pine nut congee. As a certified Level II Wagyu Sommelier, Kang has studied under master butchers in Hokkaido, the northernmost cattle farming region of Japan and the source of his varied and rarely-exhibited Wagyu cuts.
“Great sushi doesn’t have to feel intimidating or reserved for a special occasion,” says Kang. “I want guests to experience really high-quality fish while also having fun with it—to taste different cuts, understand their textures and nuances, share dishes and discover what they like.”
Chef Kiti Ma’s full Thai menu will continue to be available at BirdSong, allowing guests to order from either kitchen or mix dishes from both at the same table.
photo by Elisa Haddid
MiShi at BirdSong
5507 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20015
Beginning: Dinner on Thursday, September 17th, Lunch and Dinner on Saturday, September 19th
Lunch: Tuesday–Friday, 12–3 p.m.
Dinner: Tuesday – Thursday, and Sunday 5–9 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays, 5–10 p.m.”