A Classic DC Restaurant – the Red Sage, closes Friday
This weekend, I heard that one of my (and DC’s) favorite restaurants, The Red Sage, will be closing its doors on Friday, after 15 years serving Washington.
For most of that time, this upscale Santa Fe / Southwestern favorite, just blocks from the White House, (605 14th St. NW), was one of the tougher dinner reservations to get. It served modern American dishes with a unique Southwestern spin.
Its casual Boarder Grill upstairs was great for a post-work cocktail and snack. While the southwestern catacomb-like “Market” downstairs was an intimate and romantic place to celebrate life’s special occasions.
I will miss my favorite dish — the huge and spicy roasted red chile and pecan crusted chicken breast with smoked chile-honey glazed which was enough for three meals. Other favorites included the elk chop, a super-tender buffalo filet, and Atlantic salmon with crab tamale.
According to the Washington Business Journal, celebs such as the Clintons, the Bushs (Sr.), the Doles, Kevin Costner, Teri Hatcher, Supreme Court Justice Anthony Scalia and Barbara Walters dined there. The restaurant claimed escalating rent was the cause of the closure.
The Sage’s management group also operates the trendy and popular Zola and Spy City Café, both close to the International Spy Museum, and Indigo Landing in suburban Alexandria, VA.
If you get a chance, check out the Red Sage before it heads to the big round-up in the sky.
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UPDATE: Had a final lunch there today and as expected, it was great. The Red Sage will be missed. And special thanks Stefanie… for the Pecan Crusted Chicken recipe. You are too sweet!
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7 Comments
Loved the interior design in addition to the food. to me it was the interior of Washington, DC downtown restaurants. I was there when the horse mural was being painted and took pictures.
This is very sad news. I’m from NY but I had been to Red Sage a few times many years ago, including a memorable lunch (I flew down early for a business meeting) where I arrived early and got to sit at the kitchen bar and chat with the chefs. We will be in DC in a few weeks and hoped to eat at RS again, but alas I have discovered that it is not to be.
One of the most interesting interior designs ever for a restaurant, had the pleasure of working with Douglas DeBoer of Rebel Design Group who designed the entire restaurant, bar and market.
Great job Rebel Design !!!
Yes, it an interestingly decorated restaurant, with food to match.
See my You Tube Video on the closing of Red Sage and opening of TD Bank in that location:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YNICBVf234
Todd
Just what DC needed most…another bank!!
YouTube Video: Goodbye Red Sage, Hello Green TD Bank
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAagPLUTeuE