The Foodie Files- Washington DC
Bandolero by Mike Isabella Restaurant Review
Foodie Contributor- Lia Seremetis
Chef Mike Isabella’s follow up to the outstanding Graffiato in Chinatown did not disappoint. Bandolero is immediately striking with its open layout, exposed brick, an open kitchen and a unique, almost eerie décor. While waiting for my friends to arrive I took some liberties with the cocktail menu and ordered a pitcher of the “Bandolero” margarita with Espolon blanco tequila, Patron Citronage, lime, and blood orange. Delicious, refreshing, stiff. Did I mention this margarita was on tap? Graffiato boasts Proseco on tap as well– it speaks to Mike Isabella’s penchant for doing things a little differently.
Bandolero is a small plates restaurant meaning everything is meant to be shared. We went big and ordered what is essentially the “sampler platter” of dips. The guacamole came with house-made corn tortilla crisps and chicarrones, the “Sikil Pak” is a pumpkin seed puree (think hummus and tahini) with jalapeno and a hint of orange, and the “Totopos” are spicy tortilla chips served with a light crema to cool it down.
We moved on to slightly heartier fare and ordered the Snapper tostadas served with mango, jicama and peanuts. All that crunch pared with the lightness of the snapper was perfect.
Our stomachs were full and the first pitcher had turned to a third, but we powered through. We ended our meal with two different types of tacos. The suckling pig taco was delicious with apple and a house-made habanero mustard. If I could put that mustard on everything from this day forward I absolutely would.
Finally the wild mushroom taco with tomatillo and chipotle to finish our meal was wonderful, light, and very fresh.
Bandolero is located at 3241 M St. NW in Georgetown. Check it out!
