Room 11 Opens This Week
One of several watering holes opening this season, Room 11 at Lamont and 11th Street in Columbia Heights officially opens its doors tonight. With an outdoor patio and affordable prices, this small wine bar just outside the over-developed frenzy that has become Columbia Heights is sure to be a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
According to co-owner Ben Gilligan, Room 11 is leaving behind pretension and excess and going for a more affordable, approachable atmosphere. They currently have 24 wines available by glass or bottle and the most expensive pour is only $12. Best part: all the pours are a full 6 ounces. "We're not into micro-pouring," explained Gilligan.
The modest but respectable beer selection includes two rotating taps and six bottles. With the inaugural line-up, co-owner and bar manager Dan Searing has covered the bases in terms of styles. Available on draft this week are Brooklyn Brewery's Pilsener and Victory's Hop Devil. Bottles include De Koninck's Belgian pale ale, Weihanstephaner Hefeweiss, North Coast's Old Rasputin Imperial Stout, Lindeman's Framboise, Gaffel Koelsch, and our favorite of their current options: Orval. They are offering a blend of the imperial stout and the framboise called a "Raspberry Truffle." With the right cheese or chocolate it could work. Head down when you get a chance and find out.
4:26 pm
I like the idea of the raspberry truffle, but it'll have to be about 90% lambic for the chocolate stout to not totally drown the fruit flavor.