El Cielo Washington DC - The Little Arepa

As you know, I’m on a mission to showcase Colombian flavors not only through my own recipes, but also by highlighting restaurants! For each visit, I will discuss the following categories when describing my experience: Ambience, Colombian Connection, Favorite Dish, and Tips.

We were so excited when we found out that El Cielo was coming to DC! (Currently, they have locations in Miami, Medellin, and Bogota as well). As soon as we could, we made dinner reservations. El Cielo offers an a la carte brunch and dinner menu and a couple different types of tasting menus. We opted for their 25 course vegetarian tasting menu.

Ambience: El Cielo mixes earthy and wooden tones with vibrant greens to create a themed but elegant, modern, and fun vibe that somehow still feels cozy. When you walk-in it feels upscale, but does not feel up-tight. The front of the restaurant has outdoor seating and is a bit more casual and it’s also where they serve the a la carte menu. Towards the back you will find a smaller space that gives off speakeasy and lounge vibes. This area is close to the kitchen and this is where you will be seated if you choose the tasting menu. All along the walls you will find cool items or Colombian artifacts that help add heritage to the space.

Colombian Connection: El Cielo is the first Colombian concept restaurant in the world to be awarded with a Michelin Star. Chef and owner Juan Manuel is originally from Medellin, Colombia. He has other El Cielo locations in Medellin, Bogota, and Miami as well. Most recently, he also opened a hotel in Medellin.

Favorite Dish: All of the dishes were of course amazing! But some of the standout moments for me came from a few particular dishes. The first was the yuca gnocchi. It was such a creative twist, it was hearty and creamy and so savory. I knew while I was eating it that I was experiencing something truly beautiful and unique. I remember thinking “enjoy this taste, savor this taste, its THAT good”.. Then there was the chocolate hand soak. I didn’t photograph this dish because it was truly a tactile experience, a moment. This was a pleasant surprise and truly iconic. The last dish I’d like to highlight felt really personal. It was the cream cheese filled crab cake with aji pique. I felt very seen by this dish as it’s a playful homage to my Colombian roots and my Maryland-born husband.

Tips:

· Be sure to make reservations ahead of time to secure your preferred day and time

· Be sure to try their cocktail/drinks

· Plan ahead to see if the a la carte or the tasting menu is best for your visit

· There is plenty of parking nearby, but it tends to get filled up quick, especially on the weekends so be sure to factor that in.

Overall, everything was so delicious, ultra unique, and very Colombian! There were tons of surprises embedded throughout that gave the dinner an unexpected immersive twist, but I won’t spoil the experience. You will have to check it out yourself and see! Instead below are a few pics of our favorite dishes!