Photo by Bobby Spero
Newly opened
Bar Elena (414 H Street NE) will begin serving weekend brunch tomorrow, and the
menu features some pretty tempting items. You find versions of brunch classics, such as cornmeal pancakes (available in sweet for $11 or savory for $16), and three different Eggs Benedict (lobster $18, ham $12, or smoked salmon $13), plus salads, sandwiches, and plenty of seafood options. Some items are, or can be altered to be gluten free, or vegetarian/vegan. Carnivores can enjoy a classic burger ($14), but Bar Elena also offers an intriguing beet and chickpea burger with black beans and pico ($13). As I mentioned, seafood makes a prominent appearance on the menu. There's a buttered lobster roll with fennel slaw ($18), moules frites in a dijon cream or tomato jus ($15), and well as selections of oysters and clams from the raw bar. A press release suggested the Spaghetti Sandwich (served on a baguette with tomato sauce and gran padano, $12) if you happen to have over-indulged the night before. Elena's brunch cocktail game is strong with Mimosas, Poinsettias, and Bellinis. Bloody Marys, Micheladas, and Caesars among the options.