Mio

Mio opened last Friday near my office and I was glad to check it out with Amy last night before heading to another happy hour. We entered the clean and cool space and really liked the vibe right away. Hues of various blues as well as light and dark wood and pale, tan granite permeate the venue. The lines are clean and the look is elegant yet casual and comfortable too. The blue and tan theme even continues with the staff. The bartenders were wearing royal blue button downs and khakis and the waitstaff was adorned in light blue button downs and khakis. A really nice look. We sat at the curved bar toward the entrance and Amy ordered a glass of 2005 El Primavera Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain. It was nice and fruity. It was a fairly warm evening and I have gotten back into preferring whites as of late with the season and all, so I had a glass of 2005 Domaine Bellevue Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley. It was crisp and refreshing and not too acidic. For those so inclined, Mio offers $4 cocktails - the standards as well as a few jazzed up treats - until 7pm on weekdays at the bar. The menu is tempting overall, but we opted to stay inexpensive and ordered two sides - we shared Caramelized Jerusalem Artichokes and Amy had Creamy Polenta and Picón Cheese. The artichokes were beautifully caramelized and were served with fried chives which was a nice touch. They were almost the consistency of a potato and were really delightful. I had a small bite of the polenta too which was creamy and yummy but not too rich. The cheese gave it the perfect amount of tangy and earthy richness. Next time I go back I want to try one of the bigger plates - perhaps Grilled Lamb Loin with Grilled Eggplant and Harissa Sauce, Sliced Sirloin and Melted Fontina on Mini Baguette with Sherry dipping Jus or 5 chili Braised Short Ribs with Chimichurri. Definitely a great addition to the downtown restaurant scene, and one I hope to return to soon.

Mio

1110 Vermont Avenue in NW DC

http://www.miorestaurant.com/