Latin-Asian Fusion Restaurant 'Sakerum' Opens Monday in DC

WASHINGTON, DC — Are you in the mood to combine the flavors of Latin America with traditional Japanese sushi? The brand new restaurant Sakerum that is opening Monday on 14th Street is offering exactly that.

As you can probably guess, the name is inspired by the spirits celebrated in those two cultures: sake and rum. Describing itself as an Asian-Latin restaurant and cocktail lounge, Sakerum will open near the 14th and U Street intersection at 2204 14th Street NW on Aug. 22, according to a statement.

"The two-story resto-lounge fuses the restrained elegance and vibrant energy of Asian and Latin cultures," the statement reads. "The atmosphere is modeled, in part, on the traditional Japanese concept of the izakaya, a warm, welcoming gastropub -- tinged with the flair of a Latin lounge."

The restaurant promises that its menu will "offer an exciting blend of flavors and cultures based on innovative recipes."

The restaurant will cover 3,600 square feet and have bars on both of its floors, as well as a private dining space and 90-seat retractable rooftop space on the second floor.

Curious about what a Latin-inspired sushi roll might look like? Take the Mar y Tierra Roll, for example, which is a sushi "sushi made with Maine lobster tail and scorched Miyazaki Wagyu beef," and Yaki Tako, which is "tender grilled octopus brushed with lemon oil and served with orange-mango picante."

The interior was designed to highlight textiles from both the Latin and Asian cultures. It uses Asian minimalism and adds to it with "whimsical art, found objects and gilded bird cages."

The restaurant will be open every day starting at 5 p.m. Sakerum will offer brunch starting this fall.

Image via Sakerum