Spring has finally sprung in DC, which means there are new restaurants, bars and spring food specials blooming just as quickly as the flowers. The city is buzzing with young professionals eager to shake off the winter blues – not to mention a little hibernation weight – while still enjoying a DC staple: brunch.
Joselito: Casa de Comidas – a charming Spanish restaurant located in Eastern Market – is a welcome addition to the pack of delightful Capitol Hill restaurants causing a stir this spring. Javier Candon, the restaurant’s owner, attributes his inspiration for Joselito to his late father José. At Joselito, Javier aims to provide guests with an experience they would otherwise only find in Spain. The restaurant beams with Javier and his wife Christiana’s passion for food. Guests immediately feel the charming couple’s excitement to connect with family and friends over a leisurely meal upon meeting them. I love the way food brings people together to create memories, so I felt right at home at Joselito.
While the food at Joselito is delicious, it’s the restaurant’s intimate atmosphere that ensures guests have an authentic experience. The decor is simple, clean and homey, with family pictures and antique mementos adorning the walls. Black and white Spanish tiles lie beneath beautiful marble tables and bistro chairs imported directly from Spain. Overall, Joselito’s simple yet elegant atmosphere instantly transports guests to Old World Spain, as intended.
Joselito’s Brunch Menu
I am fortunate to have attended a kick-off soiree to launch Joselito’s brunch. While I tried nearly everything on the menu, I left feeling energized and light – quite a different sensation than that from the heavier brunches that tend to define my Sundays. Although the food is light and fresh, it is also incredibly flavorful.
I was particularly impressed with the “Hangover Helper,” – salmorejo con bacalao y polvo de aceite – which is a gazpacho with smoked salt cured cod and EVOO dust. Chef David Sierra – the former chef at Fiola Mare and SER – balances the sweetness of the tomatoes well with the saltiness of the cod.
The fisherman rice – arroz caldoso de mariscos – is Joselito’s take on paella. Actually, the restaurant does not serve paella because their kitchen is too small for the pan! However, guests will not miss the traditional dish, as the fisherman rice is seasoned well and has a generous amount of seafood per serving. It’s delicious and has a bit of a kick to it.
Another highlight was the jumbo lump crab Benedict, or huevos con carne de cangrejo. Joselito certainly does not skimp on the crab! It was cooked perfectly, and not having the starch of a typical Benedict kept this dish light and delightful.
The steak, organic eggs and fries – filete de buey con huevos fritos y papas fritas – is beautiful. Joselito cooks the meat perfectly. For this dish, the pictures say it all.
To finish off brunch with something sweet, the torrijas caseras, or Andalusian style French toast, will satisfy any craving. Served à la mode, the toast is thick and indulgent.
Lastly, for guests interested in savoring Joselito’s cocktails, bottomless brunch is just $15 and is well worth every penny.
Stop in for Brunch
Joselito serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. Whether you choose to sit on the patio or indoors, you will definitely have an authentic Spanish culinary experience at Joselito. Afterward, you may even feel energized enough for a bike ride or stroll home!