The DC “DCocktail” Series highlights the food, ambiance, and most especially the cocktails at restaurants in and around the District of Columbia.  We find out about the background of the cocktail menu and how the restaurant uses it to make its mark on the nation’s capital.

In the heart of DuPont Circle and adjacent to Hotel Madera, Firefly (1310 New Hampshire Avenue NW, 20036) offers quintessential American food and cocktails.  I chatted with Bar Manager, Jason Smith, about what inspires him to keep Firefly’s menu fresh and on trend.

Cocktails

Utilizing the hotel’s roof garden and outsourcing from other farms in the area, Firefly uses fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables in their cocktails.  For Spring, Jason plans to incorporate a ‘shrub’ menu, including ingredients like celery, cucumbers, raspberries, thyme, cantaloupe, mint and fig. Jason believes DC is still trying to grasp ‘classic cocktails’ and that execution is more important than creativity when debuting a menu.

“Late Harvest” – Brokers gin, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, lemon, red grapes

Cocktail prices were normal for DC, ranging from $9-$14.  They do offer happy hour specials with some of their more popular cocktails available for $7.

Food

Simply put, the food was superb.  Firefly’s commitment to local farmers carries over into their food, as they use the season’s best ingredients to develop their food menus.

I had the shrimp and grits, while my friend had their burger with blue cheese, bacon and a sweet potato bun with parmesan truffle fries (which I sampled too, of course).  OH-EM-GEE.  I left STUFFED.

I made friends with my neighbor at the bar and he had deviled eggs and a BBQ brisket sandwich.  How delicious do they look?  Mouth-watering, I know.

Ambiance

Firefly has a treehouse feel since there’s a (faux) tree in dining room.  I loved the intimate feeling of the restaurant, with its brick walls, dim lighting and quaint atmosphere.  It seemed like the perfect place for drinks after work or dinner with your significant other or friends.

If you end up trying Firefly, be sure to tell them I sent you!

Cheers!
Ashlee

Photo Credit: Ashlee Tuck and Firefly’s website.