TIMELESS ROOTS MEDIA 'Culturally Conscious' GLOBAL EXCHANGES

TIMELESS ROOTS MEDIA NETWORK~ ‘Culturally Conscious Media’

REVIEW by Hailemah A. Solomon

 Introducing!  RAS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE~ 4809 GEORGIA AVENUE, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20011

OPEN 10:00 A.M UNTIL!   LATE NIGHT BREAKFASTS ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS AND TAKE-OUT ALSO AVAILABLE. 

The moment I entered the Ras Restaurant & Lounge I knew I was in for a treat of culinary visual and sensual delights! Sensual in that one’s entire senses are engaged fully upon experiencing this gem of a find in Northwest Washington. Awakened by the colourful images of art works, cultural sounds, and appealing ambience of this rich oasis.

The owner Elias, welcomed me warmly as he remembered me from the days of his proprietorship of the legendary Kaffa House , a previous establishment he owned in the U street corridor in the mid 90’s.  Since Kaffa House, there has been a void in Washington D.C. for the real roots and culture of the Afrikan Diaspora.

We sat at the great ample wooden bar on black leather stools, quietly speaking on our updates and my reason for visiting. My two-fold purpose was to deliver some current copies of the Reggae Festival Guide magazines that I represent as a sales and marketing agent. I brought Elias up to date with my Timeless Roots Media Network, of Advertising and Public Relations and offered to do this review before returning on Saturday for a joint Ras Punch project and my new Book Release.

It is mid-afternoon in upper N.W. Washington and the slower than normal traffic allows me to have a private audience with the owners Mesfin and Elias. They are both as equally gracious as Mary, my waitress for the afternoon lunch that I was so looking forward to. I settle in to order and enjoy the Injera and vegetables tray. This spread of delectable delights is well worth the price at only $10.00. My tray is delivered with full regalia of a gorgeous Ethiopian colourfully designed pottery dish laid out with individual portions of curried cabbage, greens, lentils, spiced lentils and slithered beet roots. It is served with the traditional Inerja, an Ethiopian soft, spongy flat “bread” that is most delicious with the accompanying samples.

With a varied menu of Late Night Breakfasts, to All Day Breakfasts, Lunch, Dinner and in between side dishes, the choices are a delightful blend of Afrikan, Caribbean and familiar American favourites, like pancakes and rich deserts. For the vegetarian crowd, like me, the entrees are both mouth watering and satisfying. From Herbed Carrot and Tomato Salad to Ginger and Garlic Tufu Salads, along with the soup of the day, all available at just $5.00, no one leaves without the palette unfulfilled!

A variety of Lunch and Dinner specials like Bake and Shark with lettuce and tomato filling and reasonable priced at just $8.00. Off course the richness of many spicy and curried dishes are not to be by passed! Curried Chicken served with either Gouda grits or Rice and Peas is a hefty choice but not so heftily priced at just $8.00. With breakfast all day, the smashing Roasted Tomato, Spinach and Spiced Goat Cheese omelet is guaranteed to keep you coming forward!

The famous Inerja Bread is well accompanied by Kit-fo, Beef tips and Lamb tips, and of course, my favourite, the spread of vegetable sides, topped with hottish sliced green peppers, just exquisite!

While I was sampling the culinary treats and taking some choice shots around the restaurant, I noticed the flow of traffic encouraging some youthful patrons as well as some mature adults obviously enjoying the great atmosphere, music and alluring stream of tantalizing food aromas coming from the chef’s galley. The service by Mary, the pretty Ethiopian waitress, is engaging and she is well trained in food preparation, presentation, knowledge and sales by encouraging patrons to try items such as the sinfully good deserts like chocolate and carrots cakes, and strawberry cheesecakes. I pass them up for my upcoming return visit this Saturday night.

The sound ambience is just at the right level , perched high up over the entrance arches, is a monitor advertising culturally conscious music. It is a perfect audio backdrop for dinning in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The sweet sounds of Reggae and World Music hover just so lovingly over the seating areas including the terrific bar graced with vivid Afrikan art. I am a huge art fan and am thoroughly enjoying the choice pieces of explosive colour in Afrikan and Island art that drape the entire length of the restaurant. I quickly return to my car to retrieve my camera to do some justice to this magical place. The square footage is roughly 1,700 square feet of dining areas, bar, stage, dance floor and miscellaneous adjoining rooms as well as a downstairs yet unfinished, being used for storage.

The attractively designed booths and upholstered seating in dark ocean blue leather seats backed with cushioned red, gold and green tapestry is alluring and inviting against the bright citrus green walls.   I immediately envision this location as a new mecca for the arts and culture in Washington D.C. and even reasoned a bit with the owner, Elias, who mentioned bringing back the legendary Midnite Band, who started out at his first location , Kaffa House, to perform at this new location.

The deepest part of the Restaurant & Lounge is the stage area, with equipment set up for live performances. Elias reminds me that he is awaiting the liquor license to incorporate a full bar for patrons. This space is large enough o accommodate a full band, with ample space for dancing by the after dinner or evening crowds. Lighting is adequate to read in the dining areas, with just enough to maintain the ambiance of the warm and cozy feel of this most inviting spot.

Elias leaves , but not before graciously thanking me for the visit and the gesture of this review. I promised I would return personally to post the review on his bar this Saturday. I give thanks to the lovely trio of patrons in the opening photo, as well as to Elias and Mesfin , and of course Mary, for their warm welcome and a great afternoon delight of Soul stirring food, music and relaxation.