Tom Sietsema Gives Mio 2.5 Stars Thanks to a New Chef

This week Tom Sietsema files his re-review of Mio, the five-year-old restaurant blocks away from Washington Post headquarters. Now that Mio has brought in a new chef in the form of Giovanna Huyke, it earns 2.5 stars and a fairly glowing review from the critic, who writes that the hiring of Huyke is "probably the best business decision [owner Manuel Iguina] has made in a long time." Though the restaurant retains its pan-Latin American flavors, Sietsema writes that the addition of a San Juan native chef will make you wonder long for more Puerto Rican food options in DC:

Shrimp glazed with citrus and arranged on a pedestal of mofongo is a good place to start. The pan-fried seafood is red and kicky with cayenne and paprika; the base, a mash of fried ripe plantains, nuggets of salt-cured ham and garlic, is sweet, starchy comfort.

Sietsema acknowledges that not all the dishes are so amazing, but the review highlights only the positive — including the friendly service that Sietsema swears is not just due to the fact that Iguina recognizes him since the critic's friends report that "the service is warm and helpful even for those who aren't paid to eat." [WaPo]

Rina Rapuano checks out the Corned Beef King food truck for the Washington Post this week and finds a truck that's full of potential: "Rossler cooks the already-corned meat for 11 hours, a process that involves slow roasting and re-seasoning it with his own pickling spices, onions and 'secret sweeteners.' The result might make you feel as if you need a shower and a nap afterward, but it's worth it." [WaPo]

THE BLOGS: DC-Wrapped Dates had a few missteps at CityZen, top-notch seafood at Pearl Dive Oyster Palace, great steaks at BLT Steak and decides that the Inn at Little Washington totally deserves all the accolades; DMV Dining had an exceptional meal at Obelisk.

Mio [Photo: Kerri D./Yelp]