New Downtown Brasserie Starts Out Raw

New hotel restaurant Opaline is rolling out its all-day menu of classic French dishes on Thursday, May 3. The modern brasserie, which replaces fusion restaurant Ici Urban Bistro at the Sofitel, features Gallic favorites covering surf, turf, and sugary sweets.

The core menu includes: a few raw bar items (a half-dozen oysters runs $18; shrimp cocktail is $17); assorted cheeses and charcuterie ($7 apiece or three for $18; but there’s no mixing and matching between the two) including funky cabrales, creamy tomme, and zesty chorizo; assorted appetizers ($9-$18) ranging from French onion soup and caper-studded steak tartare to steamed mussels and boudin blanc with caramelized onions; a handful of salads ($11-$19); entrees ($16-$36) including a cheesy croque monsieur sandwich, duck a l’orange, and steak frites; a trio of platters ($38-$45) including whole branzino, bouillabaisse, and roasted chicken; and assorted desserts ($8-$12) ranging from sugar-dusted beignets served with caramel sauce to pavlova accompanied by tropical fruits.

The restaurant plans to offer complimentary Champagne from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. during the grand opening. There will also be cocktail specials throughout the evening.

Status: Scheduled to open on May 3. 806 15th Street NW; website.

Scroll down to see some of the opening menu items and specialty drinks from the bar:

Opaline/official photo

Opaline/official photo

1. Look Inside Downtown’s Elegant New Brasserie [EDC]
2. The Most Anticipated Restaurants in D.C., Spring 2018 [EDC]
3. Downtown Sofitel Unveils Plans for an Upscale French Restaurant [EDC]