Compass Rose Transforms into Sook: A New Dining Experience in DC

After 11 successful years, Rose Previte has closed her renowned restaurant, Compass Rose, located on 14th Street in Washington, D.C. The establishment has been reborn as Sook, an all-day café, market, and wine bar that aims to offer a more relaxed dining experience. The transition marks a new chapter for Previte, whose culinary journey has taken her from one innovative concept to another.

A New Concept for All-Day Dining

Sook officially opened its doors this month, introducing a diverse menu designed to cater to patrons at all times of the day. While the café has already been serving pastries and coffee, the full evening menu launched recently. Guests can now enjoy an array of playful comfort foods, ranging from a classic grilled cheese sandwich to potato chip “nachos” adorned with prosciutto, olives, cornichons, and parmesan cheese. The much-loved khachapuri, a cheesy Georgian flatbread that gained popularity at Compass Rose, is now available throughout the day.

The ambitious 10,000-square-foot venue also incorporates an outpost of Maydan and features stalls from various California-based eateries. Previte conceptualized Sook during her time in Los Angeles and envisioned it as a fitting option for the compact D.C. rowhouse that previously housed Compass Rose. “A little of it was just the practicality of not having to create a new concept every single time,” Previte explained.

Community Focus and a Love for Wine

At Sook, Previte has partnered with long-time friend Sashi Jayatileke, who recently left her position at USAID after 14 years. The duo first met in Moscow and has since remained close friends. “She’s like, ‘You know what? I’m realizing my cohort of friends, who had this horrible thing happen to them unexpectedly, needs a place to gather,'” Previte noted. With this sentiment in mind, Sook aims to foster a community atmosphere where locals can meet for coffee, pastries, or simply to enjoy the vibrant space adorned with greenery and jewel tones.

The morning offerings include classic espresso drinks alongside unique creations such as a fig-leaf latte and a ginger-tamarind espresso tonic. Additionally, patrons can savor a bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwich on milk bread or experience a Lebanese breakfast featuring za’atar flatbread, feta, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

As the clock strikes 15:00, Sook transitions to its evening offerings. The menu includes Middle Eastern-inspired dishes like Syrian seven-spice chicken wings served with Lebanese-style salsa verde, a chopped salad featuring labneh ranch, and French fries accompanied by garlicky toum and zhough. More familiar options such as a classic smash burger, an Italian hoagie, and a BLT are also available.

The beverage selection focuses heavily on natural wines, including some “esoteric” options such as a Slovenian amber wine and a sparkling variety from Greece. Sook also features an array of spritzes and an espresso martini, a nod to Previte’s passion for coffee. “I can’t have this whole big new espresso machine, and not give you an espresso martini,” she remarked.

A Marketplace for Unique Flavors

Beyond the café and bar, Sook operates as a market, offering specialty items like spice blends from Maydan, including ribeye rub and dukkah, which is typically paired with halloumi. A selection of products, including unfiltered Lebanese olive oil and smoky tahini imported from Iraqi Kurdistan, adds to the unique culinary experience.

For those interested in taking a piece of Sook home, the venue also functions as a bottle shop, allowing customers to purchase wines at retail prices. Previte’s vision for Sook reflects her commitment to creating a welcoming space that celebrates food, community, and the joy of gathering.