Sook Opens in DC: A Fresh All-Day Cafe, Market, and Wine Bar

Rose Previte, the renowned restaurateur behind Compass Rose, has launched a new concept called Sook in Washington, D.C. This all-day café, market, and wine bar officially opened its doors in July 2023, replacing the beloved Compass Rose, which closed after eleven successful years.

Sook embraces a more casual atmosphere, providing a space for locals to gather, work, or unwind with friends. The café has already been serving pastries and coffee during the day, but its full evening menu debuted to eager patrons. The new offerings feature comforting dishes, such as a classic grilled cheese and inventive potato chip “nachos” topped with prosciutto, olives, cornichons, and Parmesan.

Previte has a strong connection to Georgian cuisine, having previously popularized khachapuri, the cheesy, buttery flatbread, at Compass Rose. Now, Sook serves this dish throughout the day, alongside a range of other options that reflect a blend of culinary influences.

Community-Focused Concept

Sook is designed to foster community interaction, a vision that Previte and her long-time friend, Sashi Jayatileke, hope to achieve. Jayatileke, who recently transitioned from her role at USAID, shares Previte’s passion for creating a gathering place. According to Previte, “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.’”

The café’s interior, adorned in jewel tones and greenery, invites visitors to enjoy standard espresso drinks alongside unique creations like a fig-leaf latte or ginger-tamarind espresso tonic. Breakfast options include a bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwich on milk bread and a Lebanese breakfast featuring za’atar flatbread, feta, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

As the afternoon unfolds, Sook transitions into its evening service, introducing a diverse menu that includes Middle Eastern-inspired dishes such as Syrian seven-spice chicken wings, a chopped salad with labneh ranch, and French fries drizzled with garlicky toum and zhough. Classic American fare is also available, including a smash burger, an Italian hoagie, and a BLT.

Expansive Beverage Offerings

The drink menu at Sook is particularly noteworthy, featuring an extensive selection of natural wines alongside “esoteric” options like a Slovenian amber wine and sparkling varieties from Greece. Previte has ensured that the beverage selection also includes refreshing spritzes and a classic espresso martini, stating, “I can’t have this whole big new espresso machine and not give you an espresso martini.”

In addition to its café and wine bar, Sook operates as a market, offering various specialty products. Patrons can purchase spice blends from Maydan, including ribeye rub and dukkah, as well as other imported items like unfiltered Lebanese olive oil and smoky tahini from Iraqi Kurdistan. Furthermore, all wines sold at Sook are available at retail prices for customers to take home.

As Sook establishes itself within the vibrant Washington, D.C. culinary scene, it aims to become a cherished destination for both locals and visitors alike.