We managed to sneak into the brand new Logan @ the Heights on Friday, June 22, 2007 for its opening night, and I must say, this restaurant in NO way seemed like it had just opened for business.
Despite the hour and a half wait due to opening night crowds, and what I would consider a pretty poor reservation policy (only groups of six, and only before 7PM or after 10PM), this new addition to the Columbia Heights (C-Heights Bitches!) neighborhood surpassed my expectations.
The bar offers a simple but diverse selection of beers and wines, covering all of the basics from drier to sweeter whites and reds and lighter brews to dark stouts, so there should be something for every beer and wine drinker. The mixed drinks, however, are creative and delicious. Try the blended, frozen blueberry drink with 44° Above huckleberry vodka and blueberry puree, it’s deceptively strong thanks to a sweet berry flavor that almost makes you think your drinking a fruit smoothie.
The menu at the Heights is American-inspired fair that is elevated to a higher (get it?) place.
We started with the crispy wings with sweet garlic chili expecting a simple battered and fried chicken wing, and were more than pleasantly surprised to receive an un-battered (but still very crispy) meaty collection of wings with an extremely flavorful Asian-inspired sauce and an incredible, creamy dipping sauce with equal parts sweetness and heat.
The only words I could mutter to Zach, our incredible, if not slightly-overburdened waiter, were, “World’s greatest Super Bowl party!” Zach responded that as soon as takeout is available, that could be a reality.
The mixed greens with jicama and a delightful honey-citrus dressing was next out of the kitchen, and although tasty, was an almost-forgotten detail of what was to become an incredible dinner. Although no fault of the chef (or the salad), it was just…well…a salad amongst some very fine food.
The main courses at the Heights are truly reasonable and diverse in their proteins, from a very well cooked and presented salmon, to a blue cheese stuffed filet and boneless southern fried chicken, it would be almost impossible to not find something on this menu to enjoy. I tried the maple-citrus pork loin and was blown away.
The pork loin was just the right consistency and flavor. Not too tough, but not fork-cuttable, it was just to the tender side of chewy. The flavors in the maple-citrus glaze were true to its name, and truly complimented the meat. Grill-seared slices of sweet potato were an excellent side as they benefited from the maple-citrus glaze as equally as the pork and were a fabulous combination of sweet and savory, without being overpoweringly saccharine.
Somehow still considering dessert after opening belts and pants buttons, we ordered a forgettable and somewhat soggy apple crisp and what became the highlight of the meal, a sweet and delicious slice of banana cake. Avoid the crisp…but don’t leave without the cake, which was an incredible and rich combination of banana and hazelnut flavors with a deceptive moistness.
Overall, the new Logan @ the Heights was more than an enjoyable dining experience. The wings and entrees were fantastic and offered truly distinct and unique flavors that I have yet to experience elsewhere and the banana cake was one of the most creative and delicious desserts that I’ve sampled in this city. Our server Zach was attentive, ready with recommendations (that were DEAD-ON) and seemed to truly care about the level of service and quality of product that we received. Even the bread was crusty and delicious.
Put on your Kevlar, dodge some bullets and come to my neighborhood in Columbia Heights (C-Heights, Bitches!) to experience the Heights. This restaurant is truly worth it.
On second thought…don’t come to the Heights…although food this good is worth an hour wait…I’d much rather get seated and get to eatin’!
Logan @ the Heights
Address: 3115 14th St. NW, Washington DC, 20010 (Corner of 14th & Kenyon in Columbia Heights [C-Heights Bitches!])
Cost: $15-$30 per person
Dress: casual
Bar: yes
Date Place: you bet your sweet ass
