Tasty Tuesdays: Highlands

Formerly the location of the original Mocha Hut in DC, Highlands began its transition by extending the coffee shop's hours and offering dinner specials, something the shop had never seen before. In the 14th St. heights neighborhood, there are few restaurants nearby that stay open past six or seven, especially on weekdays. It immediately became a hit among local business owners looking for dinner during after-hours work.

Don't get me wrong- Highlands doesn't look like a living room, as it is a professional establishment, but there's much about it that makes you feel at home. A smaller venue, it is not uncommon for Chef Garay, his wife, or his children to come and sit with a solo customer or familiar faces to ask how they are enjoying their meal, or talk of the day's happenings.

You walk into photographs and artwork on the wall from local artists and a mural that was recently painted on the west wall. When the weather allows, the fixtures around the front windows are opened, and tables are available outlooking 14th St. Heights.

When first deciding what I wanted to order, I asked Chef Moe Garay to surprise me. I prefaced by giving my dietary food restrictions. Then I began listing things I just don't eat. The list was getting longer until Chef Garay stopped me. "How can you be a critic if you don't eat anything?" he said, with a smile. So true. I laughed and started over by saying "surprise me."

And surprised, I was.

Soon after I had placed my surprise order, this beautiful number was brought to my table:

Shrimp Linguini with a white wine sauce. It seems simple enough, but I had never seen it made this way. Green, red, and yellow peppers were shredded on the top, which added a unique flavor to the entire dish. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this rich flavor, since peppers had originally been on my list of foods to stay away from. I was, in the end, glad they were there.

A white wine sauce can take many textures. This one was neither too thick or too thin, complimenting the linguini shrimp, and other vegetables rather than overpowering them.

We mustn't forget Highlands' special fruit drink, which I ordered after a customer's recommendation. Freshly made, it is served with ice and topped with different fruit chippings. It is definitely made for those who have a palate for sweet treats, like smoothies and cordials.

Chef Moe Garay describes his cuisine at Highlands as "Southern cuisine with a Latin touch". As soon as he said this, I liked it and wished I had coined it myself. With a menu to satisfy the diverse palates that 14th St. Heights represent, Highlands is that neighborhood restaurant combining the comforts of being at home with the luxury of eating out and discovering fine cuisine.

Highlands is located at: 4706 14th St NWWashington, DC 20011