Here’s the dish! Earlier this month, I visited Succotash at the National Harbor (located at 186 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745). I’ve lived in Southeast D.C. for a little over a year, and I’ll admit that I don’t frequent the National Harbor as often as I should. A MeetUp.com group I’m a member of sent out a meet up for lunch there on Veteran’s Day (since so many federal workers have the day off), so when a friend from college who recently relocated back to the area wanted to catch up, I suggested Succotash. A collaboration between five-time James Beard Award nominee Edward Lee (from Bravo’s Top Chef and PBS’s The Mind of a Chef) and Knead Hospitality + Design, Succotash is fairly new to the National Harbor, opening only a few months ago. I was pleased to learn from the hostess, Deborah, that the weekend we visited was the first time they seated for brunch. As their website describes, “[Chef] Lee brings his Korean roots and Southern repertoire to a soulful Southern menu,” so I was excited see what culinary creations were in store for us.
My first impression of the restaurant was a good one; I loved the atmosphere they set the moment you walk in the door. It’s beautifully decorated with detailed wood work and some of the most beautiful wrought iron work I’ve ever seen. I would best describe it as Restoration Hardware meets Bourbon Street. I was ecstatic to find out from the bartender that all of the lighting in the restaurant was actually from Restoration Hardware, so I was spot on. The open-concept coffered ceiling is spectacular and features a floral design in the middle of the restaurant, highlighting a Medieval-inspired chandelier. Breathtakingly beautiful would be the words I’d use to describe it. Our party of five was seated in a cozy circular booth along the back wall of the restaurant, and as a self-proclaimed Southern Belle, I immediately smiled when I spotted the stemless, amber water goblets that reminded me of pieces from my grandmother’s China cabinet.
We didn’t hesitate jumping into order. After reading the description (simply “Deliciousness”) for the Sticky Bun ($10), we definitely knew we wanted to start our meal off with one. We were a bit disappointed when our server returned to the table to let us know that the Sticky Bun was not actually being served that day, but we didn’t let us get it down for too long. We proceeded to order the Smoked Chicken Wings ($10), which are served with celery slaw and a white barbecue sauce; the Fried Green Tomatoes ($9), served with goat cheese, arugula, and a buttermilk dressing; and the Weisenberger Mills Skillet Cornbread ($9). We went in on those starters like a bunch of savage beasts! I regularly order Fried Green Tomatoes when they’re on a menu, and these are some of the best I’ve ever had. They were fried to perfection, and the accompaniment of the goat cheese and arugula salad took the flavor to a new level. We may or may not have been fork jousting for the last bite. The wings were equally delicious; they had a great smoky flavor, and I had never tried white barbecue sauce before, and it was quite tasty (check out a recipe for it here). I’m generally not a fan of cornbread (I know, revoke my southern card immediately) unless it’s really sweet (like Jiffy sweet), and the skillet cornbread from Succotash is unsweetened. At first bite, I didn’t fancy it, but then we ordered a side of honey and the sopping commenced. If you prefer your cornbread on the sweeter side, I would highly recommend ordering honey with yours.
Our entrees did not disappoint either. I have a thing for a tasty Pimento Cheese Burger ($15), so when I saw it on their menu, I knew immediately I would order it. Succotash serves theirs with some very delicious bacon jam; I could seriously eat it out of a jar with nothing but a spoon and a smile. The pimento cheese itself packed a punch, but it wasn’t overpowering. I wish we would’ve had an extra friend green tomato left over, because that’s the only thing I could think of that would make that burger even more delicious than it already was. Two people in our party ordered the Fried Chicken & Waffles ($16), an absolute staple in southern cuisine. I love that Succotash serves only dark meat with this dish; dark meat is just more flavorful and juicy, in my opinion, especially when fried. They serve theirs with bourbon maple syrup and top it with shaved Manchego cheese and pickled okra. My friends did mention that the fried chicken could use a bit more seasoning, but it was nothing a little salt couldn’t fix. Overall, they both enjoyed the dish. If you prefer to eat clean, the Dirty Cobb Salad ($15) is absolutely what you shouldn’t order at Succotash (lol). The fried chicken breast is covered in the most delicious spicy and smoky sauce and served alongside bacon, avocado, egg, cornbread croutons, green beans, grape tomatoes, and buttermilk dressing. If you’re going to eat your veggies, this is most certainly the way to go! Baby steps, right?! Lastly, the Pulled Pork Sandwich ($13), served with collard greens and house pickles, was a hit, as well. The pork is dressed with a vinegar-based sauce, so if you fancy a more traditional barbecue sauce (like me), I would recommend ordering a side of the spicy, smoky sauce they use on the Dirty Cobb Salad. It might be a bit more messy, but definitely worth it.
It’s always great to catch up with friends over a good meal, and Succotash provides the perfect ambiance for a reunion or special event such as an anniversary or birthday. I will definitely be back at lunch or dinner to continue to taste my way through their menu. I’m ecstatic to have found a unique and delicious restaurant so close to my house!
Until next time, folks. Keep dishing!
The Dish With Kat 