When Executive Chef Drew Trautmann and proprietors Eli Hengst and Jared Rager (of Mendocino in Georgetown) announced that they were opening a restaurant where Il Raddichio used to be, Capitol Hill food watchers were understandably excited. On a block inhabited by a Burrito Brothers, the Capitol Lounge, and formerly a Chesapeake Bagel Bakery, the new American cuisine of the sort served at Mendocino was welcome change. The Hill has seen a few good new restaurants pop up, but most of the development was focused on Barracks Row. With Sonoma opening at 223 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, the blocks of the Hill usually known for bars and bar food finally got a fine dining option.
Prior to the official opening (this weekend), DCist had a chance to preview Chef Trautmann’s menu. Our choices at Sonoma were limited, as the restaurant was in preview mode. However, even the work in progress menu had some decidedly delicious options.
