Several weeks ago, Y&H's Remixology column challenged Mandu bartender Phil Anova to dream up a cocktail using the savory spice sumac, and the result was a mind-bogglingly good drink that earned him 5 out of 5 on our improv points scale. The folks at Mandu must've been into the drink too, because it made the cut for their seasonal summer cocktail menu. The $11 drink has been dubbed "The Way Sumac Me Feel," and you can try it right now at Mandu's K Street NW location.
"I like how this drink kind of throws you for a loop. It's surprising how well these ingredients pair together," Anova said. "You can smell the sumac in the drink, but when you taste it, you get something refreshing and tart. This is a perfect cocktail for the adventurous drinker."
An extra reason to stop by Mandu's K Street location? The late-night Korean pop-up Anju is back tonight, and this time, chefs Jonah Kim, Kyle Bailey, and Tiffany MacIsaac will be helping out chef and owner Danny Lee in the kitchen. The snacky menu includes kimchi pickled oysters, tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) fries, soondae pork blood sausage, double fried chicken wings, and much more. Most dishes are $6 each or $15 for three. The menu—posted below—is available from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. No reservations required. If you miss it, Anju will be back the first Friday of every month.