"Ulah" La La

C Says...
Owned by the same proprietors of Stoney's on P Street, Ulah is less neighborhood bar, and more neighborhood bistro. Located on U Street, Ulah specializes in basic fare like burgers and pizza with the occasional entree thrown in for good measure. Spread out among 2 floors, they both feature their own bars and banquettes to maximize the space.

J ordered mussels to start (told you, you'd see a lot of this), and I ordered the mojito chicken as an entree. Marinated in a lime and mint sauce it's served with "risotto verde." The chicken was nicely grilled and had a light, citrus flavor. The risotto had a strong mint flavor, which I enjoyed, but was a bit heavy on the butter. It's a simple dish, but was perfect for the mood I was in.

We ordered dessert, which is unusual and were met with a huge chocolate cake. I had my share of bites (5) and thought it was a nice way to finish off the meal.

Perhaps the most pleasant surprise of the evening came when we received our bill. Monday nights are apparently 1/2 price bottle of wine nights when you order 2 entrees. So, J and I basically enjoyed are least expensive meal of this experience on a fluke -- about $35 each for an appetizer, 2 entrees, a bottle of wine, and dessert. Not too shabby for an up and coming urban bistro.
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J Says...
When C first suggested Ulah, I did not know what to think…or how to pronounce its name. Those hesitations quickly faded as I walked into the aesthetically-pleasing spacious, yet quant restaurant in the up-and-coming U street corridor. From the charming votive candles mounted on the exposed brick wall to the standard bar for which those who did not make a reservation in advance were confined too, everything in Ulah stated (subtly of course) that this restaurant was here to stay.

The service was playful yet sweet, with the waitress having a bit of a problem with the screw-cap bottle of wine. The mussels appetizer was delicious and plentiful – I could barely eat the last one as C was not in the seafood mood. For my main course, I enjoyed the shrimp and scallop linguine which provided more than enough to satisfy my hunger. And, quite frankly, it was well prepared and proportioned at a very reasonable price ($18). And, as C said above, the dessert was a nice way to end the relaxing evening.

Perhaps the only demerit to Ulah would be its simplistic and short wine list. However, the venue does get points for half-priced wine night on Mondays and, if someone is truly looking for a “wine restaurant,” they would go to one of a dozen specialty spots in the city that have opened within the last year.

I would be doing a disservice to our readers if I did not say that I have a special fondness for Ulah for two reasons: first, it is the first high quality, low pretentiousness restaurant to open near to my home in the city, which immediately makes it one of my new favorites. And, secondly, it is the site at which the brainchild of C and I…this blog…was born. While neither of these sentimental moments should take away from the simple fact that this is a very solid and soon-to-be staple restaurant for DC.


Ulah - 1214 U Street NW, 202.234.0123, http://ulahbistro.com