Dining in DC: ShopHouse Southeast Asian Grill

In 1993, former San Francisco line cook Steve Ells opened the 1st Chipotle Mexican Grill in Denver, Colorado. The restaurant became known for its large burritos, assembly-line production, and use of natural ingredients. Today, there are more than 1,400 Chipotles in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France.

And now, it appears that an experiment to expand the company has proven to be a success. Two years ago, Chipotle opened a trial Asian fast-food concept restaurant named ShopHouse Southeast Asian Grill in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of DC. The restaurant featured cuisine inspired by Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian cooking.

Today, it was reported that Chipotle is expanding its ShopHouse operation by opening 4 more restaurants in  the DC area including one in Chinatown and one in Georgetown.

We recently tried the Dupont Circle eatery. The concept is relatively simple. First, you choose to start your Asian bowl with one of 3 meats or tofu. That is then placed over jasmine rice, brown rice, chilled rice noodles, or salad. Next you select from 4 types of vegetables. Then your choice of one of  3 sauces is poured over the bowl contents. You complete your meal by choosing one of 3 garnishes and one of 3 toppings.

Judy chose grilled chicken satay over salad with tamarind vinaigrette topped with charred corn, green papaya slaw, and peanuts. I also picked the satay chicken, but opted for the chilled rice noodles, eggplant and Thai basil, green curry, pickles, and crushed peanuts.

We both agreed our meals were tasty and filling, especially considering the relatively low price. I was fairly certain Judy would like ShopHouse because Chipotle is one of her favorite chains. In fact, she likes it so much she choose it for her Mother's Day dinner. We will definitely be going back to try other combinations.

Tales, Tidbits, and Tips
What Others Say:

• Urban Spoon
• Yelp

The Prices Do DC Rating

• ***^ (3&1/2 bowls out of 5)