For 11 years, chef Morou Ouattara was behind the stoves of the now-defunct Red Sage, back when it was a Downtown culinary and power hot spot. Soon, if all goes well with his plans to take over the shuttered Butterfield 9 location, his creative American cuisine – enlivened by spices from his native West Africa – will once again be tickling the palates of Downtown DC diners.
Ouattara will still be cooking at Farrah Olivia in Old Town Alexandria, so he plans to install chef Eddie Marine (15 ria) at the new yet-to-be-named spot. Look for a chocolate-toned makeover of the bi-level space, Ivory Coast art and a bar with small plates (600 14th St. NW).