Convivial: Happy to Meet You!

con·viv·i·al
kənˈvivēəl/
adjective (of an atmosphere or event) friendly, lively, and enjoyable
Every restaurant should have a goal to be convivial. When it’s your actual restaurant name, you really need to live up to the moniker.  The new Convivial from chef/owner Cedrick Maupillier is on point…and then some.
If you’ve been to Mintwood Place in Adam’s Morgan, you may know Chef Maupillier as the charming Frenchman in the kitchen.  He is still involved there as Executive Chef, but his new venue in Shaw is clearly his own. He presides over Convivial with pride, as he should.
Chef Maupillier says his goal is to make diners happy.  I’m feeling it right off the bat as I sip a daiquiri at the bar. Once we are seated, I smile at the delivery of freshly baked bread studded with herbs.
 Convivial bread
The French and American menu progresses through nibbles, cold, hot, cheese, and dessert.  Worth sharing from the nibbles section are crisp baby latkes topped with celery root and thinly sliced dry cured lamb.
Convivial latke

latke · celery root · dry cured lamb

We are tickled pink by pickled rockfish with green papaya, avocado, passionfruit, and winter radish.
Convivial pickled rockfish

pickled rockfish

Some of DC’s new crop of restaurants place a particular emphasis on vegetable dishes, while others put them on the sidelines with nary a thought.  Happily, Convivial is in the former category. Cauliflower blanc manger delights us with accents of tabbouleh, almonds, pomelos, and herb salad.
Squash vadouvan resting on olive cake with pistachios, a layering of mustard greens, and shredded coconut is a gratifying entree. It’s always a delight when vegetable lovers can find total satisfaction in a meatless entree.
Convivial squash vadouvan

squash vadouvan

While some dishes here are meant to be shared, others are more suited to one person. This includes fried chicken coq au vin, which captivates me like no other.  The chicken has a thick outer crust, sinfully succulent meat, and is coated with a smooth, tangy red wine glaze. It’s one of those instances when waitstaff repeatedly tries to clear my plate and I swat them away until there are no remaining crumbs. I imagine this dish taking a spot on multiple year-end lists citing favorite dishes of 2015.  It is certainly on mine.

Convivial fried chicken coq au vin

fried chicken coq au vin

Scallop boudin blanc with snow peas, sauerkraut, sea beans, and trout caviar is on the lighter side. The beautifully-plated dish is more delicate than many of the other dishes, so it pairs well with some of heartier selections.
Convivial scallop boudin blanc

scallop boudin blanc

Desserts complete our revelry as we indulge in key lime and speculoos pie, passion fruit cheesecake, and a selection of cheeses.
Convivial passion fruit cheesecake

passion fruit cheesecake

Convivial key lime pie

key lime pie

Chef Maupillier takes time away from the kitchen to circulate throughout the dining room, chatting amiably with guests. Also shmoozing the crowds is partner Saied Azali. The staff are equally eager to solicit feedback and engender satisfaction.  Judging from the growing chorus of approval circulating online and in print, diners are embracing the delicious and delightfully convivial Convivial.

Convivial, 801 O Street, NW, Washington, DC

Washington Post review by Tom Sietsema, “The buzzy Convivial in Shaw lives up to its name”

Washingtonian 100 Very Best Restaurants 2016, #4

DC Eater post:  “The Early Word on Cedric Maupillier’s Convivial in Shaw”

Related Post

Mintwood Place:  Shining in a Growing Playground

Convival Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Comments

  1. Dawn Landsman says

    Great meal and company

  2. Richard DuBeshter says

    I went into Convivial expecting wonderful. We did not get that. The bread was ploped on our table and the olive oil was an afterthought. This happened to many tables. Buss people were attentive. Wine was reasonable and good. The cheese balls were tasteless, escargot tastey, rock fish ok, fried chicken forgettable and salty, scallop mouse interesting,, casulett so salty we did not eat it, bulibase was super salty, veal liver well done but the accompanying vegetables were dreadful and so salty that did not eat them. The desert was fine. There was no dish that was over the moon. The reviewer that wrote a glowing review should be shot. It was not a wonderful eating experience and this follows suite to Mintwood. This restaurant is not a hot mess just BAD. Lapis is far better, Bad Saint is far better, Bristro LePic is far better……….

    • I’m sorry that you didn’t enjoy Convivial. Obviously I disagree. I’ve talked to many, many people who have dined here and loved it and Washingtonian Magazine just ranked it #4 in their Top 100 issue. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and yours is valid. However saying that I should be shot for a glowing review is just disturbing.

  3. We have wanted to try Convivial ever since you posted your write up on your blog. Our son lives in walking distance so we thought it would be a perfect place to meet for brunch (we were not able to get a reservation for dinner). The food was delicious and the preparation and presentation were beautiful! The waitress suggested we try their fried chicken and waffle with sausage gravy and a sunny side egg. I know it sounds heavy but trust me, it wasn’t! We shared the key lime and speculoos pie.and it was delectable! The staff was solicitous and friendly. We can’t wait to go back for dinner!

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