Two fabulous new brunch places

Tabaq Bistro
Former owners of Mezze, Melih and Omer Buyukbayrak converted an abandoned row house into this posh new bar/restaurant lounge on U and 13th streets. Tabaq bistro (http://www.tabaqdc.com/) is divided into 3 areas each on a different level, providing totally different experiences. The "Glass Terrace" apparently has "DC's only retractable glass roof" which would make it a fun rooftop bar when the weather is nice. On the 1st floor is the "Red Room" with its swanky red and black decor and a lighted glass wall illuminating the drinks in the bar area. The "Tabaq Lounge" in the basement area has small stools around tables where one could sit around and smoke hookahs. Still new, the Tabaq Bistro is gaining popularity as one of the happening bars in the areas and gets quite busy on the weekends. Their menu offers a variety of medirranean and a smattering of Turkish foods, since the owners are Turkish. We were delighted with our Sunday brunch with both the taste and the quantity. I was especially pleased my eggwhite vegetable omelette for $6.95 which had a cheese souffle like texture that came with a tower of sauteed potatoes and Shrek was pleased with the Tabaq breakfast for $11.50 that comes with 2 eggs, your choice of bacon or sausage, feta salad, sauteed potatoes and toast. I hear the eggs benedict is pretty good too. Next time I plan to try the waffles or the french toast perhaps with braised pineapple or apple cinamon for $7.95 and Shrek might have the grilled fish with olive tapenade sandwhich for $8.95.

Merkado
Located right across the Wholefoods on P street, Merkado (http://www.merkadodc.com/) serving "Latin cuisine with an Asian twist" was started by David Winer and his partners who also own Logan Tavern 2 restaurants down and Grillfish in Dupont. We started out our meal by sitting in the nice outdoor patio but moved to the interesting latin/cuban decorated inside when it starting pouring. We were ravenous when we sat down and were pleased to get the best corn bread spiced up with jalapeno peppers. I was happy with my choice of toasted coconut belgian waffles which came with coconut cream and a side of spiced rum fruit for $8.95. Shrek raved about his steak sandwich in mojo with caramelized onions which was quite reasonable for $9.95 as well as the delicious cappucino a perfect ending to the meal. The pre theater dinner at $25 for a three course meal between 5 and 7 , sounds like a good deal and would allow one to get a better sense of the asian/ latin fusion cuisine.