PHOTO: © STEVE LEGATO PHOTOGRAPHY
Described as a “reverberating restaurant,” Dirty Habit, located inside the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC, pulses with energy driven by executive chef Edgar Escalante. Guests can expect carefully crafted cocktails, inventive shareable plates, bold design and a welcoming urban patio in the heart of D.C.’s Penn Quarter.
Escalante brings Mexican influence to Dirty Habit’s global menu. Raised in Mexico City, he began cooking at 19 in his family’s Italian restaurant and rose to sous chef — the staff reportedly didn’t know his mother was the owner. He later trained at Barcelona’s Michelin-starred Rocambolesc, ran a catering business in Mexico City and worked at SLS South Beach. Today he updates the menu seasonally to reflect the flavors of winter, spring, summer and fall in the nation’s capital.
WHICH FOOD IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? AND ON THE OPPOSITE END, WHAT INGREDIENT OR FOOD DO YOU HATE TO USE?
My guilty pleasure is a bacon-topped burger. Burgers aren’t the healthiest option, but they’re undeniably satisfying. As for ingredients I dislike using: squid. I’m allergic to it, so I’ve never been able to cook with it.
WHAT DISHES WOULD YOU SERVE AT A PRIVATE DINNER PARTY?
I’d serve a dish that evolves with me—watermelon tartare. I’d also include flavors from my Mexican heritage: aguachiles, mole, several salsas and, of course, everyone’s favorite—tacos.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEAL YOU EVER PREPARED ON YOUR OWN?
Carbonara. I made it when I was about six after watching my grandmother prepare it countless times. It was a revelation and sparked my love of cooking.
IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE IN ONE DISH, WHICH DISH WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Vegan risotto. I often compare it to a techno track: it hits you immediately, then reveals multiple layers of flavor that give it depth and character.
WHICH CULINARY TREND WOULD YOU LIKE TO DISAPPEAR?
The surge in to-go restaurant service. While it helped the industry adapt during the pandemic, I hope that as circumstances improve, restaurants scale back takeout offerings. Eating from to-go containers diminishes the full dining experience.
DIRTY HABIT
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC
555 8th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004
tel 202 449 7095
dirtyhabitdc.com