by senior contributor Brendan Kownacki
Photo credit: Brendan Kownacki
What is BOE? That’s what some patrons were asking as the swank new downtown eatery opened it’s doors near City Center, but they must consider the history to get a good view of what this new spot has in store. The name might be a mystery but it occupies the space that was formerly OYA — and so the name fits the themes of it’s family of restaurants that also includes SEI and SAX.
The Asian fusion theme of OYA is out the door in place of a new modern American menu that includes everything from milk shakes, to roasted fish, grilled steaks and even some exotic appetizers like foie gras and Rocky Mountain Oysters aka bull testicles. Certainly a taste of Americana that not everyone is going to embrace but it will set this new spot apart in the sea of eateries that have been sweeping downtown.
The Rocky Mountain feel is part of the vibe though. Guests at the opening marveled at what was once a shiny and white dining room that has been transformed to resemble a mountainous hunting lodge complete with giant fireplaces, logs studding the walls and animal skulls to hammer home the underlying spirit.
Guests of the soiree sipped on bourbon punch and champagne galore to help the newly minted space break in the carpets. Passed bites of sliders and toast with pork belly and chicken and hummos gave an eccentric sampling of what’s to come from getaway tucked inside the city.
The big question that looms is, how long will BOE leave up the rustic bell (complete with rope to ring) that hangs high above the main bar? Barely a patron could pass without yanking the chord and a loud clanging would erupt. We’re thinking it may need to be reserved for special occasions in the future.
BOE is located at 777 9th St. NW
