Sook Opens as New All-Day Cafe and Wine Bar in Washington D.C.

Rose Previte, the acclaimed restaurateur known for her innovative dining experiences, has reimagined her well-loved restaurant, Compass Rose, with the launch of Sook, an all-day café, market, and wine bar in Washington D.C. After closing Compass Rose in May 2023, Previte has transformed the space into a more casual dining venue that aims to cater to the needs of the local community.

Sook officially opened its doors on July 15, 2023, featuring a vibrant atmosphere filled with greenery, inviting patrons to enjoy a variety of offerings throughout the day. The café has already been serving daytime pastries and coffee, but the much-anticipated evening menu debuts tonight, introducing a selection of playful comfort foods. Highlights include a classic grilled cheese and inventive potato chip “nachos” topped with prosciutto, olives, cornichons, and parmesan.

Previte, who previously gained acclaim for popularizing khachapuri—a cheesy Georgian flatbread—at Compass Rose, has ensured that this beloved dish is now available all day at Sook. The establishment occupies a 10,000-square-foot space that also includes an outpost of Maydan, alongside various stalls from California-based restaurants.

Sashi Jayatileke, a long-time friend of Previte, has joined her in this venture. Jayatileke, who recently concluded a 14-year tenure at USAID, expressed a desire to create a gathering place for friends and neighbors. “She’s like, ‘You know what? I’m realizing my cohort of friends, who had this horrible thing happen to them unexpectedly, needs a place to gather,’” Previte recalled. Sook aims to fulfill this vision by providing a welcoming environment for those who want to work remotely or socialize over coffee and pastries.

The morning menu features a variety of espresso drinks, including unique creations like a fig-leaf latte and a ginger-tamarind espresso tonic. Sook also offers breakfast items such as a bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwich on milk bread and a Lebanese breakfast composed of za’atar flatbread, feta, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

As the day progresses to 15:00, Sook transitions to its evening offerings. The menu includes several Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, such as Syrian seven-spice chicken wings served with Lebanese-style salsa verde, a chopped salad with labneh ranch, and French fries paired with garlicky toum and zhough. Traditional American fare is also available, featuring a smash burger, an Italian hoagie, and a BLT.

The drink selection at Sook centers on an extensive array of natural wines, including some unique offerings like a Slovenian amber wine and a sparkling Greek variety. The bar will also feature a selection of spritzes, as well as an espresso martini, which Previte humorously noted was a necessity given the café’s new espresso machine.

In addition to food and drink, Sook operates as a market, providing customers with spice blends from Maydan, including its renowned ribeye rub and dukkah. Other products include unfiltered Lebanese olive oil and smoky tahini sourced from Iraqi Kurdistan. For those interested in taking wine home, all selections are available for retail purchase.

With Sook, Previte has crafted a versatile venue that reflects both her culinary vision and a commitment to building community in Washington D.C. As the café and wine bar settles into its new role, it promises to be a vibrant addition to the local dining scene.