Image: Meatballs
Last Updated: 6/10/2020
Current Status: Mikko is back to nearly full operations, plus it has added a market/grocery feature. The patio is open for dining. Take-out and delivery continue with the added choice of what they are called Meals Ready to Eat of full family dishes that can be frozen and reheated when ready for use. And they have t-shirts. Tucked away off of 17th Street, this place continues to put out quality, interesting dishes.
Before Times Review:
Last Visited: November 2019
This tiny shop delivers big. It is the passion project of Mikko Kosonen, who was raised in Sweden and trained in Helsinki. The food is Nordic, with berries, rye, dill, and of course fish. There are dishes that are more universal as well. It is great spot to pop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
The cinnamon and cardamom rolls are worth walking a few blocks out of the way for them alone. The hot dog is nearly absurd in extending well beyond the small bun – like a Vienna sausage with a Pinocchio problem. More substantial sounding dishes can be quite filling, including the entrees that come in at $20 for dinner – meatballs, short ribs, salmon etc.
There are a few outdoor seats and a few more along a couple counters inside the small interior space. Nordic specialties stock the shelves. Staff can be friendly, bordering on doting. Kosonen is an advocate for the region and the cooking. Before opening this spot, he spent 15 years as the Executive Chef for the Finnish Ambassador to the United States. He continues to be a good representative. The spot seems to have caught on with locals, which is good news. If this were in a different neighborhood it might get more buzz, but for now it adds to the richness of options in Dupont.
Other Guidance: It is casual and cozy. GF and vegetarians can probably find something, I’d ask for assistance and I’m sure the staff will guide you to a some good choice.
Rating: Worth Taking a Walk
Cuisine: Nordic
Neighborhood: Dupont
Address: 1636 R St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Website: https://www.chefmikko.com/
Reservations: Walk-in
Other Voices/Critics:
Washington Post: No review yet, but an overview.
Washingtonian: Preview.
