Chef Kwame Onwuachi Launches Dōgon Restaurant in D.C

Kwame Onwuachi, a celebrated chef known for his James Beard Award-winning work, has made a significant return to Washington, DC, with the opening of Dōgon, a restaurant that delves into Afro-Caribbean cuisine. This new venture is located within the recently renovated Salamander Washington, DC hotel, which boasts 373 rooms. Onwuachi's culinary offerings reflect his diverse heritage, incorporating elements from Nigerian, Jamaican, Trinidadian, and Creole cultures, while also acknowledging the local Asian and Ethiopian communities. The menu at Dōgon features a unique fusion of flavors, such as a Trinidadian curry base combined with Japanese dashi, showcasing the chef's innovative approach to cooking. Additionally, the restaurant emphasizes the use of Black-owned spirits and offers a variety of zero-proof beverages and creative cocktails, including the RG&T, which combines Bayab rosé gin with other flavorful ingredients. Onwuachi previously opened Kith/Kin in 2017, which gained acclaim before closing in 2020. His return to the DC culinary scene is seen as a pivotal moment, with local leaders like Shawn Townsend highlighting his role as a mentor and ally for aspiring chefs in the area. Dōgon is open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, providing a platform for Onwuachi to further explore and celebrate his rich cultural heritage through food. The restaurant's opening is not just a personal milestone for Onwuachi but also a testament to the vibrant and diverse restaurant landscape in Washington, DC, which is recognized as one of the most varied in the United States. This new establishment is expected to contribute positively to the local community and culinary scene.