For Immediate Release
Turkish restaurant features a diverse selection of Mediterranean beer and wine, Turkish liqueur, Ouzo and specialty cocktails alongside signature Turkish and Greek fare
Washington, DC (June 9, 2010) – The eclectic beverage program at Agora, the new Turkish restaurant which opened April 30th at 1527 17th Street, NW, marries Old World and New World varietals in the 170-seat restaurant. Owned and operated by GLAD, LLC, Agora features five artisanal cocktails, an international wine list of over 250 varietals, plus an extensive beer menu with selections from the Mediterranean regions of Turkey and Greece. The extensive beverage menu also includes a nice selection of Ouzo, an anise-flavored spirit widely consumed in Greece, as well as a variety of Turkish liqueurs.
Overseeing the wine, spirits and cocktail programs at Agora is Malia Milstead, recently named General Manager and Wine Director for the restaurant. She brings more than 13 years of industry experience to her new position and most recently spent six months as the Wine Director for The Source by Wolfgang Puck where she received a Wine Spectator “Best of Excellence” award. In 2003, Milstead was the first female sommelier to open a restaurant for Master Chef Joel Robuchon when the Michelin three-star restaurant, Joel Robuchon, opened at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Milstead’s culinary career also includes stints at notable establishments such as Restaurant Gary Danko in San Francisco as well as Citronelle and the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, DC. In 2000 she received an Advanced Sommelier degree for Masters of Wine and a Court of Master Sommeliers degree through the Wine and Spirit Education Trust in the United Kingdom.
Agora features an international selection of over 250 wines that are available by the bottle and 23 wines by the glass. Prices range from $35 and $300 a bottle, and between $5 and $12 a glass, with a number of wines also available by the 1/4 or 1/2 bottle. Guests wishing to sample a variety of wines can enjoy one-ounce teaser from Agora’s wines by the glass list. Priced at just $1 each, ten cents from every dollar will support a local, animal rescue and foster home service, Lucky Dog. Additionally, for those who want to bring their own bottle of wine, Agora offers a corkage fee of $10, with a two bottle maximum. For beer fans, Agora has an extensive program, which includes local and international standout brews from Belgium, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Over a dozen beers are available by the bottle including Allagash Curieux 750 ml from Portland Maine; Foret Saison Farmhouse Ale from Tourpes-Leuze, Belgium; Malheur 10 (Triple) 11.2 oz from Buggenhout, Belgium. Seven beers are also available on draft including Paulaner Hefeweizen from Munich, Germany; Speakeasy Big Daddy IPA from San Francisco, California, Matilda Belgian Style Ale from Chicago, Illinois and Pere Jacques Belgian Style Ale from Chicago, Illinois. Both the Pere Jacques and Matilda are exclusively poured by Agora. Prices range from $4 to $26 for bottled beer, and from $3 to $12 for draft beer at Agora.
For those who prefer cocktails, Agora’s signature drinks incorporate fresh herbs and fruit, with pricing ranging from $9 to $11 each. Signature cocktails include the Fig Delight, which is a blending of Jose Cuervo, Patron Citronage, lime juice, agave nectar, fig, and kumkuat; the Mediterranean Martini made with Ketel One, Dry Vermouth, and fresh basil leaves; as well as the Sarisin featuring Grey Goose Vodka, Limoncello, Triple Sec, lemon juice, fresh ginger and kumquats.
Guests can also enjoy Agora’s wines and specialty beverages on the outdoor patio, which can accommodate 34 guests during the warm weather months. Later this summer, diners can enjoy a new Mediterranean oasis inside the restaurant as a second floor expansion will be completed which can accommodate 48 guests for private dining. For more information, please call (202) 332-6767 or email info@agoradc.net
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