Bar Kokeshi pop-up 10/18

DC's roving Japanese pop-up series Bar Kokeshi is back to take over the patio at Mercy Me in the newly renovated Yours Truly Hotel on October 18.

This time Masako Morishita of OTABE will feature a tasting menu of her preparations of Japanese comfort foods, while served alongside Sake, Shochu, and Japanese-inspired cocktails by Monica Lee and Eddie Kim of Room 11 fame.

Sake will be flowing, Karaage will be frying, and Eddie will definitely be playing with Kokeshi dolls.

Please note, Our authentic menu includes soy, nuts, seafood & pork. Substitutions to the menu are not possible.

Originally from Kobe, Japan, Masako Morishita grew up in her family's 87-year-old bar and restaurant. Masako spent her childhood helping her family, learning to cook Japanese comfort food from her grandmother and mother—both of whom are chefs.

In 2013, Masako moved to Washington D.C. and in 2014, she began a Japanese comfort food catering service, and in 2018, she returned to her restaurant roots, opening Japanese grill. In February 2019, Morishita began OTABE, a pop-up concept driven by Masako’s childhood memories. "I just want to introduce another side of Japanese food to the DMV area," Morishita says. "The comfort food side."

OTABE is currently hosting several pop-ups in Washington, D.C. and the east coast, including cooking a collaboration dinner at James Beard House.

Monica Lee is DC’s leading sake and shochu maven.

She is passionate about working Japanese ingredients and spirits into cocktails and menus, and obsessed with finding the perfect balance of flavor, technique, and whimsy. She received her training and comeuppance at the Sheppard, Room 11, Daikaya, and Cranes.

Currently, Monica is delving into the world of beer at Denizens Brewing Co in Silver Spring.