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Caribbean-themed fast casual opens in DC

Twin brothers Raymond and Aris Compres have launched Mecho's Dominican Kitchen.

January 16, 2020

Twin brothers Raymond and Aris Compres — whose parents opened a Dominican restaurant, called Los Hermanos, over two decades ago in Washington D.C. —  are following in their footsteps by launching their own restaurant concept. Mecho's Dominican Kitchen, a fast casual joint, has opened at The Shops at Dakota Crossing in the city.

While Los Hermanos has thrived in the largely Hispanic Columbia Heights neighborhood, where it has attracted local luminaries such as the Washington Nationals baseball team's Caribbean players, Mecho's represents the Compres' belief that Americans of all ethnicities will find the hearty Dominican cuisine a deeply satisfying alternative to burgers, bowls and burritos, according to a company press release.

"One thing that makes it exciting for us is the fact that all the recipes derive directly from the best Dominican chef we know, who just happens to be our mother, Mecho," Raymond Compres said in the release. "These are the foods that nurtured us, served the way Americans will also love them. We even added more vegetarian options."

Introducing La Bandera
At the center of the Mecho's concept is La Bandera, the quintessential Dominican lunch plate that mimicks the colors of the Dominican flag, or "bandera." Diners start with a choice of three types of rice, including the Dominican favorite Moro de Gandules (Rice with Pigeon Peas), then add a signature Dominican protein, such as Pollo Guisado (Stewed Chicken), Pernil (Dominican Pulled Pork), or Chivo (Stewed Goat). The veggie choices that complete the Bandera include a garden salad with Mecho's own vinaigrette, a Dominican potato salad, or sweet plantains. 

Customers may also choose items from the kitchen, such as Sancocho, the national soup of the Dominican Republic, Lo Tré Golpé, the classic Dominican breakfast plate, and a full selection of the Caribbean delicacy Mofongo.

The Dominican Sandwich Arrives in D.C.
An important addition to Mecho's menu from Los Hermanos' is the selection of the classic Dominican sandwiches —Chimis — served along the boardwalk in Santo Domingo, according to the relase. The typical Chimi, such as the Grilled Chicken, Dominican Pulled Pork, or Hamburguesa Chimi includes a crunch from shredded cabbage and carrot and a creamy complement from Mecho's signature salsa rosada dressing, Aris Compres said.

"Americans who crave comfort foods will absolutely go nuts for these flavors, just like the Dominicans do. Putting them in a bright and comfortable, fast casual context makes the food even more accessible and understandable," he said.

To take the concept beyond quick, filling lunches, Mecho's also serves beer and wine, and has added a Caribbean Cocktail Happy Hour with mixed drinks that feature Mecho's house-made juices.

The sart of something bigger?
The brothers hope the first Mecho's Dominican Kitchen will be a happy prelude to many more. Even during its soft opening,  the restaurant has been earning a solid 44.5 stars on Yelp, as well as a loyal core of fans. Franchising plans are already afoot.

"We can't wait for more Washingtonians to discover what Mecho's is all about," Aris said. “This food becomes a habit."