Break Out the Sake (and Tequila)!

It's official, chef Kaz Okochi (Kaz Sushi Bistro) tells me. He and Richard Sandoval (Zengo) intend to open a new place to drink and dine, a 5,000 square foot Latin-Asian establishment north of Logan Circle, in September. They're calling their fusion destination Masa 14.

The two business partners plan to meet in Washington next week to plot a menu and discuss a chef for the project, which includes restaurateur Latif Guler of Jack's in Dupont Circle.

As is the case with so many new restaurants, Masa 14 will feature small plates, gentle prices ($7-$14) and specialty cocktails, says Okochi, who will continue to cook at his 10-year-old Japanese restaurant near the World Bank. His new project, at 1825 14th St. NW, will include a 40-seat bar (but no counter for sushi) and what he describes as a "sleek" interior fashioned from wood, stone and brick.

-- Tom Sietsema