Join Senior as she explores DC’s Latin American culinary culture at The Wharf, Union Market and numerous other locations.
Since she can remember, restaurateur Daniella Senior has felt connected to food. By the age of 11, Daniella had spent enough time observing her grandmother’s cooking skills in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to take an interest in preparing meals for the whole family. By 13, she was spending her holiday seasons selling homemade pastries. A formal culinary education was the next logical step, which brought her to New York City (NYC) following high school. After attending the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, she stuck around NYC and put in the hard work at some of the world’s marquee fine dining establishments.
When it came time to build a name that would ring out across the culinary world, there was no place like DC. A gig at the José Andrés-owned Mediterranean eatery Zaytinya brought Senior to town. Within a year, she helped spike the restaurant’s bar revenue to seven figures; that’s when the vision of her own place came into focus. Today, Daniella has her own hospitality empire. The cornerstone is Colada Shop, an all-day cafe inspired by lively Cuban coffee shops in Miami. There are now six throughout the DMV region. Senior’s latest project is La Serenata (founded with Juan Coronado and Andrew Johnson), a craft cocktail bar in La Cosecha Market that conjures up lively libations and small bites with Latin American ingredients in the spotlight.
“What really made me fall in love with DC is that I saw a community that loved flavors from all over the world,” Senior says. And while making it in the restaurant industry isn’t easy, it allows her to live her dream: bringing people together to break bread. In a place like the District, that makes a real impact.
Morning
Kick start the a.m. with coffee and a treat at the original Colada Shop. The Wharf locale offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and a distinctly Latin vibe that feels like a slice of Havana in the heart of DC. Popular drinks include the cafe con leche and the iced cafe Cubano. Don’t sleep on its breakfast options, whether you’re in the mood for savory (like an empanada or one of their famous Cuban sandwiches) or sweet (like a guava pastelito).
Next, take a beat to explore The Wharf itself. Its scenic waterfront is full of life, from the boardwalk along the Potomac to the floating docks and boat slips. Take your time as you stroll, stopping along the way to window shop, enjoy the public art installations and maybe even a street performance or two. Daniella also likes to stop by Malcolm X Park, where you can find folks congregating for drum circles on select Sundays.
Afternoon
Head to Union Market District, home to some of the country’s best food halls. Here you’ll find La Cosecha, a Latin American market and cultural hub that’s truly unique to DC. La Cosecha is like stepping into a Latin American plaza, offering regular performances and community events along with its always-on inventory of shops selling artisanal products, handcrafted goods and unique culinary delights. It’s more than just a market – it’s a place where the Latin American community in DC comes together to share its heritage, artistry, and flavors.
Evening
One of the city’s stellar dinner spots is Pascual. Founded by chefs Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss, Pascual is an upscale dining experience that brings the spirit of Mexico to life with modern flair. Afterwards, hit up Senior’s Serenata – back in La Cosecha market – for a nightcap. Offering light bites and cocktails, this establishment pays homage to fresh Latin American ingredients and flavors, with each plate or drink as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds. Belly up to the bar, watch the mixologists work their magic and toast to your delicious day.
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