• Island Life Fans of Georgetown's Red Ginger now have another outpost for Caribbean fare—chef Howsoon Cham's new Café Tropé (2100 P St., NW; 202/223-9335; www.cafetropedc.com). The space, previously occupied by 21P, has been renovated to feature bamboo floors and original Caribbean artwork. Look for dishes such as foie gras with coconut French toast and crabmeat-stuffed king head-on prawns, plus a range of specialty cocktails.

• Bottoms Up Diane Gross and Khalid Pitts longed for an affordable place where friends and family could sip great wines with good food. Cork Restaurant and Wine Bar (1720 14th St., NW; 202/265-CORK; www.corkdc.com) was born. More than 50 wines by the glass ($6–$14) and more than 100 bottles ($27–$100) are available, along with a menu from former CityZen sous chef Ron Tanaka.

• Sei Sushi Errol Lawrence and Nancy Koide, owners/designers of the Penn Quarter hot spot Oya, have opened the intimate Sei (444 7th St., NW; www.seirestaurant.com). Chef Noriaki Yasutake offers unique twists on classical Japanese cuisine including an extensive list of maki rolls, nigiri and small and large plates. Sake lovers, get ready: Sommelier Andrew Stover has compiled a list of more than 50 high-end sakes, available by the bottle or glass.

• Double Vision Organic products and local wines are key to the new modern American restaurant Visions (4926 St. Elmo Ave., Bethesda, Md.; 301/654-3737; www.visionsbethesda.com), from chefs/owners Tony Marciante and Iddi Diarra. Diarra, born in West Africa, and Marciante, born in Milan, Italy, shake up staples with refreshing twists: Think mac and cheese with local cheddar, roasted chicken and breadcrumbs, and crispy whole fish.