Sook Opens in Washington, Transforming the Compass Rose Space

Rose Previte has launched Sook, a new all-day café, market, and wine bar, in Washington, D.C., taking over the location of her former restaurant, Compass Rose. After closing Compass Rose in May 2023, Previte aimed to create a more casual dining experience that caters to the community’s needs. Sook features a diverse menu, and its evening offerings are set to debut tonight, adding to the vibrant culinary landscape of the city.

Sook operates as a 10,000-square-foot establishment that includes a market, café, and evening wine bar. The café has already begun serving daytime pastries and coffee, with evening comfort food options ranging from classic grilled cheese sandwiches to innovative potato chip “nachos” topped with prosciutto, olives, cornichons, and parmesan. One of the standout dishes, khachapuri, a traditional Georgian flatbread filled with cheese and butter, will be available all day, continuing the legacy of Compass Rose.

Previte expressed that Sook was born out of practicality and a desire to create a welcoming space for the community. She collaborated with her longtime friend, Sashi Jayatileke, who recently transitioned from her role at USAID. The pair envisioned Sook as a gathering place for friends and neighbors, where patrons can work on laptops or enjoy a coffee amidst a vibrant, greenery-filled environment.

The morning menu includes a variety of espresso drinks, including unique offerings such as a fig-leaf latte and a ginger-tamarind espresso tonic. Pastries are complemented by breakfast items like a bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwich and a Lebanese breakfast featuring za’atar flatbread, feta, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

As the afternoon rolls in, Sook will transition to its evening menu. Among the options are Syrian seven-spice chicken wings served with Lebanese-style salsa verde, along with a chopped salad featuring labne ranch. Diners can also enjoy a classic smash burger, an Italian hoagie, or a BLT. The drink selection emphasizes natural wines, including unique varieties such as Slovenian amber wine and sparkling options from Greece, along with a selection of spritzes and espresso martinis.

In addition to its café and wine bar offerings, Sook operates as a market, featuring spice blends from Maydan, including ribeye rub and dukkah, a nutty condiment that pairs well with halloumi. Other products include unfiltered Lebanese olive oil and smoky tahini sourced from Iraqi Kurdistan. For wine enthusiasts, all bottles will be available for retail purchase, allowing customers to take their favorites home.

Previte’s vision for Sook reflects her belief in the importance of community and connection, particularly in the wake of significant changes in her professional life. With its inviting atmosphere and diverse menu, Sook aims to become a cherished neighborhood spot in Washington, D.C.