American Indian museum eatery vying for award

WASHINGTON (AP) ― The eatery at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian is competing for a new distinction among Washington dining establishments.

Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe is the first museum restaurant to be nominated for a Rammy Award from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. It’s a finalist in the new category “Casual Restaurant of the Year.”

The winner will be announced Sunday. Mitsitam is competing with Bar Pilar, C.F. Folks, Hank’s Oyster Bar and Room 11.

The museum eatery has a rotating menu of foods that have been grown, raised and harvested in North and South America for thousands of years, from Peruvian ceviche to pork tacos.

On Wednesday, Mitsitam unveils its summer menu featuring crispy rabbit, grilled sweetcorn, purple potato soup, and other items.