Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld Biography
MAURICIO FRAGA-ROSENFELD
Restaurant developer and nightlife impresario Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld is known as one of DC's most successful local entrepreneurs. As the Chief Creative and Chief Executive of Latin Concepts Mauricio is continuously developing new business ventures that embrace his signature formula of blending cultural nuances with urban living. Over the short span of thirteen years Mauricio has single handedly assembled, designed, financed, built, staffed and operated more twelve different locations and created his company Latin Concepts.
Always a visionary Mauricio has introduced Washingtonians to Latin American flavors, music and culture and has done it in his own unique way by combining traditional elements with modern design and urban flair. Mauricio has made an art form of creating spaces that embrace Latin American culture, celebrate the diversity of the region and introduce new interpretations of authentic Latin cuisine. Each and every one of his locations is a personal undertaking. A Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld restaurant lounge is more than just food and drinks it is a Latin Concept that Mauricio has specifically designed to deliver his vision of casual dining and entertainment that brings people together and followers to his new locations.
In 1995, along with a partner, Mauricio opened Ozio Cigar & Martini Lounge, preempting what would ultimately become a national craze-the cigar bar. Two years later, Mauricio left Ozio to open Chi-Cha Lounge, and immediately caused a stir by introducing "Arguileh," also known as a hookah, inviting patrons to experience the exotic ritual of smoking flavored tobacco through this traditional water pipe.
Drawing upon his Ecuadorian roots and foreseeing the rising interest in Latin American culture, Mauricio has been at the forefront of the popularization of Latino cuisine in the United States, introducing his cozy yet chic nightspots with Latino flair to the Washington metropolitan area. According to The Washington Post, Mauricio is teaching "Washingtonians to socialize with sophistication...." Nowhere is his success more apparent than at his first independent venture and flagship restaurant/lounge, Chi-Cha Lounge.
Instrumental in the revitalization of the now trendy U Street Chi-Cha Lounge remains as popular today as when it first opened its doors and has become the anchor location of the U Street corridor. Immediately praised by The Washington Post as "a remarkable place that's already turned into a comfortable neighborhood watering hole," Chi-Cha has evolved into a nightlife landmark in Washington, D.C., where such famed bands as The Gypsy Kings and The Buena Vista Social Club drop in for impromptu jam sessions after performing at the Kennedy Center, and a celebrity clientele.
The overwhelming response to Chi-Cha Lounge confirmed Mauricio's belief that stylish local nightspots would appeal to metropolitan area residents, and so he began to expand his nightlife empire into new locales. Recognizing that the Chevy Chase area needed an alternative to the family-style chain restaurants, Mauricio opened Bambulé in 1999. The restaurant/lounge served Spanish tapas and entertains guests with live gypsy-rumba music and flamenco dancers.
In October 2001, he launched Gua-Rapo, a restaurant/lounge featuring a healthy version Nuevo Latino cuisine, which has become a hit with the Arlington, V.A. neighborhood's young professional and singles crowd. Prior to opening Gua-Rapo, Mauricio partnered to create Gazuza, a Dupont Circle-based bar/lounge that was recently named "Best New Nightspot" by Washingtonian magazine.
In March of 2003, Mauricio opened Agua Ardiente at 1250 24th Street in the D.C. West End neighborhood. With interiors reminiscent of a South American church, Agua Ardiente features antique paintings of the Madonna mixed with spiritual symbols drawn from the indigenous cultures of Latin America. To match the striking interior, Mauricio introduced a menu of health-conscious Nuevo Latino fare with a unique twist on traditional Latin American ingredients. Agua Ardiente, became the choice for celebrities, politicians and diplomats as the place to enjoy music, fine dining with a sophisticated atmosphere. In 2006 he left Agua Ardiente to be run by his partners.
Latin Concepts is in full operation and has expanded in new creative directions. Maté and Ceviche opened in 2006 creating a new buzz. Maté was nominated for "Hottest Bar Scene of the Year" by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and Ceviche which was placed in the 100 Best Restaurants by the Washingtonian Magazine.
Maté opened in Georgetown's Ritz Carlton Residences. Seductive and reminiscent of a James Bond film from the sixties, Maté features ultra mod all red décor and sleek industrial interiors. Never afraid to mix things up in the kitchen, Mauricio has designed a menu featuring a "Latin Sushi concept" that is an infusion of Latin American staples like cornmeal and plantains into the traditional sushi form to create a Latin version of sushi.
Bringing casual chic into the Downtown Silver Spring neighborhood, Ceviche opened in Silver Springs' new City Center and features a Ceviche bar and favorites from Peru, the chefs native country. The concept for Ceviche, comes from the Andes from the Ecuadorian and Peruvian style of marinating raw fish in lemon or other citrus juice together with salt, chilies, onions and garlic and is served on salad leaves with sweetcorn kernels.
In the summer of 2007 a second branch of Ceviche opened in Glover Park in upper Georgetown. Offering the same delicious menu as the other Ceviche, and added an enomatic self-service wine machine the first of it's kind in Washington, D.C..
October of 2008 proved to be extremely busy with the opening of the highly anticipated Yaku in Arlington, a Peruvian Chinese concept and Gin and Tonic in Glover Park a neighborhood tavern.
Yaku was inspired by Mauricio's travels in Peru and is the first Chifa restaurant in the Washington Metropolitan area. Chifa is the fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine developed by Chinese immigrants to Peru in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Located in the Odyssey condominium building with its elegant and modern interior there is nothing quite like it in Arlington.
Gin and Tonic marked a new beginning for Mauricio, Tavern Concepts. Entering the American market seemed like a natural transition as many Latin Concepts customers are American. Mauricio partnered with a local Georgetown Graduate to bring a lively dance hall atmosphere to Glover Park, something the neighborhood did not have. Since opening in October there has been such a high demand, often there is a line to gain entrance.
With the huge success of Gin and Tonic and having Ceviche Glover Park next door not seeing the same sales; Mauricio decided to re-concept Ceviche into a Southern comfort style restaurant called Kitchen. The neighborhood overwhelmingly has supported the new cuisine and the local papers have given the menu at Kitchen high praise.
Mauricio attributes his success in business to Nesrin Abaza, his wife and business partner. Nesrin and Mauricio have been together for eighteen years and together they have three children, Daniela, Gabriel and Isabela. For Mauricio, Nesrin and the children are at the center of his life and are the foundation and source of inspiration for Latin Concepts. Coming home is his favorite part of the day.