Wilmer Valderrama didn’t expect to cry the first time he tasted a dish at his new Washington, D.C. restaurant — but that’s exactly what happened. The NCIS star says a bowl of sancocho at Elegancia, which opened this week in Union Market’s La Cosecha, instantly brought him back to his childhood and memories of his mother.
After one spoonful of the traditional Latin American soup, Valderrama says he had to pause, close his eyes, and call his mom just to tell her he loved her. The dish, prepared by Chef Jova Urriola, features smoked broth, chicken, corn, and ñame, and is served at the end of the night as a comforting gesture.
Co-owned with Daniella Senior, Elegancia is designed as a culinary journey across Latin America. From empanadas to creative cocktails, the restaurant blends food, memory, and heritage — something Valderrama says has real healing power.