Norm Mineta

To raise awareness and funds for juvenile diabetes research, The Oceanaire Seafood Room’s Executive Chef Rob Klink and former Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, have joined forces to create a heart-healthy, classic version of Beef Barley Soup that will be featured on the restaurant’s menu for the entire month of November.  

The soup will be available for $5.95 a cup or $7.95 a bowl and  proceeds from the soup will be donated to the Capitol Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to support research aimed at curing diabetes and its complications.  This year marks the eighth time that The Oceanaire Seafood Room has created a soup to benefit JDRF during National Diabetes Month.

Mineta, a former member of the House of Representatives and former Secretary of Transportation under Presidents’ Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, has used his career as an avenue to give back to the community, and his efforts with The Oceanaire Seafood Room and JDRF are no exception.

“As someone who has Type II Diabetes, I understand the obstacles and hardships that this disease brings, particularly for children.  I was honored to be asked to work with Rob and The Oceanaire Seafood Room to support a cause that is so important to me,” said Mineta.  “The Oceanaire’s long-time support of the JDRF over the years is inspiring and it’s heartening to see a restaurant giving back.  Plus, I’m a frequent guest here, so it was my chance to put one of my favorite soups on the menu for a while!”

“Secretary Mineta and I thought that Beef Barley Soup is the perfect choice for the cool fall weather” adds Klink.  “Each year, I look forward to working with such passionate people like Secretary Mineta in support of the JDRF.”

Established in 1970, JDRF is the world’s leading nonprofit, nongovernmental funder of diabetes research.  Since its inception, JDRF has provided more than $1.16 billion to diabetes research.  Type 1, or juvenile diabetes, is the more rare and serious form of the disease according to Pam Gatz, Executive Director of the JDRF Capitol Chapter.  It primarily strikes young children and young adults, and happens suddenly for no apparent reason.

In recognition of culinary excellence, 2008 “Power Spot of the Year” RAMMY Award recipient The Oceanaire Seafood Room was awarded the DiRoNA Award, and has been invited to cook at the world-renowned James Beard House in New York three times.  The Oceanaire Seafood Room serves fresh seafood flown in daily from around the world. Its 9,000 square foot restaurant, lounge and oyster bar boasts a 250-seat dining room reminiscent of an elegant 1930s-era ocean liner, with cherry wood paneling, circular red leather upholstered booths and sconce lighting.  

The daily-printed menu features retro favorites like Shrimp de Jonghe, Clams Casino and Baked Alaska alongside Eastern Shore favorites such as Lump Crab Cakes and fresh, regional produce.  The restaurant, located at 1201 F Street, NW, is open Monday through Friday 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. 

For more information on juvenile diabetes, visit the website at www.jdrf.og or call 202.371.0044