C Says...
I hadn't heard about Blue Duck when J proposed this for his monthly selection. After asking around for opinions from coworkers and friends, I heard nothing but rave reviews. Needless to say, I was quite excited for what lay ahead as I walked through the doors.
Well that proved to be an experience in and of itself; I almost walked right by it -- no neon signs here. The restaurant is located on the ground level of a hotel and is quite literally rectangular in shape -- maximizing the space.
I have to confess I was a bit confused by the decor and tone the designers were trying to set. Scattered throughout are glass "boxes" that separate booths -- which are really wicker love seats -- from the rest of the dining space. The seating was a nice rustic touch, as were the rocking chairs spread throughout, but they didn't mesh well with the modern feel to all the glass. There were cheese stations and wine stations also throughout the space. I love seeing food as much as eating it, so I liked this added experience.
We were a bit early for our reservations, so decided to have a drink at the bar (a pricey drink at that; thanks for paying J) before we were seated at a lovely row on banquettes. I had taken a gander at the menu a day or two before, and was excited to see a selection of seasonal proteins, fruit and and vegetables. In this regard, I wasn't disappointed; the menu reflects the wonderful products grown/raised by
farmers across the country.
I wish I could say the same for my entire dining experience. There weren't any specials on this particular evening, and I was left trying to decide whether to have crab cakes or the chicken. The waitress, who was lovely, explained that the menu
was "family style" and items were meant to be shared. Now, don't take family style in the Maggiano's meaning of the term. This is not a mound of pasta thrown on your table like you're a pig at the trough. But with each side dish priced separately and the entrees not accompanied with any vegetable, I can see why they'd encourage you to
have just 1 or 2 sides.
We placed our order, J ordered an appetizer that was NOT shellfish -- I was stunned, stunned!!! After polishing off a bottle of wine and an hour later, our food finally arrived (see J's theory here). J and I settled on another bottle of wine to curb
hunger pangs, and the garlic mashed potatoes as our side. There were definitely enough for both of us. I just wish I could figure out how to get my mashers to be that creamy at home -- but hey, I think lumps scream "home cooked." I ended up going with the chicken, and was sadly underwhelmed.
The chicken (a breast and two drumsticks) is prepared skin-on after marinating in a buttermilk concoction for a few hours. While this made the chicken extremely moist, it was under-seasoned, and lacking in flavor. Thank god the mashed potatoes were there. Despite the un-wow factor, I did manage to eat the entire breast, but mainly because I was paying $28 for it and was half of two bottles of wine into the evening.
Now, you loyal readers know I don't typically eat dessert, but I made an exception this time to see if Blue Duck could step up and turn "blah" into "yeah!!!" Well they came close. I decided on the apple pie with a scoop of ice cream (warning to readers, if the waiter asks if you want a bucket of ice cream, they mean 3 large scoops of vanilla in a glass bucket with a wooden spoon -- soooo cute, but so much ice cream. I think the couple next to us wished they hadn't gone with the bucket o' ice cream by the looks on their faces after plowing their way through). The pie itself was great and made with fresh apples and presented more as a tart. I
would have preferred a bit more cinnamon, but that's just me and didn't take away from it's overall goodness.
Overall dear readers, Blue Duck is not a place I would recommend for those of you looking to splurge on a dinner, as much as I really wanted to love it (because hey, who doesn't love ducks??).
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J Says...
Branching out to another part of DC, C and I headed over to Blue Duck on the border of Georgetown and Foggy Bottom. Arriving early, I enjoyed a drink at the bar which is not only segregated from the dining area, it is dissected into cubes of sitting areas with glass walls separating patrons. While the atmosphere is chic, the drink prices are steep at $11 a pop.
After a cocktail, we promptly moved to our reserved table. The wine list was plentiful and reasonably priced while the service was the triple A's: attentive, accurate and attractive. I was already liking Blue Duck even before moving to the menu, which continued to impress.
For starters and much to C's dismay, I dined on the braised rabbit which I dubbed "Fluffy." It was excellent, lush with flavors and leaving me excited for my main course: Kansas City Rib Eye. It did not disappoint...and did not last long, as I quickly devoured it upon its arrival. Equally delicious was the mashed potatoes, which C and I shared given that they are presented "family style" as with everything on the menu. The only critique I have of the food is that C's organic chicken was underwhelming, losing points for being less than flavorful or memorable. As you read above, C was more enthrawled with dessert than I was.
My one hesitation about returning to Blue Duck Tavern is legitimate and what I dubbed my "conspiracy theory." From the initial seating, the service was attentive and swift: water poured quickly, wine delivered promptly, appetizers presented in a timely manner. But after the rabbit disappeared (into my watering mouth), the clock-watching began. It continued for about 45 minutes, at a minimum. In the meantime, we finished the bottle of Sauvigon Blanc that we had ordered and...and here is where I believe the conspiracy comes into play...forced to open a second bottle to have when our main course was finally served. Now that I think about it, it was promptly after the second bottle arrived and was uncorked that our meals also came out from the black hole that was the kitchen.
After finishing, the check was quickly presented as to put an end to our 2.5 hour dining experience. For the record, this was our most expensive dinner to date by far.
Without question, I recommend Blue Duck Tavern for a more formal, but relaxed dining experience. I just don't recommend it on a night that you are in a rush...or don't want to be hungover the next day.
Blue Duck Tavern - 24th & M Streets NW, 202.419.6755, www.blueducktavern.com
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
"Ulah" La La
C Says...
Owned by the same proprietors of Stoney's on P Street, Ulah is less neighborhood bar, and more neighborhood bistro. Located on U Street, Ulah specializes in basic fare like burgers and pizza with the occasional entree thrown in for good measure. Spread out among 2 floors, they both feature their own bars and banquettes to maximize the space.
J ordered mussels to start (told you, you'd see a lot of this), and I ordered the mojito chicken as an entree. Marinated in a lime and mint sauce it's served with "risotto verde." The chicken was nicely grilled and had a light, citrus flavor. The risotto had a strong mint flavor, which I enjoyed, but was a bit heavy on the butter. It's a simple dish, but was perfect for the mood I was in.
We ordered dessert, which is unusual and were met with a huge chocolate cake. I had my share of bites (5) and thought it was a nice way to finish off the meal.
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise of the evening came when we received our bill. Monday nights are apparently 1/2 price bottle of wine nights when you order 2 entrees. So, J and I basically enjoyed are least expensive meal of this experience on a fluke -- about $35 each for an appetizer, 2 entrees, a bottle of wine, and dessert. Not too shabby for an up and coming urban bistro.
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J Says...
When C first suggested Ulah, I did not know what to think…or how to pronounce its name. Those hesitations quickly faded as I walked into the aesthetically-pleasing spacious, yet quant restaurant in the up-and-coming U street corridor. From the charming votive candles mounted on the exposed brick wall to the standard bar for which those who did not make a reservation in advance were confined too, everything in Ulah stated (subtly of course) that this restaurant was here to stay.
The service was playful yet sweet, with the waitress having a bit of a problem with the screw-cap bottle of wine. The mussels appetizer was delicious and plentiful – I could barely eat the last one as C was not in the seafood mood. For my main course, I enjoyed the shrimp and scallop linguine which provided more than enough to satisfy my hunger. And, quite frankly, it was well prepared and proportioned at a very reasonable price ($18). And, as C said above, the dessert was a nice way to end the relaxing evening.
Perhaps the only demerit to Ulah would be its simplistic and short wine list. However, the venue does get points for half-priced wine night on Mondays and, if someone is truly looking for a “wine restaurant,” they would go to one of a dozen specialty spots in the city that have opened within the last year.
I would be doing a disservice to our readers if I did not say that I have a special fondness for Ulah for two reasons: first, it is the first high quality, low pretentiousness restaurant to open near to my home in the city, which immediately makes it one of my new favorites. And, secondly, it is the site at which the brainchild of C and I…this blog…was born. While neither of these sentimental moments should take away from the simple fact that this is a very solid and soon-to-be staple restaurant for DC.
Ulah - 1214 U Street NW, 202.234.0123, http://ulahbistro.com
Owned by the same proprietors of Stoney's on P Street, Ulah is less neighborhood bar, and more neighborhood bistro. Located on U Street, Ulah specializes in basic fare like burgers and pizza with the occasional entree thrown in for good measure. Spread out among 2 floors, they both feature their own bars and banquettes to maximize the space.
J ordered mussels to start (told you, you'd see a lot of this), and I ordered the mojito chicken as an entree. Marinated in a lime and mint sauce it's served with "risotto verde." The chicken was nicely grilled and had a light, citrus flavor. The risotto had a strong mint flavor, which I enjoyed, but was a bit heavy on the butter. It's a simple dish, but was perfect for the mood I was in.
We ordered dessert, which is unusual and were met with a huge chocolate cake. I had my share of bites (5) and thought it was a nice way to finish off the meal.
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise of the evening came when we received our bill. Monday nights are apparently 1/2 price bottle of wine nights when you order 2 entrees. So, J and I basically enjoyed are least expensive meal of this experience on a fluke -- about $35 each for an appetizer, 2 entrees, a bottle of wine, and dessert. Not too shabby for an up and coming urban bistro.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J Says...
When C first suggested Ulah, I did not know what to think…or how to pronounce its name. Those hesitations quickly faded as I walked into the aesthetically-pleasing spacious, yet quant restaurant in the up-and-coming U street corridor. From the charming votive candles mounted on the exposed brick wall to the standard bar for which those who did not make a reservation in advance were confined too, everything in Ulah stated (subtly of course) that this restaurant was here to stay.
The service was playful yet sweet, with the waitress having a bit of a problem with the screw-cap bottle of wine. The mussels appetizer was delicious and plentiful – I could barely eat the last one as C was not in the seafood mood. For my main course, I enjoyed the shrimp and scallop linguine which provided more than enough to satisfy my hunger. And, quite frankly, it was well prepared and proportioned at a very reasonable price ($18). And, as C said above, the dessert was a nice way to end the relaxing evening.
Perhaps the only demerit to Ulah would be its simplistic and short wine list. However, the venue does get points for half-priced wine night on Mondays and, if someone is truly looking for a “wine restaurant,” they would go to one of a dozen specialty spots in the city that have opened within the last year.
I would be doing a disservice to our readers if I did not say that I have a special fondness for Ulah for two reasons: first, it is the first high quality, low pretentiousness restaurant to open near to my home in the city, which immediately makes it one of my new favorites. And, secondly, it is the site at which the brainchild of C and I…this blog…was born. While neither of these sentimental moments should take away from the simple fact that this is a very solid and soon-to-be staple restaurant for DC.
Ulah - 1214 U Street NW, 202.234.0123, http://ulahbistro.com
You Say Chic, We Say "Rasika"
C Says...
I'm a sucker for Indian food -- I think it's the curry and the naan, and Rasika does not disappoint.
It's a cozy restaurant in the heart of downtown; you could practically stumble right by it, if you're not on the look out. The lighting and red decor makes for wonderful ambiance, and the service was spot on.
I went for an old standby of chicken biryani, and was met with a preparation and plating that I've never seen before. The chicken came with the sauce in it's own metal bowl (think mini witches' cauldron) that kept the entire dish warm, with a bread topping (think chicken pot pie). Our waitress deftly sliced open the bready topper to let out a rush of aromatic steam. I'm not usually one for gimmicks at restaurants, but this was fun, and served a purpose -- all of a sudden you're hit with wonderful Indian aromas that are unparalleled in any other cuisine. The dish was phenomenal and I again had to have the server take my plate away before I descended farther into one of the seven deadly sins.
The entrees are reasonably priced, and well worth every penny. Rasika apparently also does a great lunch and participates in Restaurant Week -- so make your plans now.
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J Says...
Going on the advice of a trusted colleague (thanks Dana!), C and I ventured into the backstreets of the popular Chinatown-Penn Quarter section of the city. You’d almost miss Rasika if you weren’t looking for it…it’s camouflaged nicely into this quiet street in the urban jungle of DC…but once inside, it’d be hard to refocus your eyes. From the bar to the dining room to the kitchen and the bright red walls, the restaurant fills the room with vibrancy and energy. And the smells are heavenly.
While I don’t quite remember what I ordered for a starter – and C quickly jumped on it as well – my chicken makhani was so delicious and tasty that I had almost wished I ordered two courses of it. Very traditional yet very authentic, I found the meals and preparation to be of genuine class and respect. Coupled with a fine wine selection and very attentive, though not over-bearing, staff, I immediately recommended Rasika to my cousin and his wife who crave REAL Indian food.
If not already, Rasika will soon be popular with the DC journalist-elites for its chic feel yet decidedly non-American cuisine. This could be cause for concern as it may ruin the intimate feel of the restaurant in the long run. However, as long as the kitchen keeps producing the rich array of smells, sights and tastes as it did that March night, then I will surely be returning.
Rasika - 633 D Street NW, 202.637.1222, www.rasikarestaurant.com
I'm a sucker for Indian food -- I think it's the curry and the naan, and Rasika does not disappoint.
It's a cozy restaurant in the heart of downtown; you could practically stumble right by it, if you're not on the look out. The lighting and red decor makes for wonderful ambiance, and the service was spot on.
I went for an old standby of chicken biryani, and was met with a preparation and plating that I've never seen before. The chicken came with the sauce in it's own metal bowl (think mini witches' cauldron) that kept the entire dish warm, with a bread topping (think chicken pot pie). Our waitress deftly sliced open the bready topper to let out a rush of aromatic steam. I'm not usually one for gimmicks at restaurants, but this was fun, and served a purpose -- all of a sudden you're hit with wonderful Indian aromas that are unparalleled in any other cuisine. The dish was phenomenal and I again had to have the server take my plate away before I descended farther into one of the seven deadly sins.
The entrees are reasonably priced, and well worth every penny. Rasika apparently also does a great lunch and participates in Restaurant Week -- so make your plans now.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J Says...
Going on the advice of a trusted colleague (thanks Dana!), C and I ventured into the backstreets of the popular Chinatown-Penn Quarter section of the city. You’d almost miss Rasika if you weren’t looking for it…it’s camouflaged nicely into this quiet street in the urban jungle of DC…but once inside, it’d be hard to refocus your eyes. From the bar to the dining room to the kitchen and the bright red walls, the restaurant fills the room with vibrancy and energy. And the smells are heavenly.
While I don’t quite remember what I ordered for a starter – and C quickly jumped on it as well – my chicken makhani was so delicious and tasty that I had almost wished I ordered two courses of it. Very traditional yet very authentic, I found the meals and preparation to be of genuine class and respect. Coupled with a fine wine selection and very attentive, though not over-bearing, staff, I immediately recommended Rasika to my cousin and his wife who crave REAL Indian food.
If not already, Rasika will soon be popular with the DC journalist-elites for its chic feel yet decidedly non-American cuisine. This could be cause for concern as it may ruin the intimate feel of the restaurant in the long run. However, as long as the kitchen keeps producing the rich array of smells, sights and tastes as it did that March night, then I will surely be returning.
Rasika - 633 D Street NW, 202.637.1222, www.rasikarestaurant.com
Please Pass the "Black Salt" and Pepper
C Says...
Listen up you car-less DCites -- if you depend on Metro or cabs to get to your preferred destinations, you likely won't be able to enjoy what is an incredible restaurant. I recommend Zip-car-ing ASAP to experience this lovely restaurant nestled in the Palisades (and nowhere near any Metro stop). Upon walking in to Black Salt you'll be greeted by friendly staff and a fish market where you can select from fresh catches of the day and dry goods. When I chose Black Salt for my birthday dinner, I had no idea it was one of "those" DC places -- you know, the ones where the "stars" go. On this evening, we encountered some of DC journalism's finest -- Tammy Haddad and Linda Douglass. For a couple of DC star lovers, this added some major street creed to my pick.
Black Salt's decor is intimate and well-laid out. There is a side room that lends to an open view of the kitchen, which I always love. It's committed to sustainability of fish, which warms the cockles of my lovely liberal heart.
Many of the items on the menu trend toward Latin inspired dishes, and are essentially one-pot wonders. I ordered the Parazuela which consists of sea bass, mussels, shrimp, pulpito (baby octopus, okay, not so much a fan of that...it's the tentacles), and sweet potatoes in a coconut chorizo broth. This recipe hails from Peru and was simply incredible. It had sweet and savory flavors that were complex in their simplicity. The chorizo added a nice hint of spice and the seafood was made to perfection (I passed the pulpitos on to J for him to enjoy). This is a very stew-like dish and is super filling -- I quite literally had to have our server take my bowl from me. I would love to go back for the chef's tasting menu, but I'm not sure my belly could handle it.
Kids, really -- find a car and get thee to the Black Salt. It's well worth the trek.
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J Says...
The first pick of C definitely left me scratching my head – not because of the amazing feast I was about to have, but because I couldn’t quite figure out how to get back to civilization. Having only heard about the Palisades, it was an eye-opening experience to find its existence…and to taste the fantastic cuisine of Black Salt for my hard work (read: driving C).
While C was awe-struck with the A-list DC celebrities dining in the restaurant (living in LA for 5 years, I prefer the real stars), I was enjoying the level of details that this “fish market” had employed to really take you away from that stereotype. Comfortable, cozy and curious, I couldn’t help but eyeing the other tables to see which of the plentiful dishes they selected. As I could not find what I ordered on their standard online menu, I believe I tried the Chef’s special that evening…and I recall it went down quickly as I eyed dessert.
The entire experience was absolutely brilliant, until you receive the check. Not going to sugarcoat it…the sticker shock of the bill is perhaps the one downfall. You may be saying that I shouldn’t have ordered dessert or that additional glass of wine (we always order a bottle to start)…but really, the selections are too good to pass up. Thus, be prepared for the bill by making this a truly “for special occasions” place since this will ensure you don’t ruin the unparallel experience that is Black Salt.
Black Salt Fish Market & Restaurant - 4883 MacArthur Blvd, 202.342.9101, www.blacksaltrestaurant.com
Listen up you car-less DCites -- if you depend on Metro or cabs to get to your preferred destinations, you likely won't be able to enjoy what is an incredible restaurant. I recommend Zip-car-ing ASAP to experience this lovely restaurant nestled in the Palisades (and nowhere near any Metro stop). Upon walking in to Black Salt you'll be greeted by friendly staff and a fish market where you can select from fresh catches of the day and dry goods. When I chose Black Salt for my birthday dinner, I had no idea it was one of "those" DC places -- you know, the ones where the "stars" go. On this evening, we encountered some of DC journalism's finest -- Tammy Haddad and Linda Douglass. For a couple of DC star lovers, this added some major street creed to my pick.
Black Salt's decor is intimate and well-laid out. There is a side room that lends to an open view of the kitchen, which I always love. It's committed to sustainability of fish, which warms the cockles of my lovely liberal heart.
Many of the items on the menu trend toward Latin inspired dishes, and are essentially one-pot wonders. I ordered the Parazuela which consists of sea bass, mussels, shrimp, pulpito (baby octopus, okay, not so much a fan of that...it's the tentacles), and sweet potatoes in a coconut chorizo broth. This recipe hails from Peru and was simply incredible. It had sweet and savory flavors that were complex in their simplicity. The chorizo added a nice hint of spice and the seafood was made to perfection (I passed the pulpitos on to J for him to enjoy). This is a very stew-like dish and is super filling -- I quite literally had to have our server take my bowl from me. I would love to go back for the chef's tasting menu, but I'm not sure my belly could handle it.
Kids, really -- find a car and get thee to the Black Salt. It's well worth the trek.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J Says...
The first pick of C definitely left me scratching my head – not because of the amazing feast I was about to have, but because I couldn’t quite figure out how to get back to civilization. Having only heard about the Palisades, it was an eye-opening experience to find its existence…and to taste the fantastic cuisine of Black Salt for my hard work (read: driving C).
While C was awe-struck with the A-list DC celebrities dining in the restaurant (living in LA for 5 years, I prefer the real stars), I was enjoying the level of details that this “fish market” had employed to really take you away from that stereotype. Comfortable, cozy and curious, I couldn’t help but eyeing the other tables to see which of the plentiful dishes they selected. As I could not find what I ordered on their standard online menu, I believe I tried the Chef’s special that evening…and I recall it went down quickly as I eyed dessert.
The entire experience was absolutely brilliant, until you receive the check. Not going to sugarcoat it…the sticker shock of the bill is perhaps the one downfall. You may be saying that I shouldn’t have ordered dessert or that additional glass of wine (we always order a bottle to start)…but really, the selections are too good to pass up. Thus, be prepared for the bill by making this a truly “for special occasions” place since this will ensure you don’t ruin the unparallel experience that is Black Salt.
Black Salt Fish Market & Restaurant - 4883 MacArthur Blvd, 202.342.9101, www.blacksaltrestaurant.com
The First Dine: Tempting our "Palette"
C Says...
For what is for all intents and purposes, a hotel restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised by the un-hotelesque quality of this restaurant. A nice touch is the maitre d' greets you by name. Granted this host got our reservation's name wrong, but hey, points for trying. Overall, service was pleasant and they were attentive without being at the table every 5 minutes to make sure we were doing okay. The decor and atmosphere is modern, yet comfortable. Art adorns the walls and fresh flowers are on each table. Nice touch in my book.
You'll come to realize that J. likes to order appetizers, and has a penchant for mussels and scallops. I, however, refrain from ordering pre-dinner food mainly because it tends to ruin my appetite. Now, don't fault me for not having an extreme recollection of this dining experience (hey it was 4 months ago), but I believe I got the salmon (helps I checked their online menu and that I tend to order a lot of salmon when going out to eat) It's done with skin on, which I think is a nice touch and helps the fish retain its flavor, and is served with lentils.
Overall, I enjoyed Palette. The price is right for the quality of the food, and it was an enjoyable dining experience. I don't think I'll return for a meal, but that is in no way a reflection of the restaurant -- there are just too many other places in DC to indulge my gluttonous tendencies.
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J Says...
Palette can be easily missed if you are driving by yet another hotel in DC too quickly, which is sad but expected. Very subtle in its exterior, the restaurant is beautifully laid out, though not visually-stunning on the interior. You’ll have the sense that you’ve eaten at Palette, though it was just a different name in a nameless urban city. And the grilled Colorado lamp chops – to which I ordered at the amusement of C. – would be equally good at any other restaurant across the country.
As this was our inaugural feast and I had first pick of location, I went back to a restaurant that I had previously dined…and I believe enjoyed…though had little recollection. That is, perhaps, the biggest challenge Palette faces – it just doesn’t stand out among DC’s vast selection of eateries. And again (as C. alluded too), four months later I am still drawing a blank on specifics, however I do recall that it was unusually quiet at the restaurant and that I did skip on dessert because I was not impressed by any selections (though the complimentary cotton-candy they bring to the table was unique and tasty on my palette).
All in all, the price was expected; the staff was welcoming and attentive; and the décor is relaxing. I won’t turn down a dining experience at Palette, but I’m not rushing to go back soon either.
Palette - 15th & M Streets NW, 202.587.2700, www.palettedc.com
For what is for all intents and purposes, a hotel restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised by the un-hotelesque quality of this restaurant. A nice touch is the maitre d' greets you by name. Granted this host got our reservation's name wrong, but hey, points for trying. Overall, service was pleasant and they were attentive without being at the table every 5 minutes to make sure we were doing okay. The decor and atmosphere is modern, yet comfortable. Art adorns the walls and fresh flowers are on each table. Nice touch in my book.
You'll come to realize that J. likes to order appetizers, and has a penchant for mussels and scallops. I, however, refrain from ordering pre-dinner food mainly because it tends to ruin my appetite. Now, don't fault me for not having an extreme recollection of this dining experience (hey it was 4 months ago), but I believe I got the salmon (helps I checked their online menu and that I tend to order a lot of salmon when going out to eat) It's done with skin on, which I think is a nice touch and helps the fish retain its flavor, and is served with lentils.
Overall, I enjoyed Palette. The price is right for the quality of the food, and it was an enjoyable dining experience. I don't think I'll return for a meal, but that is in no way a reflection of the restaurant -- there are just too many other places in DC to indulge my gluttonous tendencies.
---------------------------------------------------------------
J Says...
Palette can be easily missed if you are driving by yet another hotel in DC too quickly, which is sad but expected. Very subtle in its exterior, the restaurant is beautifully laid out, though not visually-stunning on the interior. You’ll have the sense that you’ve eaten at Palette, though it was just a different name in a nameless urban city. And the grilled Colorado lamp chops – to which I ordered at the amusement of C. – would be equally good at any other restaurant across the country.
As this was our inaugural feast and I had first pick of location, I went back to a restaurant that I had previously dined…and I believe enjoyed…though had little recollection. That is, perhaps, the biggest challenge Palette faces – it just doesn’t stand out among DC’s vast selection of eateries. And again (as C. alluded too), four months later I am still drawing a blank on specifics, however I do recall that it was unusually quiet at the restaurant and that I did skip on dessert because I was not impressed by any selections (though the complimentary cotton-candy they bring to the table was unique and tasty on my palette).
All in all, the price was expected; the staff was welcoming and attentive; and the décor is relaxing. I won’t turn down a dining experience at Palette, but I’m not rushing to go back soon either.
Palette - 15th & M Streets NW, 202.587.2700, www.palettedc.com
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