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