Hurrah for "Agraria"

C Says...

J's selection for December proved to be quite timely. I like nothing more around the holidays than fresh ingredients and comfort foods. Agraria didn't disappoint.

I had been to this Georgetown eatery over the summer and was impressed by their commitment to organic and locally grown ingredients. The restaurant boasts its meat is grass fed from North Dakota and that the menu changes with the seasons to reflect the freshest ingredients possible. Apparently a Sunday night in December is the time to go, for the restaurant was practically empty. The ambiance is lovely, as are the restrooms, however I was taken aback by some of the music selections being piped in. Alanis Morrisette doesn't really scream "fine dining" to me, but perhaps it screams sustainable to some.

I had the rockfish as my main course, and it was quite nice paired with potatoes and a lovely aioli. The meal left me quite full, but I think that's mainly because I chose to not stop eating. For dessert, J picked a lemon treat that was fresh and delightful without being overly tart. Paired with a nice glass of port, it was a lovely way to finish off the meal. All in all, I enjoy Agraria for both the food they serve and the mission behind it.

However, I have to say you may want to reserve your trip there for when the weather is nice and you can score a table outside for some awesome people watching. Happy New Year!

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J Says...

Recommended by a dear friend (the restaurant's key team member and excellent chef in her own right), I gladly chose Agraria as C and my combined "Blog Dinner"/"Holiday Celebration." While more partial to South Dakota living, Agraria has established a unique style that truly stands out from the more standard, "common" restaurants on the Georgetown waterfront. From the warm greeting at the front to the attentive service throughout the experience, this was the perfect choice for C and I to mark our fourth holidays together.

Starting with the Wild Maine mussels (does North Dakota not have water?), the portions were plentiful and perfect. Joined by a lovely bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, I made short order of my starter in preparation for the New York strip that was waiting in the wings. Cooked at the right medium level, the grilled vegetables and asparagus were lovely accompaniment to the sizable steak. Add in the garlic mashed potatoes and then lemon pie that C and I shared, the dinner was quite lovely. If not for the random and seemingly out-of-character musical selection, the night would have been truly memorable for the food and ambiance alone.

In short, I will easily return to Agraria and have already recommended it to colleagues and friends. With the added bonus that I get to support a friend's place of employment, this is a no-brainer for the nutritionally, environmentally, and socially-conscious of Washington.


Agraria - 3000 K Street NW, 202.298.0003, www.agrariarestaurant.com