"Medium Rare"? Way Better Than Just Fair

C Says...

I don’t profess to be one of those people who are “in the know” when it comes to DC’s food scene, but I like to think that I have somewhat of a clue. Which is why when J said we were going to Medium Rare for this month’s dinner, I asked myself, “self, why have you never heard of this joint?”

Upon visiting its website, I was again perplexed – ONE prix fixe option? What’s with the minimalism Medium Rare? Turns out my skepticism was silly – Medium Rare is delightful. Sure, you get one option – but that one option is done very well.

Warm bread and butter followed by a salad – albeit not that great of a salad – followed by a 10 ounce steak and fries (served in two portions so it doesn’t get cold) and an amazing steak sauce. All for $20 … woah! At the end of the meal, I was compelled to order dessert – only because after not being able to choose something for dinner, I wanted options! The ice cream sundae was delicious; I mean really, who doesn’t like hot fudge?

All in all a great meal even if my cholesterol meds are doing double duty this a.m.

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J Says...

This wasn't my first time to Medium Rare, but it was the first time I could stump C with a selection she had not yet heard of. Truth be told, I was introduced to the prix fixe extraordinaire by a different monthly dining group the other J and I belong too (Shout Out E+M+K).

As there is no suspense as to what I chose for dinner, I will jump into my observations and reflections: The salad sucks. It totally brings nothing to the experience and is rather a false representation (and lousy way to start an evening) of the restaurant. That said, the bread is great...the wine flowing...and I love that the servers write your order in crayon on the table.

(Recommendation: ask for crayons yourself and play tic-tac-toe...food can sometimes take a bit of time)

All in all, I will go back to Medium Rare because they do the steaks beautifully. I would appreciate if they gave an option of a veggie instead of french fries x 2, but I guess you gotta keep the overhead low in this economy.


Medium Rare - 3500 Connecticut Avenue NW, 202.237.1432, www.mediumrarerestaurant.com