C & J Dine Around DC

HOPA! At Kellari Taverna

2012-01-31T14:25:00.004-05:00

C Says --

Thanks to the Occupiers' encampment near my office, I have to say that my Democrat-leaning self was kind of pleased at the irony of J picking somewhere on the infamous K Street. Take that anarchists!

True to form, this establishment fits the K Street sterotypes perfectly. Business suits. Lobbyists. Members of Congress. All that was missing was wood paneling, bourbon, and steak. Good thing I like seafood.

Kellari's take on fish was something I'd never seen before -- make your selection (which is priced per pound) and the little sucker is taken from its icy morgue to the kitchen and prepared to order. I was leaning toward selecting the red snapper because 1) I like red snapper 2) I could pronounce it and 3) I knew what it was. After some goading by J, I decided to be a bit more adventurous and go with the Barbounia (aka red mullet -- good thing I didn't know what Barbounia translated to). I'm glad I did. When the plate arrived it was overflowing with the little suckers. Simply prepared in olive oil with lemon, the fish weren't too fishy and were cooked perfectly. I even tried a fish head -- while not disgusting, I'm fairly sure I won't be craving them in the near future. Fair warning, this is a LOT of food -- so a good place to share a meal or to take an offensive lineman from the Washington Redskins.

While I enjoyed Kellari, there are other seafood restaurants in DC I would put in the front of the line (Black Salt, Hank's Oyster Bar). But if you're looking for a taste of Athens in D.C., Kellari might do if for you.

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J Says --

As January is my birthday month, it was my selection for dinner…on C’s dime (THANKS!). So I went back to my semi-roots for inspiration and selected the Greek restaurant Kellari Taverna. Situated downtown on K street, I’ve driven by it countless times and never knew this gem was there. And clearly it’s geared for the business crowd...making our jeans and nice sweaters a tad underdressed. But that was ok as they sat us in the corner.

As Kellari is known for its fresh fish, I was determined to try some. I had also heard great reviews of the octopus, but C was not game to try it. Thus, we started with the Keftedes, or traditional meatballs with Greek yogurt and dill. Quite tasty with a certain amount of heat that was unexpected, the meal started off well. As the fish is priced per pound, I went with the Fagri from the Greek Islands…or White Snapper to us laymen. WHOA what a fish…and at 1.5lbs, what a big plate! Lean, full of flavor and definitely filling, it was a perfect selection. C and I shared grilled asparagus and spinach as our sides.

I would certainly go back to Kellari…at 8pm, it was quite easy to get in AND we spied a Texas Congressman dining with a NY Times reporter. And yes, next time I’d wear slacks rather than jeans…but I’d still want that corner booth!

Kellari Taverna, 1700 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 20006, (202) 535-5274, http://kellaridc.com/

2011-12-19T15:56:00.003-05:00

Well Done at BGR "The Burger Joint"

C Says --

Fresh off one of our spendier meals in recent memory, this month, I provided J with three options from which to chose. He went with BGR "The Burger Joint," contrary to how he describes it below. BGR is located right in the heart of Dupont Circle, and is an unassuming addition to Connecticut Avenue. The space is small, but adorned with 80s pop art and Simpsons-inspired tables. I could easily see how the place would be packed on a weekend night.

Giving in California-ness, I opted for the Southwestern burger featuring peppers, pepper jack cheese, black bean salsa, and a mojo sauce. The burger was fresh and had just the right amount of spice. The french fries were good and not too greasy. I took a meal to go for the Big Guy back home and he enjoyed the bacon burger, garlic fries, and gingerbread (montly special) shake; I too enjoyed the gingerbread shake.

BGR is just one of many specialty burger joints popping up in DC, and it holds its own.

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J Says –

C’s choice of BGR “The Burger Joint” immediately reminded me that my doctor says I need to trim down on the red meat. But, as the loyal soldier, I put my health aside for this blog.

Very simple in its décor and operation, the selections are diverse and complex. I opted with “The Greek” which diverges from beef to fresh ground leg of lamb and all the traditional Greek fixings of cumin, mint, feta cheese and tzatziki sauce. WHOA! It’s packed with juice, flavor and heft…and it’s a great size for a reasonable price. And, the fact that “The Greek” has been featured on Food Network’s “Throwdown” with Bobby Flay (amazing steak/seafood place!), doesn’t hurt either. I paired my selection with roasted garlic French fries. And, shocking to many, I opted against a milkshake and went with a beer (boring, I know).

BGR is exactly what you want in a metropolitan burger joint…a “treat em and street em” mentality that keeps people moving. The quality is consistent, the quantity is plentiful. I’d go back when the hankering for a burger…but, like this review, I’ll have to hide it from my doctor.

BGR "The Burger Joint," 1514 Connecticut Ave., NW (202) 299-1071, bgrtheburgerjoint.com/

Eat It Up...At America Eats Tavern

2011-11-28T16:54:00.003-05:00

C Says...

So last month, I explained my obsession with all things Top Chef. This month, I'll try to not do the same with my obsession with all things Jose Andres. I love the guy. I love his PBS show. I love his accent. I love Jaleo. I love his hijinks on late night talk shows. I love how he's making food fun -- the way Ferran Adria did at the now closed El Bulli (so sad). And that's exactly what he's doing with America Eats Tavern...making food fun. I mean how ballsy is it to shut down a perfectly successful restaurant (Cafe Atlantico) and reopen it as a pop-up in partnership with the National Archives' "What's Cooking Uncle Sam Exhibit?" with ALL the profits going toward The Foundation for The National Archives?

All the menu items, and there are many, pay homage to America's food history. Want to know how macaroni and cheese came to be a staple in American homes? Try the vermicelli prepared like pudding. I did. And trust me...it's unbelieveably good. Care for something more historical? How about Eisenhower's stew. I didn't try that this time, but on a previous visit, I did have the peanut soup and that's seriously good.

For our entree, J gave in and let me order the bison steak for two. It was cooked to perfection with accompanying side "catsups" (these are not of the Hunt's or Heinz variety) and cheddar mashed potatoes and veggies. The entire meal was amazing, and yes, my dog did devour the leftover bone.

If you're looking for whimsy (bills come enclosed in a book by an American author -- Hardy Boys anyone) and interested in the history of our country's food culture (there are no descriptions of what the meals include, only the origins of each dish) and looking for a great meal, I highly recommend making a reservation...and fast. America Eats Tavern closes, appropriately, on July 4, 2012. Now if only someone would take me to Mini Bar...

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J Says...

C picked America Eats Tavern, which I had only previously heard about from the Other J (who was quite jealous we were going). My immediate reaction upon arriving was deja-vu...I'd been there before. Apparently, it was when the space was Cafe Atlantico. Kudos to Jose Andres for sprucing up the place.

Dining upstairs, the waiter explained that the goal is to have 4 plates...Oysters..."To Follow"....Soups & Salads...Meats & Fish. Yea, that wasn't on my docket that night. I went with the Hush Puppies from the "To Follow" menu to start and then, partnering with C, we tackled the 27 oz Bison Tomahawk Steak with cheddar mashed potatoes, catsups and pickles. The hush puppies were good, but not unique. The Bison steak, however, was AMAZING. Totally worth giving up control of my meal (I'm not a food-sharer by nature)...and think C's dog Stanley enjoyed the thigh bone that we wrapped up for him after we devoured the meat.

I liked America Eats Tavern but not rushing to return...there just weren't a lot of options on the menu that piqued my interest. I'm sure the Other J will enjoy going there...but be careful if you do, certain menu items are only available on certain nights...another no-no in my book.

Bravo for "Graffiato"

2011-11-14T12:03:00.008-05:00

C Says...

As some of you may or may not know, I LOVE Top Chef. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. Whether it's Fabio making "hamboogers" for Jimmy Fallon, Tiffany going from bitch to sweetheart, or Padma telling someone to pack their knives and go, it's fantastic TV. So ever since Mike Isabella announced he was opening a restaurant in DC (something much different than Spike's Good Stuff or We the Pizza), I'd been dying go. Yeah J for picking it this month.

I had high expectations going in based on reviews from foodies to friends, and for the most part, I wasn't disappointed. Featuring small plates or pizzas, we opted to share the former. Staring with a simple, yet oh so flavorful flat bread, the meal dovetailed into a beet with goat cheese salad. I have just discovered beets after a trip to Chelan, WA (shout out CR!!!!) where I absolutely fell in love with them. No longer did they taste like dirt. I'm not sure if the chef forgot the goat cheese, or I just missed it, but this salad could have used some, or more, even if the beets were cooked to perfection. The pork belly was melt in your mouth divine and the chicken thighs were unbelievable. Two words: pepperoni sauce. The only real miss of the meal in my mind was the pumpkin risotto; the flavors never really came together, and it left me wanting to like it, but couldn't. To end the meal I had to try the zeppoli with pumpkin caramel. Maybe to make up for the risotto -- and it did. Boy, did it.

While the ambiance is rather loud and was crowded on a random weeknight, I highly recommend making the trip. Remember. Two words: pepperoni sauce.

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J Says...

I had been to Graffiato prior to this review...the other J simply had to go as soon as it opened. At that time, we did the chef's tasting with wine pairing which allowed us to try basically 3/4 of the menu (there were four of us, each getting different plates) for a decently-priced $85 each. Thus, going into dinner with C, I had an idea of what to have again...what to avoid...and what new to try.

To Mike Isabella's credit, he adds and subtracts items based on the season and local availability, so there were some new items for Fall that I was unaware of during my previous summer dining. The only item C forgot to mention in her review above was the homemade spaghetti. I know it sounds boring but it really is quite amazing. In my mind, it ties the beloved pepperoni sauce. I wasn't disappointed when C decided not to have too much of my cherished spaghetti.

As the food speaks for itself...and it speaks loud and proud...I think the setting needs some attending too. It's a bit like a high school cafeteria, completely with uncomfortable chairs, chilly temperatures and cement walls/floors that bounce every sound around the room. This may be the sterilized feel that Isabella is going for, but just doesn't seem to fit the DC model (more of a NYC-niche thing, perhaps).

So yea, I'll be going back to Graffiato...and likely bring the other J next time, as I almost had to sleep on the couch for excluding him this time. Oh Snap!

Graffiatio - 707 6th Street NW, 202.289.3600, http://www.graffiatodc.com/

Definitely Cross the Street for "Thai X-ing"

2011-09-30T16:18:00.004-04:00

C Says...

I had heard rumors, urban legends, and/or stories about an amazing Thai restaurant tucked away between LeDroit Park and Shaw for about a year now. A mysterious place that you'd walk right by if you blinked. A place that served what was in season and what the chef felt like cooking. A place that required reservations and required that if you wanted beer or wine with your dinner, that you brought it yourself. Clearly, this is the kind of place that was right up my alley...no, it's not located in an alley.

Thai X-ing is in a word, unbelievable and one of the best meals I've had since Black Salt. This is a place that showcases the food, and rightly so. There is no ambiance to speak of (or air conditioning for that matter) aside from your fellow diners exclaiming how great the food is.

We were served a quasi prix fixe menu of six dishes for the whopping price of $30 each. I wasn't really sure how many items we'd be getting, so I probably could have slowed down the pace a little bit instead of shoveling food into my mouth, but it was so good. Like, really, really good. The first two dishes were a great yin yang of spicy vs. refreshing followed by mussels and cucumber soup. Then came the pumpkin curry, chicken that literally fell off the bone, drunken noodle, and finally mango sticky rice. I quite literally wanted to bathe in the pumpkin curry -- I mean who knew pumpkins held this magical power?

This Thai food was unlike any other I'd ever had, and what I one day hope to have in Thailand. So get to Thai X-ing NOW, but don't forget to make a reservation, bring your own booze, and tuck in for a wonderful meal.

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J Says...

The Other J had raved about his experience (with a previous partner, humph) at Thai X-ing so I was definitely excited when C announced it as her choice. And knowing it was BYOB, I saved the evening with a bottle of red...Snap Dragon, natch...as C forget hers at work (must have made for a great day after in the office!).

The food is, quite frankly, a blur for me...a cornucopia of smells, flavors and temperatures. And at the rate by which the food was coming out, I had little time to just savor the options and stem my head sweating. Most of the dishes C described above were heavenly, though I was not a fan of the cucumber soup. And I barely remember the mango sticky rice dessert, as C engulfed it like a Venus flytrap to a, well, fly. In all we had 6 courses and were completely full after the hour-plus straight of eating.

Now, if you are looking for romantic settings or ambiance of any kind, you should walk on by Thai X-ing. The seating is cramped, the kitchen is cooking you as it cooks your food, and the ability for drifters to come in off the street is unnerving (no, really, a homeless guy tapped me on the shoulder asking for a cigarette in the middle of my meal). But in terms of quality..and quantity..of food, absolutely call and make the reservation. What a hidden gem...literally.

Thai X-ing - 515 Florida Ave NW, 202.332.4322, www.thaix-ing.com

All Over the Board with El Quatro Opinions on "El Centro"

2011-09-06T21:07:00.008-04:00

C Says...

When J said we were going to El Centro for this month’s dinner, I immediately put on my Southern California, “DC doesn’t make good Mexican food (unless it’s from a truck)” hat and was happy to judge this newest take on re-imagined classic Mexican dishes.

Now, I love Mexican food. I love the spices, the flavors, and the traditions, so the bar was high. I have to say El Centro came very close and may have met it. We started with guacamole and queso fundido. The guacamole was nice, but not nearly as “spicy” as the waiter claimed it would be. The queso fundido was fantastic and we literally scraped the mini skillet it came in clean.

For my entrée I asked the waiter to help me decide: chili relleno? Enchiladas divorciadas? Tacos carnitas? I went with the enchiladas and they were delicious. Not overly sauced like so many places do. Delicious chicken and nicely paired with beans and rice. The waiter even brought me a side of habanero salsa that was in a word amazing. This was like no other salsa I’ve had in a restaurant before. I may have asked to bathe in it.

A few downsides – really noisy dining room (yes, I’m getting old) and sub-par cocktails. But, if you’re looking for something akin to the Mexican food of the west coast, El Centro is your best bet, unless of course you find a food truck in Arlington.

L Says...

Feeling so honored to join C, J & The Other J, I was ready to let the snark flag fly about Mexican food in DC (I had a 6 years stint in California so I think I'm legit). Besides the tasteless guacamole and watered down margarita, I was extremely impressed with the queso fundido (translation: gooey awesome cheese in a skillet) and the pork carnitas which were -- and I hate this word -- moist. There was a huge portion of carnitas served with pickled radishes, corn tortillas, more tasteless guac, smooth green salsa, and ridiculously spicy orange salsa which I thought J2 would have bathed in if he could.

Overall: not much to snark at...is it wrong I'm a little disappointed?

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J Says...

This wasn't my first time at El Centro, but it was my foursome review for the blog, so it met some-ish requirement of this site. And it was a treat to have The Other J and "L" (per Federal Witness Protection Program) join us.

Since the ladies above described our appetizers in great detail, particularly the less-than-stellar guacamole, I will concentrate on my dinner. I ordered the 3 Tacos Chicken Tinga which, while a bit messy, was filling. There is certainly flavor, but not as distinctive as the average Chevys. In that regard, it wasn't the delivery I was expecting for a Richard Sandoval restaurant...but the prices weren't blown out of proportion either.

All in all, it's an experience to go, but there are more interesting restaurants popping up in that part of DC to try...and way better margaritas/mojitos/fill-in-the-blank at run-of-the-mill Mexican joints. (And no, I'm not endorsing Tortilla Coast...though it IS opening just a few blocks away from El Centro).

The Other J Says...

Having dined at El Centro before, I knew basically what to expect. Huge space downstairs (though with dim lighting), tasty margaritas, guacamole made at the table, and pretty good fish tacos. I had an enjoyable experience and was looking forward to coming back. This time around we sat upstairs near the open kitchen area, which I had thought would be rather loud. However, I was pleasantly surprised that we could have a conversation without yelling... and the lighting was much better.

We started with the guacamole and queso fundido. The guacamole was just spicy enough and incredibly fresh. But I definitely preferred the queso fundido. The melted cheeses were amazing and I found myself scraping the plate so I wouldn't leave any behind. For the main course, I chose the carne asada with chimichurri/chile morita sauce and a sweet corn tamale. The steak was cooked to perfection (rare) and was very juicy. C had an extra side of habanero salsa and I utilized that to add some extra spice. And I absolutely loved the sweet corn tamale. It really balanced out the spiciness of the steak. Of course, I washed all this down with several margaritas.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my second visit to El Centro and will definitely go back for round three!

El Centro - 1819 14th Street NW, 202.328.3131, www.richardsandoval.com/elcentrodf/

Feels Like Home at "Senart's Oyster & Chop House"

2011-07-30T14:08:00.005-04:00

C Says...

Senart’s Oyster and Chop House in Barracks Row is another establishment popping up throughout the city that aims to showcase the DC of yore. Senart’s is located in a house once occupied by the Senart family – during the 1930s they lived in an apartment on the 2nd floor and served oysters and pub grub on the 1st floor. Senart’s menu reflects this: heavy on oysters, old fashioned cocktails like a Pimm’s Cup and Moscow Mule, seafood, and plenty of meat. I don’t think the Senart family would be disappointed with this new venture.

J started off with the shrimp cocktail – I sampled one of the little buggers and they were fresh and delicious. I’m partial to very tart drinks (gimlets anyone?) and Senart’s Moscow Mule was refreshing on a warm summer’s day. I had to stop myself from stealing the traditional copper mug this drink is served in.

For my entrée I chose the Blueberry BBQ Berkshire pork chop with scalloped potatoes, coleslaw and green beans. This meal was simply fantastic: the pork chop was enormous and the blueberry sauce was a great accompaniment; the scalloped potatoes were perfection; and, I even enjoyed the coleslaw and I’m not all that into coleslaw.

While we did have a few service flubs, all in all, Senart’s is a great addition to Barracks Row.

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J Says...

I was quite happy that C selected Senart's for this monthly dinner, as I had seen it pop up in the neighborhood but had yet to make it over there. After a nice stroll from our respective apartments (which are in adjacent buildings, by the way), we were seated outside on a lovely summer evening. And my dark & stormies were a wonderful addition.

As C said, I ordered the shrimp cocktail to start...4, not 8...since C only wanted one. Had I known they would be that large and delicious...and that our meals would have taken 15 minutes to come...I would have gone with the 8. The cold bar service was considerably quicker than the main kitchen, but perhaps it was a busy night.

After some hesitation due to a concern about sogginess, I selected the seafood lasagna "Cippino Style" for my main course after reassurance from the server. I'm VERY glad I did! Mussels, shrimp, octopus in a great tomato fondue with a traditional lasagna in the center...simply amazing. I can honestly say I was stumped about what to get for dinner because so many options seemed so good, so I'll be hard-pressed not to get this dish again when I go back.

The service, while friendly and fairly prompt, had some miscommunication issues that definitely weighed down the experience. All in all, a good price for a great meal, so I can only recommend people enjoy this new 8th Street establishment.

Senart's Oyster & Chop House - 520 8th Street SE, 202.544.1168, www.senartsdc.com

"Medium Rare"? Way Better Than Just Fair

2011-06-30T17:27:00.004-04:00

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

Wrestle Up a Lunch Date to "Tackle Box" This Selection

2011-05-26T13:48:00.006-04:00

C Says...

There’s basically one reason J and I chose Tackle Box for this month’s blog dinner – GroupOn. Sure, it was J’s month to chose, but when told that we could get $30 worth of food for $15, you can’t say no!

I’ve been to Tackle Box a few times, and it’s a great, quick option to its pricier, more refined counterpart Hook. What they lack in a wine list, they make up for in tasty food. I’m on a quasi-health kick these days, so I selected the Maine Meal (1 fish, 2 sides, 1 sauce): grilled catfish with grilled asparagus (I’m also on an asparagus kick) and mashed potatoes with the lemon garlic aioli. To start ($30 to spend kids!!!) we chose the clam strips. The clam strips, yes they’re fried, were actually very light and paired nicely with the tartar sauce.

My meal was fresh and tasty and after walking to Georgetown in 80 degree humid heat, I felt rather proud of myself for eating such a healthy-ish meal. If you’re looking for a quick seafood meal, Tackle Box doesn’t disappoint. Next time I’m going to have to try a lobster roll to see if Tackle Box’s can stand up against Red Hook Lobster Pound’s.

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J Says...

When C proposed Tackle Box, I thought we would have a sure winner of a dinner. But, sadly, I think it should stick to being a lunch place. Situated in the heart of Georgetown, the more tasty and dinner-appropriate location of Hook is right next door, begging the question of why put Tackle Box at this spot. But I tried to look past that faulty decision to the food.

I went with the crispy bay scallops, mashed potatoes and cornbread. The best part was hands-down the cornbread, which is disappointing for a restaurant specializing in seafood. I guess I'm more of a sea-scallops person...and broiled, not crispy. Though that wasn't an option, unfortunately.

The prices are pretty decent for the amount of food you get (even better with GroupOn), and the upstairs bar did have damn tasty specials and an energetic bartender, but my overall opinion of Tackle Box isn't terribly high. In fact, when we received an email the next day telling us of a new Tackle Box location opening and free food, I immediately deleted the invitation.

Tackle Box - 3245 M Street NW, 202.337.TBOX, www.tackleboxrestaurant.com

Short and Sweet with "Good Stuff Eat(ery)"

2011-05-03T17:23:00.003-04:00

C Says...

Good Stuff Eatery on Penn, is well, damn good stuff. When it opened a few years ago, I was working on “the other” side of The Hill. After waiting a few months to let the hoopla wear off I finally trekked over with some coworkers to try Spike Mendelsohn’s burgers, fries, and milkshakes. That meal didn’t disappoint and I’ve been a fan ever since.

This time around, I tried the turkey burger named after Michelle Obama – it features caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, and a delicious mayonnaise spread. Pairing this with a small order of fries and delicious dipping sauces (I heart condiments) was a nice way to spend a warmish Spring evening in the Nation’s capital.

This time I refrained from ordering a shake, but seriously, get the shakes. No. Really. They’re AH-mazing.

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J Says...

Back to back Mendelsohn restaurants were fitting for spring, as neither is particularly good on the waistline for the upcoming speedo season. But alas, that's what C and I did (plus both are within walking distance to our apartments).

As good followers of C & J know, J is not a heavy red meat eater. Thus, I went with the Farmhouse Bacon Cheese, but instead of a burger, I tried the "cluck it" option...aka chicken. And not knowing of the size of the sides, I went with a large fry. Clearly the beach was far from my thinking that night. Both were decent, but didn't have me raving to my friends. And I, too, opted against the milkshakes...lactose and I do not mix (and the minimal cheese on my sandwich reminded me of that later. TMI??)

In comparing Good Stuff Eatery to other burger joints, I'd say its a decent match-up. But when compared to Mendelsohn's "We The Pizza", I'm going next door every time.

Good Stuff Eatery - 303 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, 202.543.8222, www.goodstuffeatery.com

Yes, Oui & Si for "We the Pizza"

2011-03-30T17:55:00.005-04:00

C Says...

This month, we broke one of our main rules when starting this blog – turns out both J and I had been to We the Pizza before, just not with each other. Oh well. I’m not going to complain because the pizza is just delicious (and because we had a guest diner join us).

We the Pizza is owned by Top Chef celebuchef Spike Mendolsohn and sits next door to his other DC establishment, Good Stuff. Spike’s done a great job bringing a different vibe to Capitol Hill and the pizza at We the Pizza doesn’t disappoint. I had a slice of white pizza and a slice of the roasted potato with pancetta. Both were delicious and reasonably priced (hand’s down, this meal was our cheapest).

Our guest opted for one of the subs, which looked great, and an order of the balsamic BBQ rosemary wings – I tried a few, and they weren’t half bad. While We the Pizza caters to the Hill crowd, it’s not open ridiculously late nor on Sundays giving it more a feel of a neighborhood joint than a place to stuff your face after a few too many at the Lounge (I’m talking to you Pizza Mart).

So, if you have been to We the Pizza (or Good Stuff for that matter), head there now. No I mean it. Now.

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J Says...

This month, I had intended us to go to a new Thai restaurant in NW, but both scheduling, the addition of the other J, and a serious crunch on my wallet forced the change to We the Pizza. Let me say, that is not a bad consolation prize at all.

Playing against type (for once), I also opted for a slice of the roasted potato with pancetta in addition to my slice of traditional pepperoni. Both were outstanding and quite filling...and for that price, even my wallet was feeling good. Service is quick, plenty of seating and typically good to see the owner, Spike Mendolsohn, lounging around and signing copies of his cookbook.

I'm definitely a fan of We the Pizza for efficient, great-tasting pies. I do remain sad that it is not a post-drinking option, but it suits the Hill's quieter evening crowd much better and surely has a following; the night we went the publication Politico was hosting an event upstairs. But, like the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court, We the Pizza is a must-stop destination on Capitol Hill.

We the Pizza - 305 Pennsylvania Ave SE, 202.544.4008, www.wethepizza.com

"1905" - Not a Dive, Though Barely Alive

2011-02-18T12:00:00.005-05:00

C Says...

For weeks my coworker has been raving about 1905 (maybe it’s been months). He touted the ambiance, the food, and the vibe. So for my birthday dinner I decided to check it out with Trusty J by my side. By in large my coworker wasn’t wrong.

1905 is a small space in a converted row house above a convenience store, but they make the most of it. The size lends itself to a nice cozy atmosphere as does the communal table in the center for larger groups. I was of course late (hate) and met J at the bar where he was nursing a cocktail. The bar itself was teeny and could easily feel claustrophobic if filled with people waiting for a table. But, seeing as this was a Tuesday night, it wasn’t an issue.

Foregoing a first course, I chose the crab cake entree. The crab cakes were cooked well and nicely seasoned. They were paired with a scallion mashed potato that while tasty needed some salt. The Manhattan I ordered had a whopping dash of cherry juice for some reason – which made it overly sweet for this bourbon lover.

I’d recommend 1905 for a nice dinner for two on a weeknight (I imagine it would get super noisy and crowded on a weekend night) for some good comfort food and nice atmosphere. Just don’t order a Manhattan.

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J Says...

I had tried once before to go to 1905, so it was quite nice that C chose this place for our February meal. Per usual, I arrived a bit early (just excited to see C I guess) and hung out at the bar. The citron and soda was quite nice and priced competitively for the District.

Disappointed, but not discouraged by C's lack of a first, I went with the Maine lobster meatballs, knowing full well C would partake. Delivered hot and spicy, it was a unique play on an old staple. They were quite delicious, though I'd likely try the butternut squash bisque my next go-around.

For my entree, I went with the pan seared duck breast. Served with a rye-bread pudding (seemed like Thanksgiving stuffing to me) and a rich lingonberry sauce. The duck was fine, though not memorable by any means. The portions are definitely filling. And the service was very attentive (though we were one of only five tables that evening).

I'd recommend 1905 if looking for something more quaint and quiet, particularly since its location is down the street from bustling U street and the restaurant lies within a renovated rowhouse. Not a place to see or be seen, the maitre'd was definitely the standout feature (call me!).

1905 - 1905 9th Street NW, 202.332.1905, www.1905dc.com

I Always Wanna My "Acadiana"

2011-01-31T20:19:00.004-05:00

C Says...

Technically, this month’s selection of Acadiana broke our previously established rule that our monthly restaurant selection be a place at least one of us hasn’t been to. Well, we’ve both been to Acadiana before, together actually; but seeing as it was J’s bday dinner, I allowed the rule bending. Given I really like Acadiana this wasn’t that much of a sacrifice.

J started with the oysters. Now, I haven’t had oysters since I was a kid, when understandably, I couldn’t get beyond the whole texture thing. For a few months now, I’ve been itching to try them as an adult, so I did. I have to say that while I wasn’t freaked out by them, I wasn’t blown away either (and I realize that I’m likely to get raked over the coals by oyster aficionados for this blaze reaction to the bivalves). For my entrée, I selected the red fish with cheese grits cakes and creamed spinach. The fish was perfectly cooked and the grits were divine. However, the creamed spinach was a bit bitter for my liking.

All in all a lovely meal (and the half priced bottle of wine night – Monday – wasn’t bad either). For a bit of southern seafood soul food done right, Acadiana is a winner.

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J Says...

Yes, we broke the rules...but to hell with the rules as rules were made to be broken. And what better choice to break them then with Acadiana, a staple of the DC seafood scene and top fave of chez moi.

As I knew C was covering the ENTIRE check, we splurged with the half-priced Monday bottles of wines, oysters to start and plenty of (free) bread. For my main course, I went with the seafood gumbo, which was served with plenty of spice and plenty of heat. This, for those devoted Acadiana fans, was also my first time having this course (see, I did try SOMETHING new!).

A wonderful birthday evening with a great dinner companion. My one critique would be that this time's service was not to the level I'm used too at Acadiana...but nothing was going to stop MY day!

Acadiana - 901 New York Ave NW, 202.408.8848, www.acadianarestaurant.com

"Red Rocks", Paper, Scissors...Rocks Wins Everytime

2010-12-23T15:00:00.007-05:00

C Says...
I love pizza. I love everything about it. I love 2Amys. I love Pizza Paradiso. I love Matchbox. So, I was especially thrilled to drive by Red Rocks Pizza in Columbia Heights.

A casual and comfortable restaurant, Red Rocks screams date night (which is particularly awkward when dining with just a friend). Red Rocks doesn’t take reservations, and I could see the wait time being ridiculously long on a Friday or Saturday – especially given its proximity to Wonderland Ballroom, Meridian Pint, and Target.

While the service was spotty, the food was great. I shared J’s bruschetta and it was decent and fresh tasting. For dinner, I had the special pizza of the evening – prosciutto, smoked mozzarella and zucchini. While I was expecting my pizza to be topped with Italian’s ode to bacon, I was happily surprised when it came out cooked like good ol’ American breakfast bacon. In a word delicious. And while I wanted to eat the whole thing, I played nice and took two slices home for the boyfriend (aka The Big Guy). Despite an errant zucchini, he also really liked it.

And not to mention, this has by far been one of our cheapest meals in 2+ years of stuffing our faces in various DC eating establishments. And with that dear readers – hope you had a wonderful 2010 and an even better 2011.

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J says...

Good god, C loves her pizza (and free advertising for her favorite places). So when I heard we were trekking up to Columbia Heights for Red Rocks Firebrick Pizzeria, I was both unsurprised and totally comfortable with the choice (disclaimer: I had dined here before about two years ago, sans C).

I arrived early to grab a drink at the bar, to which I want to give props to bartender Spencer for being so sexy stylish in his hat/beard combo. Eventually, C joined me and we luckily got a table...though, note to restaurants: it's almost 2011, maybe you've heard of Open Table?

Anyways, we did start with the bruschetta, which was as I remembered. I then opted for the pesto chicken panine with a side salad (waistline getting a bit big, not that you can tell from our photo to the right). The meals were standard for a pizzeria, so I have to say that 2Amys and Matchbox remain my favorites in town in terms of style and substance.

And as we close out another year at C & J, may we wish you and yours a happy, healthy new year with plenty of good eating and fine drinking!

Red Rocks Firebrick Pizzeria - 1036 Park Road NW, 202.506.1402, www.redrocksdc.com

No Real Hoop-La about "Neyla"

2010-11-30T13:37:00.006-05:00

C Says...

I’ve been to Neyla a few times – in fact my first visit to this Georgetown establishment was way back in my 20s when I first moved to DC (yes, I still remember that). Neyla is a great location and venue for a big group of people.

The décor is inviting and the space a expansive without feeling massive. During a weeknight the place was rather empty, but clearly picks up on the weekends. Unfortunately I found this evening’s meal just on the so-so side of the scale.

The hummus was good, a bit lemony, but good; the pita was plentiful; and the shawarma tasty. For the main course I selected the beef kafta, a perfectly fair meal, but nothing to go swingy from the rafters screaming about.

All in all, Neyla’s a nice location for a selection of mezze in the heart of Georgetown – perhaps good for a Christmas shopping snack, but it’s not someplace I’d put on my “oh my god, must eat there again” list (read Black Salt in Palisades).

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J Says...

This was my first visit to Neyla, and quite frankly I had never seen it in my years of walking the streets of Georgetown (wink). I found the decor stunning and the service adequate...and the bar was definitely an after-shopping/after-work kind of place to hang.

I started with the shawarma, to balance C's hummus. Quite delicious and the perfect size for an appetizer. For my main course I tried out chicken shish taouk which was plentiful in both taste and quantity.

All in all, the food was good but no better than some of the other great Mediterranean locales in the city. (See: Cafe 8) But its always a great evening when I get together with C.

Neyla - 3206 N Street NW, 202.333.6353, www.neyla.com

"Ted's Bulletin"...Read All 'bout It!

2010-10-27T17:09:00.005-04:00

C Says...

I’d heard nothing but great things from people about Ted’s Bulletin in Barrack’s Row. Granted, they were raving about the restaurants boozy milkshakes, but that was enough for me to select this location for our October dinner. Ted’s is an homage to all things 1930’s: from the bar, to the projector showing old movies (this night it happened to be William Powell and Myrna Loy starring in 1935’s The Thin Man – yes, I actually knew this) to the restrooms.

I opted for the fish and chips, although the burgers were tempting. The fish wasn’t over-fried, however it was lacking some flavor. The tartar sauce was a nice accompaniment as was the Cole slaw. All in all an okay meal (should have ordered a burger).

Our waitress, Erika, was great. So great, that she brought us one of the restaurant’s homemade apple butter Pop Tarts (this was good, but could have used some more apple butter!) on the house. For dessert I of course tried one of their adult milkshakes – the mocha Kahlua. It was in a word, delicious.

While not blown away by my meal at Ted’s, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, and totally appreciate any place that serves breakfast anytime and serves up free pastries just because. I’ll likely go back to try some other options, and of course for the milkshakes.

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J Says...

I had only been to Ted's for brunch (and the highly entertaining bartender named Donald), so dinner was surely going to be a treat. The decor and inspiration for the restaurant were not something I noticed until C pointed out...so I guess I'm the typical guy in that sense (though C's hair looked lovely that evening).

I opted for the herb-roasted half chicken with baked BBQ beans and mashed potatoes...the traditional "safe" choice for me when nothing else is standing out. It was good, nothing spectacular, but nor was the expectation after trying several brunch dishes.

In reality, you go to Ted's for the atmosphere and service. And as C alluded too, Erika was outstanding and very generous with her time, her smile, and Ted's pop-tarts. We tipped her extra well, just to show our appreciation.

All in all, check out Ted's Bulletin with a few friends...but not too many, as it is very loud in the open air seating which makes conversing with your dining companion challenging at times.

Ted's Bulletin - 505 8th Street SE, 202.544.8337, www.tedsbulletin.com

Part Hurray, Part Boo at "Acqua Al 2"

2010-09-30T16:18:00.008-04:00

C Says...

I like meat. Take that how you will, but I’m a carnivore. Now, don’t get me wrong; I like vegetables too and often crave broccoli sautéed with garlic and olive oil. So simple, so delicious. Acqua al 2 apparently doesn’t share my enthusiasm for animals.

Sure, there are plenty of options on the entrée portion of the menu. Everything from chicken to numerous steaks. Yet, the one area of the menu that was 100% vegetarian friendly was the pasta. I was somewhat surprised, since you often find at least a meat sauce option, however, imagine my disappointment when settling in to decide what I wanted to order when I found out that I couldn’t even have the option of meat with my pasta. Harrumph. As in, when I asked if I could add grilled chicken or sausage to a lovely penne or spaghetti, I was told, “no, the chef doesn’t do that.” Um. Okay. Maybe he knows something I don’t.

At any rate, the cannelloni I ordered did the job nicely. It was warm and bubbly and cheesy and gooey. It didn’t blow my mind or send me raving to the hillside, but it was a straightforward easy dish and done quite well. No dessert for me; although the selections are your standard fare: tiramisu, flourless chocolate cake, cheesecake, etc.

Acqua is definitely a place to be seen however, as evident by our spotting of a US Senator and some power lobbyists at a fundraiser. So if you’re into that thing, or you have some vegetarian friends to impress, Acqua might fit the bill.

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J Says...

Having been referred to Acqua al 2 by a friend's review, I was curious to try it out for our monthly blog dinner. And, the fact that C now lives on Capitol Hill (in the building next door to me!), a nearby location for which we could leisurely stroll home was a perfect choice for the fall evening.

Let me say, I had just arrived back from a red-eye flight from the West Coast that morning...I was tired and I was hungry. And, apparently, I was on-time to C's tardiness (those damn heels are not conducive to walking). After checking out the bar scene and chatting it up with Patrick, the friendly if not a bit cynical bartender, I was looking forward to the eggplant parmesan appetizer and some vino. While full of flavor and heat, it wasn't easy to share in terms of separating it between C and my plates.

For dinner, I opted for the special of the night...a swordfish grilled and combined with, you guessed it, bowtie pasta. It was beautifully done and, for a normal night, it'd be perfectly sized. Yet due to my hunger I certainly wanted more.

In all, I'd probably go back to Acqua al 2, particularly since my partner J wants to try it out. Not bad but not stellar, so I'd have to get it a shoulder shrug and look forward to my next dinner elsewhere. Though, since it has only been around since May, I may check back in six months to see how/if it improves (and maybe then I'll figure out what the name means).

Acqua Al 2 - 212 7th Street SE, 202.525.4375, www.acquaal2dc.com

No Hurrah, "Potenza"-blah

2010-08-19T11:57:00.008-04:00

C Says...

Restaurant Week is upon us once again, and by some stroke of good luck (or good planning), I again got to select this month’s restaurant. For those of you unfamiliar with RW (gasp!), it’s one week to cram all the dining you can for around $30 for a 3-course dinner (or $20 for lunch). I selected Potenza – a restaurant I run by a few times a week given its proximity both to my office and my house. I’ve always been intrigued by the happy go lucky people sitting outside and noshing on meat and cheese.

Unlike many restaurants that offer prix fixe options for RW, Potenza’s offered up its entire dinner menu. To start I selected the Arancini alla Salsiccia di Cinghiale (fried risotto balls stuffed with wild boar sausage and provolone). Now, fried risotto balls are one of my all time favorite snacks. But I have to say the ones at Two Amy’s or Taylor Gourmet are way better than Potenza’s. While a nice portion, they were a bit overcooked and had no dipping sauce – I too am a fan of dipping sauces.

Potenza’s menu is extensive and in keeping with the Italian theme of the joint, I chose the Tortelloni con Carne di Manzo (braised beef and gorgonzola filled tortelloni, preserved tomato sauce, and caramelized onions). This was a nice dish, perfect portion, and a nice option away from heavy cream sauces. The caramelized onions and tomatoes counterbalanced the beef and gorgonzola perfectly. However, at $19 a pop, this dish is a bit on the spendier side of the menu. Finally for dessert I selected the trio of gelato and sorbetto – a nice way to top off the meal.

All in all, Potenza was a good value for RW, but I wasn’t blown away by the food. A good place for after work drinks and snacks or to catch up with old friends.

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J Says...

Yet again, C had the choice for Restaurant Week. After her first selection was a no-go due to late booking, she selected Potenza. I didn't have the heart to tell her I had dined there twice before, both times pleased by the service but underwhelmed by the food. She just seemed so excited about the selection...and clearly our service was excited she selected Potenza (more on that to follow).

Going with the RW price fix as well, I started with the bruschetta which was plentiful enough for two, and very enjoyable if not simple in nature. My main course focused on an Italian staple: spaghetti with veal, pork and beef meatballs. While the balls were sizable in nature, they were dried out (much like C's appetizer) and the spaghetti was heavily loaded in marinara sauce to the point that it was watered-down. For dessert (and to maximize on the price fix), I went with the chocolate-hazelnut semi-freddo. It was hands-down the best part of my meal until...

So, to set this up, throughout the meal it appeared that the attractive waitress was ignoring me. Whether it was because of a failed opening joke (if you dine with me, you know I love to entertain servers), or a bias against slightly-graying athletic Republicans, C & I just did not know. UNTIL THE CHECK! As we get the check, there is a clear error on my half of the bill which she promptly fixes. Upon returning, she asks if we enjoyed our evening to which I reply that it was a lack-luster first date (clearly joking...I heart C). Well, the waitress first defends C by saying "she seems lovely" and then turns to C and says "you should come back sometime without him." Throw in a flirty wink and we have a pick-up ladies and gentlemen. C was still clearly in shock, but promptly emailed her boyfriend MCC (cute huh?) who replied "nice!" And that, our loyal readers, was the redeeming part of Potenza.

Potenza - 15th & H Street NW, 202.638.4444, http://potenzadc.com

Always a Good Day to go to "Justin's Cafe"

2010-07-21T09:19:00.005-04:00

C Says...

J's lazy. I'm pretty sure this is why he picked Justin's since it's a five minute walk from his posh apartment in an "up and coming" part of the city. Now, I'm down near the stadium at least three times a month -- I consider dating a baseball fanatic to be a perk, some would see it as a curse -- but hadn't ever been to Justin's.

The menu isn't expansive, but it's hearty. Great salads, sandwiches, and pizzas to satiate either your pre- or post-game hunger. The night we went was half-price wine night, but sadly J was too "ill" to partake. I opted for the Poinsette salad to start: Sliced Granny Smith apples, fresh mozzarella, toasted pecans, and mixed greens all tossed with a mustard vinaigrette. It was a lovely salad for a lovely summer evening. For the main course I chose the Cumberland sandwich: Thinly sliced prosciutto (OMG so much prosciutto -- so awesome), sliced figs, arugula, and grated fontina cheese on toasted ciabatta.

In a word: delicious. And did I mention the prosciutto? All in all, Justin's is a great neighborhood joint for an up and coming neighborhood for up and coming urbanites.

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J Says...

Trying to diversify our selections into quadrants other than walkable to C's house, I chose "Justin's Cafe" which has quickly become a neighborhood gem (h/t Open Table) for my SE dwelling.

Having sampled the sandwiches previously, I opted for a pizza selection on this particular summer evening. The basic mutz and sauce was my choice, and it did not fail to deliver. Hearty portions (that were promptly brought home for the next day's lunch) and full of flavor, I can see why others have raved about the pizza, including members of my office who have done their weekly takeout lunch from Justins Cafe. For those looking for comparison, think of the widely-popular Two Amys, but a younger version...give it time and it will surely mature.

The staff at Justin's is amazing as they immediately want to know who lives in the neighborhood and dining at their establishment. I've even met the actual Justin on occasion. And with its new outside seating and Monday night's half-priced bottles of wine, you know I'll be back regularly. And I will even walk (shocking to those who know me).

As expected, C enjoyed my selection...in fact, so much so that she's moving to my neighborhood starting this fall. I suspect we'll be running into each other more often at "Justin's Cafe."

Justin's Cafe - 1025 First Street SE, 202.652.1009, www.justinscafe.com

(Mostly) Adore Granville Moore's

2010-06-23T09:49:00.004-04:00

C Says...

I. Love. Granville. Moore's. So imagine my surprise when I learned that J had never been to this establishment that was featured in an episode of "Throwdown with Bobby Flay" and is one of H Street's "go to" dining establishments.

I love everything about this place. The story behind the restaurant. The dark lighting and dark wood. The beer list. Oh, and the food. The mussels are divine. The fries are sublime. And the dipping sauces are a condiment lover's idea of heaven.

This time, I opted for the bison burger, as should you, after eating my way through the mussel options on numerous previous trips. Don't believe whatever J writes. Go. To. Granville's. Now.

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J Says...

C was very excited about taking me to Granville Moore's, which clearly unnerved me a bit. As we drove to the land that time forgot (or was really really bad too), I became a bit more nervous but was determined to give it a fair hearing. Standing outside the "restaurant"...a renovated townhouse you would simply walk-by typically...the hearing was off to a poor start.

To be fair, I had been warned that my gut reaction to the exterior would be quickly replaced once inside (people know me too well). Inside, the decor reminded me of an underground Irish gay bar, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Dim lighting, exposed beams, unruly and unkempt crowd...this felt like one of my many trips to Dublin.

Having heard rave reviews about the mussels, I opted for that (though I would try to bison burger that C had on a repeat visit). Not my favorite mussels in the city, but not bad. The accompanying frites were tasty and plentiful. And the beer selection was as expected from a Belgian, not Irish, restaurant.

All in all, get past the neighborhood and exterior to find a gem inside. Just go when there is plenty of light outside.

Granville Moore's - 1238 H Street NE, 202.399.2546, www.granvillemoores.com

It's "Social" But That's About All It Is

2010-06-03T11:20:00.005-04:00

C Says...

I’m going to write this as though we actually had our May dinner in May; due to some unfortunate events with his Saturn (there’s a reason they’re out of business), J had to cancel our May dinner and reschedule for week 1 of June. After a week of unbearable DC heat – it’s June! – we scored with a nice summer evening for outdoor dining at Social.

Pretty far north in DC’s Columbia Heights neighborhood, Social brings a bit of flavor to a neighborhood that’s been booming over the past 3 years. Offering a plethora of small plates, Social encourages their diners to be social, by sharing meals, which is exactly what J and I did. While we chose to eat al fresco, Social’s décor screams comfort: big leather couches, dark wood furniture, and comfy art on the walls.

For our meal, we opted for the meatballs, the chicken parmesan sliders, fish tacos, and garlic French fries. Sure, a mélange, but whatever. The meatballs were tasty as were the fish tacos with an awesome smoked tomato aioli. The fries were pretty standard, and while I was excited for the sliders, I was a bit disappointed by the dryness of the bread, which overpowered any flavor in the chicken.

Overall, Social is a great place to get together with friends for a drink and a snack, especially after a quick trip to Target or Best Buy.

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J Says...

Now that my wheels are back (public transportation = fear), we ventured up to essentially Maryland for our May-adjacent dinner. It was my choice and I was feeling Social...apparently, so were the interns at the next table who incidentally used to work for C in a previous life. Oh DC, you are sometimes too small to be charming.

As C discussed the dishes, I'll remark on the drinks. Her Manhattan looked more like Brooklyn, but she seemed to enjoy it. My first attempt at a Mojito with pineapple twist (per their menu) failed when the mint was "not as fresh as we'd like." Worried that a Dark & Stormy would end up being a Partly Cloudy, I went with the Riesling.

All in all, Social is a cute gem in a semi-rough neighborhood setting. I'd go back, particularly if I lived nearby, with a group of friends for after work happy hour. The outdoor arrangements are a nice touch indeed.

Social - 1400 Meridian Place NW, 202.797.1100, www.social14.com

Take the Bait, Try "Iron Gate"

2010-04-16T14:25:00.004-04:00

C Says...

I’ve live in D.C. going on 9 years now, and have never been to Iron Gate despite numerous recommendations to do so. Iron Gate is located across the street from the Tabard Inn and is so inconspicuous, you’d walk right by it if you weren’t looking for it. A bonus point for the restaurant is that seating is in a courtyard – lovely for the warm night we went.

I started with the goat cheese torte with red peppers. It was a hefty portion served with 3 pieces of toasted bread. I wasn’t able to finish it all, but it was a completely nice, if unexpected way, to start the meal. For my main course I opted for the roast chicken with mashed potatoes and broccoli. This dish was the epitome of comfort food, and after a 4ish mile run, I devoured the whole thing.

The meal was straight forward and offered little in the way of bells and whistles, which is just fine by me. I’ll be sure to go back to Iron Gate, for a nice outdoor meal, or a nice afternoon, outdoor cocktail (but I’ll pass on our dining neighbor who was more NJ Housewife, then D.C. diner).

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J Says...

I had never heard of this restaurant when C suggested it, so I really had no sense of what I was getting myself into. Off the beaten path a bit, the courtyard is truly somewhere I'd want to do a happy hour that actually involved talking to the people I'm with. And on a warm spring or fall night, Iron Gate would be perfect for that (particularly if you work downtown).

While the wine list is less than spectacular, I tried the mussels to start. Plentiful in flavor and quantity, I highly recommend this appetizer which is served...oddly enough...with tomatoes. Quite delicious, I do so hope it is offered on the bar menu as well.

For my main course, I tried the grilled shrimp in pasta. The dish was pleasantly prepared and again the quantity was perfect. My only complaint would be the inclusion of broccoli, which I do like, as it took on the flavors and juices of its neighbors and destroyed the unique taste of the vegetable. C and I both opted against dessert this time.

The outside decor is interesting in that it reminds me of a popular cowboy-inspired bar on U-Street...but with french doors opening up on a stairway into the fire pit in the center of the courtyard. The bathrooms will remind you of a cabin or family camp on a lake. That aside, it was a nice meal with very attentive staff.

Iron Gate - 1734 N Street NW, 202.737.1370, www.iron-gate.com

Never "Againn"

2010-03-15T12:41:00.005-04:00

C Says...

I’d driven by AGAINN on my way home from work a bunch of times and had been intrigued by what always appeared to be a packed house. Sadly, AGAINN won’t be somewhere I’ll be going to again anytime soon.

The restaurant tries too hard to be a posh Irish pub; sorry guys, Irish pubs aren’t meant to be posh. I ordered the bangers and mash which were just so-so. I opted to have them served without the accompanying gravy, because I hate gravy. However, that might have amped up the dish a bit. The mustard mashed potatoes were great – but probably not for everyone (I have an unhealthy obsession with mustard and put it on/in almost everything).

While semi-reasonable, the prices also don’t reflect what I’m used to at a traditional Irish pub, and certainly my meal wasn’t outstanding enough to be worth the price. One of the only redeeming things about our night at AGAINN? Half price wine night on Mondays – and a to-go bag if you don’t polish off your bottle with your meal (we obviously did).

Finally, the service. Sadly, our waiter was a bit “Handy McGee” for my tastes; every time I looked there was a hand taking a water glass, filling a wine glass, etc. All in all, I say “hands off” to AGAINN.

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J Says...

I chose Againn for 1) its location, 2) its different food focus from our standard meals and, 3) its 1000 point bonus on Open Table. At least I got the 1000 point bonus. Againn was anything but enjoyable...in fact, our liquor bill had to exceed our food bill just to make it tolerable (and the waiter had to come back to our check to add the wine he forgot to charge).

Both skipping the un-appetizing appetizer list, I chose the Shepherd's pie. I think it may have been made with real shepherds and a blind cook...it was simply mashed potatoes on some mashed meat. The most unique aspect of the dish was how completely bland it was. I didn't dare try dessert after that.

Trying to be positive, I have to say the layout of the restaurant is visually interesting. I'd like to drinks at the bar after a long day of work. But I'd noticeably go elsewhere for anything more than a lemon wedge in my citron and soda.

Againn - 1099 New York Avenue NW, 202.639.9830, www.againndc.com

Good Public "Policy"

2010-02-26T10:27:00.003-05:00

C Says...

I picked Policy on 14th Street for my birthday dinner thinking it was the new kid on the block – apparently it’s been in my ‘hood for about a year…oops. The restaurant itself seems very out of place in DC – one of those “we’re trying to be a NYC trendy diner/bar/club/place to be seen” establishments. But when everyone there is wearing a tie or a government ID badge, it doesn’t quite work.

What Policy lacks in ambiance (sorry, I’m just not partial to red leatherette booths unless I’m getting a shake or malt), it makes up for in some of their small plate selections. We opted to sample a variety of dishes, including: red pepper hummus, lamb sliders, beet and goat cheese raviolis, and duck spring rolls. The spring rolls and sliders were great – so much so we ordered a second helping of the sliders (there are 2 per dish). Paired with their red wine flight, the meal was satisfying, but not mind blowing.

I’d probably hit up Policy again for a glass of wine or a drink, but I’ll leave the small plates to Jose Andres’ Jaleo or Zatinya.

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J Says...

C wanted to stay local to her hood, so I happily picked her up (those 5 blocks to walk were just too much) and we proceeded to Policy. By all accounts (or just C's above), we had driven 5 states to NYC. While chic, it wasn't anything I hadn't actually seen in NYC before so the visual excitement quickly wore off.

The small plate idea paired with wine flights is the perfect - and unexpected - concept for Policy. Reasonably priced, each dish burst with flavor and intrigue. What C forgot to mention (must be old age) was the organic chicken dish that we also included in our second round. I do, however, agree with her assessment of both the duck spring rolls and the lamb sliders...brilliant.

Service was reliable if forgettable, which after our luck is quite welcome.

I'd probably go back to Policy, if only to check out the upstairs lounge that seems to be the hub of energy for the restaurant. Clearly this is a welcome addition to the 14th Street/U Street resurgence...and it certainly makes you forget that you are in DC, if only for a few fleeting moments.

Policy - 1904 14th Street NW, 202.387.7654, www.policydc.oom

High Five, er, Seven for "PS7's"

2010-01-25T15:47:00.005-05:00

C Says...

For J's very special 30th birthday (kind of like a "very special episode of Blossom", but with less Joey Lawrence and floppy hats), he chose PS7's. Now, J was also nice enough to have his birthday coincide with DC's restaurant week, which offers diners a prix fixe option of three courses for either lunch or dinner.

To start I ordered the sundried and roasted flatbread. It's a nice toasty bread topped with sundried tomatoes, feta cheese, eggplant and pesto and drizzled with balsamic vinegar. It was an ample portion and I had to stop myself from eating the whole thing for fear I wouldn't have room for dinner and dessert.

For the main course, I chose the pan-seared rockfish, which was prepared very well and showcased the lightness of the fish. It was paired with gnocchi, leeks, mushrooms and cauliflower. The vegetables were a nice way to celebrate the season.

Finally, for dessert, I chose the chocolate raspberry mousse. What the dessert lacked in presentation (think of a lump of fake dog poop you bought when you were a kid to play a prank on a friend), it made up for in flavors.

All in all, PS7's is a restaurant I'd been wanting to try for months now, and it didn't disappoint.

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J Says...

The first dinner of our third year was a place I had once visited, long ago and remembered fondly. I got to PS7's early knowing 1) it was Restaurant Week and 2) the bar scene is usually entertaining. Both were true this evening as I was graciously greeted by the manager that evening who got wind C&J were dining this particular evening.

I began with the butternut squash soup, which is quickly becoming my new go-to appetizer after scallops or mussels. It was plentiful and quite delicious. My main course went with the reliable pan-roasted chicken breast. The precise proportions and a pitch-perfect presentation, my palette was quite pleased (and I worked in seven "p"'s intentionally!). For dessert, I chose the hazelnut candy bar, mainly because I was forced to not copy C. It was fine, but nothing spectacular.

My only complaint...though not minor in any way...was our waiter. It took approximately 15 minutes for us to be greeted and offered drinks upon arriving at our table, and then his appearance was scattered from that point forward. He seemed more entertained by the adjacent table, for which he took out his iPhone and showed them an application. So I subsequently informed the manager of his name and inexcusable service. I don't think there is an "app" for unemployment.

All in all, I will return to PS7's for both social drinking and dinner, though probably not for Restaurant Week as I missed the full menu options.

PS7's - 777 Eye Street NW, 202.742.8550, www.ps7restaurant.com

Eat on at "Eatonville"

2009-12-30T11:01:00.006-05:00

C Says...

For our last review of 2009, and for the decade (where oh where have 10 years gone!), I picked Eatonville based on the recommendation from a co-worker. I was a tad bit early thanks to the Circulator, so I arrived in time to partake in happy hour.

For those of you who know me, you know that I have been able to make perhaps two happy hours (for drink specials, not the DC-defined happy hour of drink when you get there) in 5 years, so this was a treat. The bar boasts some nice microbrews from across the U.S. and particularly the south, in keeping with the overall feel of the restaurant.

Once seated, we went a bit overboard with the ordering because there really was a lot on the menu we wanted to try. We started with hush puppies and the fried green tomatoes ordered by our guest reviewer. The hush puppies were not at all what I expected, but didn’t disappoint. Stuffed with rock shrimp and leek fondue with a creole sauce, it was a great way to start off the meal. The fried green tomatoes were good, but I strongly prefer the ones served up at Art & Soul.

For the main course I opted for the fish and grits. The fish part of this option changes regularly, and on this date it happened to be catfish, which I love. The fish was delightfully prepared and the jalapeno cheddar grits were absolutely to die for. Now, this dish comes with collard greens, which I’m not a big fan of mainly because of the washed out color they take on when cooked, but I tried them and they weren’t bad. I mean not something I’d order on a regular basis, but worth a try.

All in all I think Eatonville was a lovely choice to cap off the year, and I recommend it for a group of friends looking for comfort food in a comfortable setting. Here’s wishing you all health and happiness in 2010!

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The Other J Says...(see October 2008 for explanation)

After inviting myself to C&J’s monthly dinner, my (punishment) reward is to be the guest reviewer for y’all (I only use that term since we were eating southern style food). Call me J-2 or J2. But anyway, this month C chose Eatonville… a Southern/Cajun/Creole restaurant in NW. Upon walking in, the first thing that stands out is the décor. In the vast amount of open space there are giant murals painted on the walls (very colorful), rocking chairs at select tables, and jazz music! I could see how some might think it’s a bit overwhelming, but I found that it all contributed to the southern charm the restaurant is going for.

After sitting down, I eagerly dove into the menu. Though to be honest, I had already peaked at it online before arriving so I already had an idea of what I wanted. It’s not a very large menu but there were still plenty of appetizing options. We started with the fried green tomatoes (topped with corn salsa, red pepper aioli, goat cheese, and arugula) and the biggest hush puppy I have ever seen (stuffed with shrimp, leek fondue, and creole sauce). Yes, there is plenty of fried food to choose from! The tomatoes were outstanding and I think I was a bit greedy on my part devouring most of them. I also thoroughly enjoyed the hollowed out hush puppy, as it had quite a kick to it! And I think there was cornbread as well… but to me all cornbread tastes the same.

For dinner, I opted for the shrimp creole with long grain rice. I was hoping that it would be a bit spicier than it was as I’ve been on a spicy food kick lately. However, that problem was easily solved with a bottle of hot sauce (of which I added quite a bit). The shrimp were cooked to perfection and the dish was very flavorful. We also ordered a couple of side dishes for the table including mashed potatoes (which I didn’t touch as that belonged solely to J-1) and my personal favorite – mac and cheese. And this version did not disappoint. It was salted well, rich and creamy, and had a baked layer of cheese on top that added the perfect crunch. I just wish there was a dinner portion!

Overall, I had a very good experience at Eatonville. Our service was great as our waiter was quite funny and very attentive. The food provided that southern style comfort that I was looking for. And the ambiance was quite charming.

Eatonville - 2121 14th Street NW, 202.332.9672, www.eatonvillerestaurant.com

Raise a Glass (But Not a Fork) to "Enology"

2009-11-18T10:59:00.006-05:00

UPDATE - ENOLOGY HAS CLOSED ITS DOORS. J noticed this in March 2010 when he was in the neighborhood at a different establishment. The venue is now an Irish bar/restaurant.

C Says...

Now, I for one am a w(h)ino. I love wine. I love wineries. I love wine tasting. Maybe it's because I'm from CA, or maybe it's because I live close to some really great wineries in the VA (no really). So I was really pleased that J chose Enology at the corner of Wisconsin and Macomb NW for November's review.

Enology is a wine bar, and it lives up to the name. The wine menu is ridiculously extensive. You could literally sit there for 15 mins focusing just on whites. Rather than trying to narrow down a wine by the glass, or a bottle, J and I both opted for the flights.

Cleverly named, Enology's flights offer up a little something for everyone. I sampled three lovely syrahs (I wish I could tell you which ones, but Enology hasn't updated their site to reflect this offering, and I for one can't remember what I had, but I do remember I enjoyed them thoroughly).

Because enology is a wine bar, their food offerings are a bit on the sparse side. I had the calamari to start that's paired with a thai sweet chili sauce. The calamari were prepared nicely, and the thai chili sauce was great. For the main course, I had the flat iron steak and herbed fries. Now, I am not a steak eater. I rarely eat it and I never order it out at a restaurant. The steak was a bit underdone for my liking (more medium rare than medium), and the fries were great.

Overall, I'd recommend Enology for a few nice glasses of wine, or heck a bottle, with some appetizers to share. The food was good, but nothing to write home about.

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J Says...

Continuing to move beyond our geographical comfort zones, I chose Enology both for the location as well as the wine. The atmosphere is clean and crisp, though seating is a bit tight. And their recent decision to remove themselves from Open Table is certainly a mark against them in my book (particularly since I received notice my reservation was cancelled, until I called to confirm it was ok).

Moving on, the flights of wine were quite delicious and very economically priced. I chose the "Salad Bowl" which was a hodgepodge of white wines, including one from St. Supery in Napa. Quite refreshing, though I only fully liked two of the three.

And as C said, the food menu is quite sparse (in fact, it's the last two pages of a 12 page menu!). I started with the pesto flatbread which was plentiful in both quantity and flavor. I, too, chose the flat iron steak which I found undercooked and rather skimpy. Note to all restaurants - loading a plate up with frits does not cover up the missing steak!

As the service was a bit slow, we opted against dessert and were happy to settle our sensible check. I'm not in a huge rush to go back to Enology for dinner, but I'd sure do happy hour at the extensive bar before proceeding to other neighborhood restaurants.

Enology Wine Bar - 3238 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 202.362.0362, http://www.enologydc.com/

Whole Lotta "Art and Soul"

2009-10-26T10:31:00.004-04:00

C says...

For October’s selection, I opted for Art and Soul on Capitol Hill – I blame Top Chef Masters given that Art Smith was a contestant and chef/purveyor of this establishment. Apparently, it’s one of THE places to be seen if you’re a dork who considers politicians, lobbyists, and strategists to be celebrities.

The menu offers up a Southern flare and pays homage to seasonal ingredients. I chose the scallops with sweet potato mash, and ham (more like thick slab bacon) with greens and fried green tomatoes on the side. The scallops were hearty and paired nicely with the saltiness of the ham and the sweetness of the sweet potato mash, which was incredible all on its own. I ordered the fried green tomatoes expecting 3-5, but out came probably a dozen of the little suckers. I can’t remember if I’ve ever had them before, but I’m officially hooked. They were amazing.

My only complaint with Art and Soul (and not sure many people would find this as a bad thing), but our meal lasted all of 45 minutes: from being seated, to ordering, to eating, to clearing of the table. The ambiance is lovely and the food fantastic, but it did have a “treat ‘em and street ‘em” feel – but hey, we are in the throes of reforming health care, so maybe that was apropos.

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J Says...

It was a comfortable fall night when C picked the Liaison hotel's ground-floor restaurant for our October dinner. The city has been insanely busy this season so the immediate seating when we arrived was a bit surprising, even with our Open Table reservation.

Both deciding to skip the appetizer - yes, I skipped the mussels - and only do a glass of wine each rather than a bottle, this night was like speed-dating. I opted for the butter squash ravioli with seasoned vegetables. For an added bonus, I had to have a side of the buttermilk mashed potatoes. The proportions are plentiful and the food was, as standard, bursting with flavor. It had been several months since I had dined at "Art and Soul" but it was certainly as I remember it: classic, comfortable and convenient.

For those looking for a true DC experience, the decor is simple as not to compete with the powerhouse personalities lounging and dining within the restaurant (on the night of our dinner, Senator Ben "Benator" Nelson was there). The service is reliably efficient. And the evening always seems to leave a smile on my tummy.

Art and Soul - 415 New Jersey Ave NW, 202.393.7777, www.artandsouldc.com

Hands Up for "Town Hall"

2009-09-28T13:24:00.003-04:00

C Says...

After a brief hiatus/August recess, we were back to our monthly dining, reviewing, and gab festing. Town Hall was a lovely choice for our September dinner. Located in Glover Park, the restaurant boasts a lovely neighborhood feel without a line out the door (of course this could be because it was a Monday night).

I selected the pork chop with goat [cheese] mac and cheese and sauteed apples, and the dish didn't disappoint. The pork chop was cooked to perfection with a lovely crust and the flavors were heightened with the apples. The mac and cheese was wonderfully prepared and left me wanting more. I didn't quite clean my plate, but it was close. The bread pudding we split for dessert was nice as well, and I'm not big on desserts.

If you're looking for a nice, understated, big on comfort food restaurant, Town Hall may be the choice for you.

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J Says...

In honor of the excitement of the August month at town halls across America (re: healthcare reform), I decided it was oh-so-fitting to go to DC's version of Town Hall for our return dinner. Unlike the excitement seen on cable news, this Town Hall was civil and stylish.

I started with the ravioli stuffed with portabella mushroom and spinach. Quite delicious and just perfect in proportions, I was eager to see how my Dijon roasted chicken breast with mashed potatoes turned out. As usual, I devoured the mashed potatoes and simply wanted more. The chicken was good and cooked well, but a bit small in size and by no means memorable.

A departure for us, we decided on glasses of wine rather than a bottle. And I ordered a dessert, for which C promptly enjoyed half. All in all, the check was quite reasonable and the food was flavorful.

I'd easily recommend this restaurant to local diners for its simplicity of location, friendly staff and accessible flat-screen TVs that allow Monday Night Football viewing with comfort.

Town Hall - 2218 Wisconsin Ave NW, 202.233.5640, www.townhalldc.com

Blah on "Belga Cafe"

2009-07-01T16:47:00.003-04:00

C Says...

After a month-long hiatus, that was all my fault, we embarked for our June dinner at Cafe Belga in Eastern Market. I've heard great things about Belga, and had been wanting to try it for months. Sadly, it didn't live up to the hype. While the decor is quite lovely, and outdoor seating offers great people watching (when it's not 85 and humid out), the food did not live up to my expectations.

As the name implies, Belga's menu is an ode to all things Belgian -- beer, croquettes, and frites. I ordered the Chimey mussels which come w/ "real" Belgian fries and "real" Belgian mayonnaise. The mussels on their own were tasty, but the broth was bland and nothing I'd want to slop up with a piece of crusty bread. The fries were tasty and not overly salty, but I'll just never get dunking them in mayo. I've lauded Granville Moore's mussels in this blog before, and so far, nothing I've tried since comes close.

I'm not sure I'll be back to Belga for their take on these tasty little morsels from the sea, but maybe I'll be back for a nice beer outside with some good friends and good conversation.
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J Says...

Boy was that a long break from eating! But we roared back in June with a blah restaurant choice by C. While I liked Belga Cafe's decor, the service was only decent. And that would be the mantra for the night.

I started with the oven-grilled mussels on the half-shell with garlic butter, which were new to me given I've only had steamed mussels before. Quite delicious, so I remained hopeful for the main course. Sadly, the beer roasted chicken, braised Belgian endives with purple potatoes left me blue.

While I heart Belgium and spent several weeks at university in Brugge, I'm not fully in love with Belga Cafe. Perhaps if the line at Matchbox across the street is too long, I'll return to the restaurant for some wine (quite a good selection by the way) or maybe a beer.

Cafe Belga - 514 8th Street SE, 202.544.0100, www.belgacafe.com

So Long "Comet Ping Pong"

2009-04-27T11:00:00.002-04:00

C Says...

The first thing I noticed about Comet Ping Pong upon walking in was that this restaurant was clearly different from all the rest we've "reviewed;" and I loved it. Not only does Comet not fit into our recent "sustainable" kick, we were joined by two friends for our dining experience. This pizza joint in upper NW obviously caters to a younger clientele and families -- or those who are young at heart.

Inside are tables painted to resemble ping pong tables, and actual ping pong tables in back you can play in between bites of pizza or swigs of beer. Service was pretty good, but not great -- I blame the fact that there were kids running around with their "thermal detonators" (or ping pong paddles), so some corralling by the waiters was necessary.

The menu at Comet is pretty short, but there were enough choices to peak my interest. You can of course build your own, or go for one of their signature pies. I chose "The Jimmy:" meatballs, parmesan, fresh mozzarella and a tomato sauce. It was a nice, light pizza with good flavor. All the pizzas are designed to be eaten by one, but you could certainly share.

While I like Comet for it's atmosphere and reasonably priced menu, I think I'll opt for Pizza Paradiso or Two Amy's before heading back. Unless of course I'm in the mood to play some ping pong.
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J Says...

When you first arrive to Comet Ping Pong, you get the feeling you are at a fraternity house rather than a restaurant. The outdoor seating and weathered ping-pong table immediately made me think we would be eating off of paper plates and drinking out of red cups. My fears weren't far from the truth.

We sat on benches. We dined on converted ping-pong tables. We had watered-down cocktails. It was Sigma Omega Eww though, I will say, while limited in selection the food was actually pretty decent and priced accordingly. I chose The Smokey - smoky mushrooms, smoky gouda, smoky bacon, melted onions & garlic (hence the name) - and I consumed it all.

To be fair, as C said, the throngs of kids running around and sports videos projected on the walls make this out-of-the-standard monthly choice quite entertaining. However, if it weren't for the full bar (that C and I, along with the guys from The Bitten Word, enjoyed immensely), I'm not sure I would have restrained myself from tripping one of the running children. I even commented to the host on the way out that I appreciate the living reminder to always wear a condom.

In the end, it was an unexpected experience for DC and our standard monthly dinner choice - and now that I know what to expect, I'll be choosing elsewhere to dine.

Comet Ping Pong - 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202.364.0404, www.cometpingpong.com

Oh Yea for "Oya"

2009-03-31T21:52:00.004-04:00

C Says...

What was supposed to be a double date turned into a threesome (hey-oh) for our excursion to Oya. Accompanied by J's better half JL(o), we headed to what has to be the trendiest restaurant we've selected, but with none of the weird "what is that?" on the menu.

Oya features a fab prix fixe menu that is typically $35. However, the week we went, the managers had opted to keep Restaurant Week prices to a startling $20ish for THREE courses. Yes. THREE.

I opted to start with the tuna tempura. This was nicely fried, and while a little light on the tuna flavor, paired with a fantastic pepper sauce. For my entree, I chose the scallops. They were cooked to perfection and matched up with some nice Pad Thai noodles. However, there were only three (wait, there's a theme here), and I easily could have eaten 3 more.

For dessert I opted for the sorbet medley, and chose passion fruit, pineapple, and mango (here we go with three again). These were a nice trio paired together -- a tropical frenzy if you will -- even if the passion fruit was somewhat overwhelming.

Oya is definitely a place I'll come to again, and perhaps bring back our 4th MIA dining partner for a nice dinner. I hear the sushi and happy hour is killer too.
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J Says...

A wall of chains greets you upon entering Oya, already signaling this is a different type of restaurant. It actually took our party of three a round of drinks before we put our finger on why Oya's decor and sheer size was more suitable to another city than DC. The falling water in the walls, the lighting fixtures, the loungy bar area perfect for being seen...each detail screamed extrovert when DC, by nature, is introverted. OMG we were dining in Vegas (without having to fly the middle seat on Southwest to get there)!

But enough about the actual space as the food is truly something I want to rave about. Opting against the fixed menu which was preferred by my dining companions, I chose to have the Rock n Roll sushi to start, with the lobster dumplings (on the starts menu) held over to accompany my main dish. Both were outstanding...and I had heard amazing reviews of the sushi so my expectations were already high.

For my main dish, while I was eyeing C's scallops, I went with the pork chop...partially because it was served on a bed of mashed potatoes, to which is my weakness. Knowing I would skip dessert, this was quite filling and quite tasty.

And, because I wanted to be adventurous due to the Vegas inspiration (hey, what happens in Oya gets blabbed on a blog!), I went with two of their signature drinks...one mango, one raspberry...and left the bottle of red to C and JL. I preferred the latter of my cocktails, for the record.

Hands down, Oya will become one of my top restaurant destinations in DC for a nice night out with friends, guests or JL. And I'll remember to always make a reservation because it appeared impossible to wait a reasonable hour or two for a table. Again, just like Vegas.

Oya - 777 9th Street NW, 202.393.1400, www.oyadc.com

"Proof" is in the Pudding

2009-02-23T19:27:00.002-05:00

C Says...

After a $200+ dinner for dear J's birthday, I was hell bent on spending the same amount for my bday dinner in early Feb. While the tab didn't meet my expectations, the food certainly did.

After a rocky start with our server (read: 30 mins or so to take our order), the service picked up and the food made up for any lacking attention. Following a weekend of wine tasting, I opted for a martini with 3 olives (2 were free, $1 for a blue cheese stuffed one, thank you very much), that was delicious.

For a starter I chose the fresh cow's milk ricotta flatbread, which was divine. Think of a caprese salad with ricotta instead of mozzarella, add some prosciutto and throw them on a piece of flatbread with a little olive oil and basil, and enjoy! For my main course I opted for the seared Pennsylvania pork loin. If an empty plate at the end of a meal is any indication how good it was, then this was fantastic, since my plate was almost licked clean. Paired with a lovely risotto, the pork loin was perfectly cooked and very tender.

I really enjoyed Proof, even if the final bill disappointed, and would readily recommend it to friends and family.
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J Says...

This wasn't my first venture to Proof, but it was a nice return. And, given that it was C's birthday dinner, quite fitting that she try to inflict mortal harm to my checkbook at a truly wonderful restaurant.

As C alluded too (ok, she bluntly stated), our server Matt left much to be desired. But, looking past that (hence the appropriate tip), the wine and meal were fantastic as usual. I skipped a first, in truth to minimize the expected damage of C's $1 per olive martinis. I ordered the Pekin Duck Breast for my selection and, as expected, was quite pleased. I paired it nicely with a glass (or three) of Sauvigon Blanc.

In the end, C picked a winner and we'll surely return, likely with our significant others. I'll just call ahead to make sure Matt isn't working.

Proof - 775 G Street NW, 202.737.7663, www.proofdc.com

Almost "Hook"d...Almost

2009-01-29T10:32:00.003-05:00

C Says...

After a few scheduling SNAFUs, January saw J and I land at Hook for his birthday dinner (read: I pick up the whole tab). I've been wanting to try this Georgetown establishment for quite some time, and actually had it lined up for MY birthday -- so much for being born in February.

Walking into Hook, I was taken aback by how empty it was, then remembered it was a Monday night. However, by the time we finished dinner (around 9:30), the place had filled up. The decor has a slight modern bent, with cream colored chairs and booths and lightly colored walls featuring photographs of fish.

Once again, J and I picked a sustainable restaurant. This appears to be a theme! Hook prides itself on buying fish from sustainable fisheries and fruits and vegetables from local farms. Yeah! The menu is so that you're encouraged to select a first, second and main course. I opted for only two, and picked butternut squash soup and the cod. The soup was wonderfully rich and creamy and featured lovely small bits of squash throughout. One of the best I've ever had. The cod was quite lovely and was paired with lentils and a tomato puree. At times I found the puree overwhelmed the delicate nature of the fish, but all in all I enjoyed the light crust on the fish and the meal as a whole.

I was quite content with my meal until the bill came. I was STUNNED that the bottle of wine J had selected came to $72 (apparently all the wine is $55+). The entrees were reasonably priced for a G-town restaurant, so I suppose they gouge you with the wine. I'm not one to balk at a pricey meal, but I honestly found this a bit extreme, and next time will settle for a cocktail with my meal, or just tap water.

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J Says...

A long journey to reach my birthday dinner (a whole year!), C and I ventured to Georgetown for Hook, a sustainable seafood restaurant on popular M Street. I got there early for a drink...a single Jack Daniels and Diet Coke...and was a bit taken back by the $11 tab. I guess it was foreshadowing the evening ahead.

As C alluded too, the menu was a choice of categories for which I gladly participated: 1st course - scallops; 2nd course - mussels (naturally); 3rd course - Arctic Char (from Iceland!). Each portion was appropriately sized for its reasonable price, though the only one that fully delivered on taste and quality were the mussels. The scallops left me wanting, well, non-sustainable, fully-grown scallops...and, as it was my first experience with char, it will be a texture I will have to become accustomed too.

While the food was quite enjoyable, the environment clean and well laid out, and servers knowledgeable and attentive, it was the wine menu (and its excessive prices) that will give me pause about returning. When a bottle is marked up 10x from the retail price, it's difficult to swallow no matter how good the Shiraz was. Even the per glass selection was ridiculously priced. I agree...and apologized...to C for the costly purchase, though I know she'll return the favor in February when it's her birthday dinner (read: J gets taken to the cleaners!).

All in all, I may return during an afternoon of shopping and leisurely lunch, but I won't be needing the wine menu any further.

Hook - 3241 M Street NW, 202.625.4488, www.hookdc.com

Hurrah for "Agraria"

2008-12-30T16:18:00.003-05:00

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

High Five'n "Marvin"

2008-12-01T10:20:00.002-05:00

C Says...

After a protest from dear J over my first choice of November's restaurant, I decided upon Marvin at 14th and U. I'd never been to Marvin for dinner, but went there a few times over the summer for drinks seeing as it's one of the few places with a roof deck.

Named after DC native, Marvin Gaye, the restaurant pays homage to Gaye's time in Belgium with a menu pairing traditional moules frites, steak frites, Belgian beers, with more Southern cuisine like chicken and waffles. The decor is lovely with dark wood, pictures of Gaye all along the walls, and dim enough lighting that your dining partner looks amazing, but you can still see what you're eating.

I opted for an appetizer (hell it was the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, why not) of goat cheese croquettes in a fig vinaigrette and micro greens. This was ridiculously good, and light. I would have ordered 3 more plates if I wasn't intrigued by the entrees. Sticking to the Belgian theme of the restaurant, I selected moules frites in a coconut curry sauce.

Now, normally when I've ordered moules frites, I'm lucky if I can get through the two dozen or so mussels that are delivered. Well, Marvin's doesn't disappoint. J and I ventured a guess that there must have been three dozen of them bursting from the bowl. While they were tasty, I have to say that Granville Moore 's are sublimely better. Now, this could have been because I was fighting a cold at the time, but I could barely taste any of the curry, while the hint of coconut was there to get the essence without overpowering sweetness.

Overall, it was a good dish, just not a great one. The frites were delicious (not too many I might add) and paired with a trio of dipping sauces. All in all, I would recommend Marvin and hope that it becomes a neighborhood destination in the vein of Bar Pilar, St. Ex, and other bars and restaurants along 14th Street.
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J Says...

After reaffirming to C that our monthly dinner should not include fast food establishments (though I offered to do a special with our top FF places), she saw the errors of her way and selected Marvin. Having never heard of the joint, I was happy to try it out.

History aside, the fresh look and boutique feel were quite enjoyable for the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. While the table was small, the food portions were anything but as evidenced by C's bevy of mussels and my extra large (and very tasty) steak. Even my scallop appetizer was more generous than expected, though truth be told, not nearly as delicious as I had wanted. Though I concur with C that the frites were fabulous, even if I couldn't identify each of the dipping sauces.

And the service - a quite chatty, though in a good way, waiter named Jason - made the return of the original C & J even more delightful.

In the end, the pricing was what I would expect and the food was definitely worth the trip. While not an instant favorite for me, I'll certainly return regularly and bring out-of-town guests to a local institution that encompasses the history yet present-day livelihood of the city.

Marvin - 2007 14th Street (@ V Street) NW, 202.797.7171, www.marvindc.com

"Dukem" Them Out

2008-10-29T13:30:00.003-04:00

C Says...

This month's dinner had a twist -- for one, I had a proxy dinner partner. J's lovely and delightful boyfriend, J (I know dear reader, it's confusing). Secondly, we both were trying a type of food neither one of us had had before -- Ethiopian. I have to say I was super excited for this meal. After seven years of living in DC and walking by countless Ethiopian restaurants, I had never mustered the courage to walk in and try it.

Upon entering, I was pleased that for a Tuesday night, there was a good crowd -- including many Ethiopian expats. There was a keyboardist playing lovely background music, and a friendly, if not somewhat cheesy, atmosphere. Apparently, after 10 p.m., Dukem offers live music and dancing.

Since J nor I had ever had Ethiopian food, we asked our friendly waitress what we should try. She recommended the #6 combination platter, which consists of Lamb Wot (freshly made lamb stew that's a bit spicy); Doro Wot (a traditional dish of chicken stew simmered in berbere, red pepper sauce, or, in ginger sauce with garlic and onion); Minchet Abesh (finely chopped lean ground beef braised in milled ginger and garlic sauce); Tibs (tender lamb fried with onion, rosemary jalapeño pepper), and five vegetables (we had corn, tomatoes, onions, and a lentil stew). The entire meal is served with Injera (a surprisingly wonderful spongy bread that makes eating with your hands surprisingly easy and fun).

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this meal for both the quality of the food and the company I shared it with. While some of the dishes are labeled "spicy," I didn't find them overpowering or particularly hot. While some of the items were foreign to me, I tried all of them -- some were misses (the corn), but mainly they were hits. While I don't think Ethiopian will be a "go to" choice for future meals, it's definitely one I will consider and not say "no" to.
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The Other J Says...

As your guest reviewer this month, I was given the opportunity to trek into the city and dine with C at a restaurant of my choosing. This was actually a pretty daunting task seeing as how I live way up in Maryland and do not hear much about the good places to go in DC. I eventually decided on Dukem because it was easy enough to find, neither C nor I had tried Ethiopian food before, and the thought of eating with your hands definitely appealed to my inner child (plus, it came highly recommended from several of my coworkers).

After sitting down and taking a quick glance at the menu (which was small and simple), we informed the server that as first timers we would need help in making our decision. She was very helpful and recommended one of the many combination dinners so we could sample a wide variety of dishes which C and I happily agreed upon. Our food came out fairly quick and we were presented with a large platter of meat, veggies, and cheese.

Now comes the fun part! On the side was the injera bread, which I can only describe as a spongy pita minus the pocket, that we used to pick up the food. Tearing off little pieces of the bread, we dove in. I especially enjoyed the rosemary seasoned lamb with onions and peppers and also the ground beef in a ginger and garlic sauce, as I am a sucker for garlic (and yes, I had to check the website menu to see exactly what was in both). The vegetables were all very fresh as well, particularly the tomatoes and yellow peas. Though I must say that I am not a big fan of cabbage or lentils, so I tended to shy away from those.

One of the things I liked best about the meal was that since we were eating with our hands, it managed to fill me up without cleaning the plate - that might sound odd, though let me explain. If I were eating with proper utensils, I am sure I would have been wolfing down every last bit pretty quickly. But since I felt that I had a bit more work to do, it slowed my eating which made me feel pleasantly full and not overly stuffed. Make sense? However, as both C and I decided we were finished, we noticed that the table sitting next us, who ordered the same thing, had practically licked their plate clean. And our waitress seemed to express concern when she took everything off the table because we didnt do the same thing. Though I must say that I was very pleased.

I now consider myself a fan of Ethiopian fare and I would highly recommend Dukem for anyone who has not tried it before. The service was friendly, the food was tasty and reasonably priced, and before I forget - there is an extensive wine selection!

Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant - 1114 U Street (@ 12th Street) NW, 202.667.8735, www.dukemrestaurant.com

We No Like "Dino"

2008-10-16T21:52:00.002-04:00

C Says...

I had heard great things about Dino, which opened a few years ago in Cleveland Park. And while I did enjoy my meal, I'm not sure the restaurant lives up to all the hype. The ambiance in Dino is lovely if not a tad cliché -- burnt orange paint, sconces, "typical" Italian decor. It's a well laid out dining room that is cozy without making you feel like you're dining on top of other people.

For once I decided to order an appetizer, and chose the Tuscan Plate (wild boar prosciutto and salami, crostini Toscano -- chicken liver pate, and pecorino cheese). The plate was delightful and just enough of each item to leave me wanting more, but not so full I couldn't eat my main dish.

For my main course I opted for the Rigatoni al Gorgonzola. Dino offers their pasta dishes either in a half or full serving. I chose the half, and it was more than enough food. The rigatoni is home made and served with a nice gorgonzola, basil and pine nut cream sauce. It was rather light despite the cheese and cream, but didn't lend itself to much flavor other than the lovely taste of gorgonzola.

All in all Dino offers something for everyone, and while I enjoyed my meal, I wasn't blown away. I'll likely return for a visit, but Dino won't necessarily be a "go-to" destination for dining in DC.
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J Says...

I'm not going to lie, this was C's choice and it clearly wasn't my favorite. While I would want to echo everything C has said, I can't because the experience was so unmemorable that I have no idea what I ordered. What I do remember is the decor (tacky), the location (parking-unfriendly), and the service (unattractive and humorless).

Let me put it this way, if gas prices remain low and all the other great (or even decent) restaurants in the city...and Virginia...and Maryland...and Delaware...are booked, then consider Dino. Actually, just order in Dominos...it'd be more reasonably priced and enjoyable. Just telling my truth...

Dino - 3435 Connecticut Avenue NW, 202.686.2966, www.dino-dc.com

Two, Four, Six, "Cafe 8"

2008-08-18T19:27:00.007-04:00

C Says...

With this month's selection J and I decided to venture beyond our
usual NW quadrant and head to Eastern Market for some Mediterranean
fare.

Now, I consider myself to be a sucker for hummus, pita and
falafal and Cafe 8 does not disappoint. Walking in, I was a little
concerned considering NO ONE was in the restaurant. However, this
apprehension was quickly alleviated by great service, good ambiance,
and a good menu. The half priced sangria didn't hurt either.

Decorated with a flair for the dramatic (the "door" to the bathroom is
a wall of beads), Cafe 8 trends toward kitsch, but it totally works.
We started (now remember dear reader that I rarely eat appetizers,
however, also note above...sucker for hummus) with the mixed appetizer
plate served with warm pita bread. This appetizer selection was light
and left me wanting more (actually more bread, but that's a different
story).

For my entree, I chose one of Cafe 8's signature pides, a
traditional Turkish style pizza cooked in a wood-burning oven. The
dough is shaped like a canoe and the toppings are spread out inside
the canoe. My canoe, the Cafe 8, consisted of ground lamb, spinach,
feta, tomatoes and pine nuts; I chose to add olives too. This meal
was perfect, and didn't leave me feeling as though I needed to
unbutton my pants at the end of the meal (much to J's chagrin I'm
sure).

Overall, Cafe 8 offers a great alternative for us NW snobs
with an expansive menu of reasonably priced staples, a few surprises,
engaging service, and a terrific, eclectic ambiance.
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J Says...

So this was my selection, aided by the recommendations as a "Top Neighborhood" choice on OpenTable.com. I made reservations, which obviously weren't needed on this Monday evening, and arrived early to enjoy a cocktail while I waited for C. Contrary to C's characterization, the restaurant did gain some patrons by the time we were finished our moderately-priced pitcher of sangria.

I have to agree with C's review of the hummus and ambiance...a first for our blog and why my review is so short! For my entree, I enjoyed the adana immensely, and it totally filled me up. I definitely did not leave wanting anything, except to return when the mood hits me to have a truly casual evening with great food and very attentive (and cute) staff.

Quite simply, a new gem to escape to two to three times a year, when you just want to forget you are in Washington...and the Washington Post's food critic, Tom Sietsema, pointed out.

Cafe 8 - 8th and D Streets SE, 202.547.1555, www.cafe8dc.com

My Mecca is "Vinoteca"

2008-07-06T19:24:00.006-04:00

C Says...

Vinoteca isn't your typical wine bar. It boasts a lively interior decor and plenty of outdoor seating for nice DC evenings. Located near U Street, it's within walking distance to bars and clubs following your dining experience -- if that's your kind of thing. They also feature a variety of live music from flamenco night to mambo bands. While this is a nice feature, it can make for a noisy inside, so probably not the kind of place to take someone you're just getting to know.

J and I waited at the bar for a table outside (seeing as it was one of those rare June nights in DC where you don't stick to your chair or sweat thinking about how hot it is). While deciding what to order from the extensive wine menu, we were happily met with "half-priced wines from South America and Spain" night. This clearly helped us hone in on a selection and we settled on a nice wine akin to a pinot grigio. But be warned fellow diners, this half-priced wine wonderment applies to INSIDE the restaurant only. Once outside, you're slapped with full-priced bottles. Of course we weren't informed of this until after we'd ordered bottle #2 from our table outside.

The menu features a wide variety of selection and includes many "petit plates" perfect for sharing before a larger meal. I ordered the white tie pasta, which is made with house made bow tie pasta in a truffle butter sauce with Parmigiano reggiano, fresh shaved truffles and micro greens. While this dish sounds a bit heavy for a summer night, it was perfect. The sauce wasn't overwhelming and the portion was small enough so you didn't feel like a beached whale after the fact.

Overall, I think Vinoteca offers one of DC's more fun dining experiences and not in the chain restaurant way. For those of you looking for great wine and good food, this just might be your place.
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J Says...

On a rare Sunday evening dinner (Happy Father's Day), C and I headed over to U-street to try out Vinoteca. As our place in line was usurped by a rather yuppy-dressed couple, we waited for our outdoor table to be ready by enjoying the half-off bottle of Spanish (or South American, who can remember) wine at the bar. As C alluded too, the discount only applies to wine purchased inside - so shady, in my opinion.

I started with the 3 sliders: Lamb with Feta and eggplant, Bison with Mozzarella and grilled tomato, and Grilled Portabella mushroom with miso/tahini sauce. They were quite delicious and I think C was actually jealous of my selection. For the main selection, I tried to order the chicken but was stuck with the salmon (and I choose the word "stuck" quite deliberately). From what I recall, it was good but nothing spectacular. The reality is, after such a great appetizer that the meal became a letdown for me, so I enjoyed the second bottle of wine.

In the end, the service was quite good, the food tasty and, more importantly, was accurately priced, and the evening was enjoyable. It will not be a quick return for me, but I'm not opposed to another meal on Vinoteca...however, I'm more likely to go inside to order my second bottle of wine.

Vinoteca - 11th & U Streets NW, 202.322.WINE, www.vinotecadc.com

Duck, "Blue Duck," Goose

2008-05-20T21:43:00.003-04:00

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

"Ulah" La La

2008-05-04T12:35:00.007-04:00

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

You Say Chic, We Say "Rasika"

2008-05-04T12:19:00.008-04:00

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

Please Pass the "Black Salt" and Pepper

2008-05-04T11:52:00.008-04:00

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

The First Dine: Tempting our "Palette"

2008-05-04T10:53:00.012-04:00

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