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Best Bets for Dining Out on Thanksgiving

November 12, 2009 in DC Dining | No comments

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Thanksgiving is only two weeks from today!  It has been my experience that a fair number of District residents (who aren’t actually from the District) opt to stay here instead of traveling long distances for Thanksgiving only to repeat the ordeal again in a month for Christmas.  I’ve been to a number of orphan Thanksgivings over the years, and my family has even come to D.C. to celebrate in my tiny apartments.  If you’ll be staying in D.C. over the holiday, another option is to consider some of the great Thanksgiving dinners offered by area restaurants.  Here are the best:

Traditional

701 Restaurant:  Three-course Thanksgiving menu and live jazz for $45/adult

Art and Soul:  Set menu featuring traditional dishes, $55/adult

High End

Adour at the St. Regis:  Set four-course menu for $90/adult

Bourbon Steak at the Four Seasons:  A la carte Thanksgiving menu

Good Deals

Chef Geoff’s:  Three-course dinner for $39/adult

M Street Bar and Grille:  Three courses for $29.95

Brunch!

Blue Duck Tavern:  Thanksgiving brunch from 10:30-3:30, $85/adult

See the full list of D.C. restaurants with Thanksgiving options on Open Table.

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Would You Take January Jones on a Date to Hank’s Oyster Bar?

November 4, 2009 in DC Celebrity Spotting, DC Dining | No comments

imagesBy now everyone knows that Mad Men actress January Jones was spotted at Hank’s Oyster Bar on Friday night rendezvousing with Senate staffer Ben Dunham.  I know, I know, there’s no confirmation that it was a date, blah blah.  It’s more fun to assume it was a date so that’s what we’ll be doing in this post. Moving on, was Hank’s a good choice for a dinner date with Mrs. Betty Draper?  I think it’s perfect.  Here’s why:

1.  Let’s face it, there probably aren’t many restaurants in D.C. that would knock January Jones out.  This is not a slam on D.C.  I just mean that the hottest ingenue from the hottest show, who goes back and forth between LA and New York and wherever else, probably isn’t going to do backflips over Komi.  That’s why Hank’s was an ingenious choice.  While it’s not super upscale, Hank’s has charm for days.  The space is lovely.  Hank’s pays attention to details, e.g. goldfish crackers before the meal and dark chocolate after.  The wait staff is friendly and the cocktails are good.  Going with the neighborhood gem instead of bribing the maitre d’ at Citronelle for a last minute reservation was the right move.

2.  Right now, Ben Dunham is working the environmentally-conscious politico angle.  No need to take things a step too far by heading to a place like Tosca, which is more lobbiest/power broker.  Hank’s is for fun District locals, not wealthy middle-aged men from McLean.

3.   January Jones clearly watches her figure.  Besides oysters and fish, Hank’s has a number of small plates.  There are a lot of dishes from which January could cobble together a good low-cal meal.  Hank’s does not offer desserts.

4.  Hank’s is warm and cozy.  The lighting is exactly right, the space is small but not claustrophobic, and the menu includes modern takes on old favorites like mac and cheese and lobster rolls.  Cozy is the perfect mood for a second date.

5.  I don’t know anything about Ben Dunham but my guess is he may have been a little out of his comfort zone on this date.  If he lives anywhere near Dupont, he was smart to pick a spot close to his neighborhood.  Home court advantage.

So, cheers to you, Ben!  Great choice.  Where to next?

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BGR The Burger Joint Aims to Open Oct. 22nd

October 15, 2009 in DC Dining, New! | 1 comment

DSC00544The Dupont Circle location of BGR the Burger Joint is set to open September October 22nd, according to founder and co-owner Mark Bucher.  (Although he warned me the date could change.)  The picture above is a few weeks old; now if you walk by the brown paper in the window is gone and you can peek in to see the store’s progress.  Young and Hungry has good coverage of the restaurant in its early stages here.  I like burgers but am not a big fan of Five Guys (or fast food-ish burgers generally), so BGR is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

Now that Sweet Green and BGR have arrived, I hope PNC Bank can get a few more retailers into their space.  Empty storefronts in such a prime spot near the Circle are a total waste.  The Dupont Circle ANC urged PNC to add locally-owned retail, and the bank has done well so far.  I’d love a good independently-owned boutique, a la Proper Topper.  Benetton and Ann Taylor Loft?  We can do better, Dupont.

Update on Oct. 16:  When I initially posted this opening I wrote “September” 22nd (twice!).  Obviously, it should be October.  Sorry, BGR!  That’s what I get for writing a post first thing in the morning.

Update on Oct. 26:  BGR still isn’t open, but it looks oh-so-close.  It’s coming along nicely!  Check out the guitar table tops the next time you walk by.

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Whew, People Are Eating at Bistro Bistro

October 7, 2009 in DC Dining | No comments

DSC00453About two months ago, I had brunch at Bistro Bistro.  It’s at 1727 Connecticut Ave, a few blocks north of the Circle.  When I ate there it was relatively new.  The seafood crepe was delicious, the server was attentive, and my coffee cup was always full.  The whole experience was lovely except . . . there were no other customers in the entire place.  (And it’s big!)  The manager peered out the door hoping to attract undecided diners.  The wait staff anxiously straightened napkins and salt shakers.  Everyone looked hopeful and nervous at the same time.  And I thought, oh god, I really hope people start eating here, because this is tough to watch.  

But people did start eating there!  I’ve walked by a few times recently and it has been full.  Full!  Way to go, Bistro Bistro.  If you haven’t been there yet, try it.  It’s a solid option and the prices are good.  Also, I remember seeing the happy hour specials and they were super cheap.  So go already.

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Eola on P St. Opens Today

September 17, 2009 in DC Dining, New! | No comments

DSC00520Eola, a new restaurant on P St. between 20th and 21st (where Mark and Orlando’s used to be), opens today.  Eola serves contemporary American cuisine, and looks to be more upscale than most places on P St.  It’s likely the only restaurant with a tasting menu, anyway.  (Except, of course, for Obelisk.)  I peeked in yesterday and it looks comfortable and inviting.  The walls are a soft yellow and and feature photography from local artists.  Eola is owned by chef Daniel Singhofen, who is new to the D.C. restaurant scene.

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Three Courses from “Cooking with Nora”

September 15, 2009 in DC Dining, Farmers' Markets | No comments

51JMZW86R3L._SL500_AA240_Last night I tried a few new recipes from “Cooking with Nora.”  Nora Pouillon, that is, owner of Restaurant Nora at Florida and R St. and the chef behind its tasty New American cuisine.  Nora uses seasonal, local ingredients and the recipes in the book are easy to follow.  She is also the force behind the Dupont farmers’ market!  The book is organized into four-course menus by season (I did not cook a four-course meal, however).  Even though we’ve had some cooler weather I decided on a menu from the “summer” section, because the ingredients featured in the summer menus are still in season.  

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I chose ten tomato salad to start, which is what it sounds like: ten kinds of tomatoes, plus basil and a balsamic vinaigrette with a little garlic.  Then, grilled shrimp with mango-avacado relish and watercress.  This also includes a generous dose of cilantro, my favorite herb.  For dessert, peaches in red wine with mint.  

Nora’s book is great for a few reasons.  First, the recipes are simple but not too simple– Nora definitely seasons her food well.  Second, Nora’s book gives nutritional information for each recipe and seems to be all-around healthy.  She’s light on the butter.  Third, the pictures are beautiful and she gives suggestions on how to plate things.  Finally, she recommends wine pairings, which I haven’t paid much attention to so far but could prove helpful.  I’ve attended a few wine tastings but spent more time socializing than listening, so I still don’t know much about wine.    

The food turned out great!  See my photos after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Eli’s Carry Out Deli Opens at 20th and N St.

September 4, 2009 in DC Dining, New! | No comments

DSC00466Eli’s Restaurant has opened a carry out deli right next door to their seated dining venue, on 20th and N St.  Eli’s offers a large menu of kosher foods, which I have found to be solid and reliable but not exceptional.  (Note:  I do not keep kosher.)  Still, it is vastly preferable to a sea of mediocre Potbelly and Cosi sandwiches.  I do enjoy the Monterrey, with turkey and avocado on multigrain.

It remains to be seen how the carry out deli’s offerings will compare to the restaurant’s food, but I can tell from the signs in the window that it is cheaper.  Should Eli’s Deli be added to the list of best spots in D.C. to get a good deli sandwich?  You decide.  For now, enjoy this amazing picture of the bench in front of Eli’s Deli urging you to “EAT FALAFEL!”  I love it.  DSC00467

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Update: New Dupont Pizzeria Paradiso Opening Saturday

August 26, 2009 in DC Dining, New! | No comments

DSC00436Good news!  After some delay, the new Dupont location of Pizzeria Paradiso, at 2003 P St., will open on Friday Saturday.  The new location is only a block from the old one and will be able to seat over 100 people.  This is a welcome upgrade from the previous space, which was small and a bit uncomfortable while waiting for a table.  The question now is, what will we get in the spot Paradiso is vacating?

Updated on 8/27:  The folks at Paradiso inform me that they needed one more day.  They will open on Saturday, not Friday as originally posted.

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Oh Happy (Birth)day!

August 24, 2009 in DC Dining | No comments

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Happy day indeed!  I was so excited to see this post on DCist today.  Hello Cupcake is giving away free cupcakes tomorrow to celebrate their first birthday.  I recommend the Lucy or the Peanut Butter Blossom, but really you can’t go wrong.  The Hello Cupcake Original is pictured here, also delicious.

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Hidden Restaurant Week Deals

August 23, 2009 in DC Dining | No comments

920065_vi_en_un_restaurantRestaurant Week starts tomorrow!  You can view the participating restaurants and make reservations here.  But there are a few other great restaurant deals right now that you should know about:   

1789 in Georgetown is not participating in Restaurant Week this year.  But!  They have a “Sizzling Summer Offer” now through Sept. 17th, three courses for $40.  Check it out here.

Every Sunday, Cashion’s Eat Place in Adams Morgan does “Pass the Plate for Two.”  It’s a four course, fixed menu, family style meal for two for $80.  See more details and the menu here.  Cashion’s is also doing a Blue Crab on the Patio event, with Maryland blue crabs and local corn on the cob, on August 30th from 3 pm until 10 pm.  Unclear on the cost of this, but it looks fun.  

Dino in Cleveland Park is participating in Restaurant Week.  But they go above and beyond the Restaurant Week call of duty by throwing in a lot of extras to make the meal an even better deal.  First, they do not offer a limited, set menu.  Their entire menu is available (and it’s huge).  Second, they throw in complementary crostini before the meal and free grappa or limoncello after the meal.  Third, it’s been going since August 1st and ends on Sept. 13th.  Yay, Dino!    

You can view a full list of eateries extending Restaurant Week here.

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