The 2008 100 Very Best List -- It's Here!!

The most anticipated edition of the Washingtonian has been bestowed upon DC Foodies. DC area restaurant goers have anxiously awaited the release of the Washingtonian's 100 Very Best Restaurant List in the latest issue (January 2008).
There have been quite a few changes. First off, this issue introduces a scale for service in addition to the traditionally used star system for culinary experience. Introduced last year, the magazine ranks the restaurant from 1 to 100 and all 100 restaurants are rated on a scale of four to two stars. All restaurant receive at least two stars or are not included in the top 100. The highest rating of four stars (culinary epiphany) was given to only three restaurants this year and last year.
Michel Richard's Citronelle was ranked #1 again this year, however CityZen moved up from #3 in 2007, to #2 in 2008. Chef Richard (pictured) made that rarest of leaps in the world of food—from the pastry kitchen to chef of one of the country’s foremost restaurants. A chef who inspires colleagues with his creativity of invention, he was among the first chefs inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who in American Food and Wine. Maestro, which was ranked #2 is closed until March 2008, thus was not included in the 2008 list. The restaurant is searching for a new Chef de Cuisine to replace the award-winning Chef Fabio Trabocchi.
Amazingly, Komi moved from #10 last year 7 spots to #3. This is quite impressive! The Executive Chef is one of DC's youngest chef's. Komi's success has been attributed to Chef Johnny Monis who was named one of Food & Wine magazine’s 2007 Best New Chefs. As newest member of this exclusive club, Chef Komi (pictured on the right) joins the ranks of past local winners Cathal Armstrong of Restaurant Eve (2006), Eric Ziebold of CityZen (2005), Fabio Trabocchi of Maestro (2002), Frank Ruta of Palena (2001), and Roberto Donna of Galileo/Bebo Trattoria (1990).
I have not had the honor of dining at any of the top 3 restaurants, Yet although I plan to visit CityZen for my birthday dinner late January. CityZen has gained several prestigious awards such as, “Restaurant of the Year”, by DC Modern Luxury, August 2007, Mentioned on The Go List as one of the “Hottest Restaurants in the World”, Food & Wine, May 2007, 2006, and “Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year”, Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C., June 2007.
I am thrilled to visit this extraordinary establishment and sample Chef Ziebold's culinary expertise. The restaurant’s 20-foot high ceiling offers you a better view of the activity in the open kitchen, while the style and décor still provide an intimate setting. Eric’s menu changes monthly depending on the availability of the freshest ingredients. Stay tuned my review next month, it will be a big one.
Following the four stars, the first awarded 3 1/2 stars (Outstanding) is Restaurant Eve, which moved up 2 spots from #6 in 2007. I have reviewed Restaurant Eve's lickety split lunch in the lounge, but have not been there to try their main dining room or tasting room. The closest that I come to the Top 10 is #11 Charlie Palmer Steakhouse that I visited in August 2007 for Restaurant week.
As of 2008, I have only dined at 19 of the 100. Many of them that I have reviewed were pushed out for 2008, such as Acadiana, Ceiba, and Restaurant Kolumbia. It seems rather unfortunate that Acadiana and Restaurant Kolumbia were added to the Very Best in 2007 only to stay one year and be Out in 2008. There is an asterisk next to Restaurant Kolumbia in the "Outgoing" box on page 89 that indicates that a restaurant has closed. The restaurant's website does not provide any news about the supposed closing, but upon further investigation, I found on zagat.com that they closed on October 27, 2007 and will be looking for space elsewhere to launch a new venture. DCist reports that the renovations to their building have caused them to lose their lease. It's a shame, really. I was just there. I reviewed the restaurant just a few months ago and now it's gone. Jamie Stachowski told Don Rockwell of the Food Forum that he plans to open an Eastern-European bistro with an emphasis on his Polish roots. The location and date are to be decided.
The Majestic was added to the List (ranked as #42), however I don't believe that this establishment is consistent enough with their cuisine to be included. I dined at the Majestic in October 2007 and was thoroughly disappointed. I believe that it was added only for the fact that Cathal Armstrong (pictured to the left) has recently taken over the kitchen. It simply doesn't belong in the 100's Very Best, not yet, that is. Maybe the fact that Washingtonian named them "Restauranteurs of the Year" has something to do with it. Don't get me wrong, I think that Cathal and Meshelle are fantastic! I especially love what they did with Eamonn's and I heard that their next venture, European-style butcher, break bakery, gourmet shop, and wine centric lounge, will be opening in 2009 in the Del Ray area. I also can't believe that Johnny's Half Shell (#59) is ranked above L'Auberge Chez Francois (#60). I find it simply impossible. The service alone at L'Auberge should rank them higher than most. After all, the Washingtonian did award them the highest rating for service "supremely attentive" while Johnny's only got "competent and efficient".
I am mosly pleased that Farrah Olivia by Morou Ouattara in Old Town, Alexandria that was added in 2007, ranked as #32 with 2 1/2 stars has moved to #22 in 2008 with 3 stars. My first visit to Farrah Olivia was January 2007 for my birthday. Yes! I chose it for my special dinner. I have been back at least twice, since, never to be disappointed.
I just love Chef Morou. I even stopped watching the Food Network's Next Iron Chef when he was eliminated in week 3, the episode in which the chefs' resourcefulness were tested by sticking them with coolers full of "wild" ingredients — chosen in secret by a fellow competitor — that they had to turn into two dishes in one hour with a charcoal grill and limited tools. The Ivory Coast native's signature artistic presentation was lost on the judges, who wanted to see his food "touching" after being warned in week 2. "I mean everything is constantly in little piles," Judge, Donatella Arpaia said. Though the other judge, Andrew Knowlton defended the Farrah Olivia chef's dishes, he ultimately echoed that sentiment: "We found the plating again to be a little monotonous," he later told the chef. And so ... he was out. I was thoroughly upset and disgusted that at one point the judges said that his dish, based solely on taste alone, was their favorite, Yet he was eliminated for "monotonous plating".

Since Restaurant Week is coming up, beginning January 14, 2008, I plan to visit at least one or two of the Top 100's Very Best Restaurant's. I have my reservation for DC Foodie Favorite, Corduroy and I hope to also try one more ... Komi and Central (#10) are not participating, so I will try to get to Vidalia (#8) since I have not been there.

My goal is to visit all 100, but of course, it keeps changing!
I have a lot of food to eat ... and a long way to go to being able to boast that I have dined at all the 100's Very Best!

Le Paradou.

Saturday night, my husband and I went to Le Paradou, located on Indiana Ave, NW in Washington, DC, to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Of course whenever there is a special occasion, I consult Washingtonian's 100 Very Best Restaurant List and then go to Opentable.com to see who has a table available. My methodology of choosing a restaurant is always lengthy and extremely critical. At first I considered Citronelle, since it's rated #1 and I have never been there, but after looking at the menu, and seeing how expensive it is, it looked like either we could eat dinner there to celebrate our anniversary or we could have Christmas, but not both. I also wanted to try CityZen (#2) but there wasn't a table open until the new year. Restaurant Eve (#6) would have been great, but I have been there so many times for lunch that I just thought it wasn't "new". The Inn at Little Washington (#7) would break the bank. 2941 Restaurant (#8) we have already visited, and loved, but I wanted to go to someplace that I have never been before. Marcel's (#9) again, like the Inn, had no openings. So I decided to move down the List ... well all the way to #15.

Last Tuesday, I logged in to consult my guru (Todd Kliman) on his weekly online chat. I asked him about my choice of visiting Le Paradou. Our conversation went like this:

Todd,
It's been a while since I have been online and been able to participate in the chat, but I just had to ask you about my upcoming dinner reservation at Le Paradou. My husband and I are celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary and I know absolutely nothing about this restaurant. I know that it is on the Top 100 Very Best List, otherwise, I wouldn't even bother ;) ... but what else can you tell me about it? The chef, the service, best dishes, some juicy inside stuff? Dying to know. Hope all is well. Always a pleasure, Lisa D.

His Response:
Hi, Lisa. Welcome back, and happy anniversary!

What can I tell you? I can tell you that Yannick Cam is one of the best cooks in the city, and that his roots here go back a long, long way. In the '80s, his restaurant, Le Pavillon, was one of the city's top dining destinations. I can also tell you that you can expect -- well, no, that I can't tell you. The restaurant runs hot and cold. It can be brilliant at times and uninspired at others. Or -- one visit is sublime, the next leaves you wondering whether it's the same kitchen.

Best dishes? That depends, as I said, but his foie gras terrine with stewed apricots, his roasted lobster with Sauternes, his gazpacho with lobster claw, and his duck breast with foie gras tart, are all good bets.

Good luck, and be sure to check back in with a report ...

So last night, I think that I would say that the restaurant wasn't have an "off-night", but who knows. I am not nearly the expert that Todd is about such matters.
We were pretty happy that upon our arrival to the restaurant, there was a space right in front. We were delighted to not have to use the valet. When we go inside, I noticed immediately how the Christmas Tree by the door wasn't decorated in the back. All of the decorations were on the front. Pretty humorous, if I don't say so myself. The host was very pleasant when "checking-in". Of course, we had a reservation. The bar area off to the right of the entrance wasn't bustling yet. When we tell the host our name, he says, "Oh, this is for you," and reaches into a drawer and pulls out a yellowish-brown folder with Paradou written on it. My husband and I looked at each other, both confused. Apparently, my father and his lady purchased a gift certificate for us to the restaurant.
The main dining area is very large full of large round tables and boothes.
So we are sat at our table in the private dining area. It's in the back of the main dining room. It is the area that if someone has a large party, that room can be closed off to the other diners. It was the room of the restaurant that has the very large hand blown chandelier.
We each ordered an appetizer and we shared a bottle of Evian. I was surprised to find out later that the water was $9. Before the appetizers came, a small gift from the kitchen came out and the bread basket. The compliments of the chef was a single shrimp on top of some Sweet Bell Peppers Sauce. This was fine for one bite, but if I were to order this as an appetizer from the menu, I would be disappointed. There was nothing really to the shrimp. The only seasoning was the sauce that the shrimp sat upon.
There were more choices for appetizers than there were for anything else, well except for the wine list that was as thick as a telephone book.
I ordered the Raviolis de Crabe, Pince de Homard au Beurre Fin de Tomates, which is Crab Ravioli with Lobster claw, tomatoes, and butter. It was served in a large bowl with small thin raviolis on the bottom covered in large chunks of crab and lobster meat. In the butter sauce, you could taste the garlic and there were little tiny bits of tomatoes. How they cut those tomatoes so small, I'll never know. The butter sauce was so delish that I dredged my dinner roll in it. Ben ordered the Noix de Coquilles Saint- Jacques Enrobées d’une Feuille de Jambon de Parme, Truffes d’Hiver et Coulis de Poivrons Doux. Presented beautifully on a large square platter, the Scallops were wrapped in the Parma Ham, Black Truffles and Sweet Bell Peppers Sauce. I am not a fan of peppers ... as I am allergic, but I did try one of the scallops, also something that I don't ordinarily like, but these scallops didn't taste like scallops. They were soft and tender and didn't taste "fishy" to me. Plus, anything with bacon I love. Well Parma ham is close enough to bacon.
For the main course, I really branched out. I ordered the "Estouffade de Lapin aux Olives Niçoises et Romarin, Galette de Champignons Farcis" This 'Estouffade' of Rabbit with Olives, Rosemary and Stuffed Mushrooms Tort was exquisite. I have never had rabbit before due to ethical considerations, but I have to admit that this was the best meat that I have ever tasted. The rabbit was tender and succulent. I only found one piece that was dry. I had only minor difficulty with the small bones. I don't recall ever really enjoying eating turnips, but I ate every single one that was on my plate. The texture was soft but not mushy. It was almost like a small ball of mashed potatoes. The small Olives Niçoises were delish also. There were only a few scattered around the rabbit, but they too, were quite delectable.
My husband ordered the Osso Bucco aux Carrottes Glacées, Graines de Cardamon et Safran. At the time, I did not know that Osso Boccu was veal. It was only I could go and look it up that I learned exactly what it was. Nevertheless, this dish was cooked perfectly. In my experience, Veal is usually chewy and sometimes tough and I avoid it usually for this reason (and also the ethical considerations, again). This wasn't. It was very tender and the Cardamom and Saffron sauce was an excellent accompaniment.
For dessert, I ordered the Pomme Confite Façon Tatin, Crème Chiboust Vanillée, Glace Cannelle. It was presented well. The most interesting thing about the dessert was this thin sugary spike that stuck out of the ice cream. It was very crispy and reminded me of a creme brulee. It was served in a small votive with layers of the Vanilla Chiboust Cream and Cinnanom Ice Cream on the side. Wonderful, memorable meal. A nice place to spend a special occasion like a wedding anniversary.

Swanky Old-time Fav in Old Town

Adorned on the walls in the newly reopened The Majestic, historically known as the Majestic Cafe, are old photographs of the original layout of the restaurant and some of the employees from long ago. Some date back to 1932. The new owners, chef Cathal Armstrong, his wife, Meshelle, and the couple's business partner, sommelier, Todd Thrasher have successfully taken over and revived the old Majestic Cafe and the menu. Rumor has it that four years ago, chef Cathal Armstrong and his wife, Meshelle, came up with the idea for their Restaurant Eve over a bottle of wine at the old Majestic Cafe and of course when they got wind that the landmark was closing, they decided to step in and come up with a plan to save it. Todd Thrasher's wife, Maria Chicas serves as the Majestic's general manager.
This is the fourth establishment in their reign over Old Town. Their first restaurant to open in the area was Restaurant Eve, which has recently been remarked as being as good as DC's most highly ranked establishments, Citronelle and City Zen, which were ranked number 1 and number two on the Washingtonian's 100 Very Best Restaurant List in 2007. Restaurant Eve, ranked number 6 in 2007, was named after Cathal and Meshelle's daughter has become one of the most talked about restauarants in the DC area, not just by area diners, but also by DC's top Chefs. The group has since opened Eamonn's, a Dublin chipper, named after Cathal and Meshelle's son, and Px, their upstairs swanky speakeasy lounge.
I have visited all but the Px. These folks really have their eye on the ball. Last night, my non-foodie husband, Ben and I visited The Majestic. It was both of ours first time ever dining there. I made a reservation using Opentable.com, as I do with most of my dining out visits. Even though we arrived on time and told the hostess that we had a reservation, we waited 10 minutes to sit down because she said that they were out of menus. I thought it was rather peculiar for a Saturday night.
Once we were sat at our table, we got a bread basket. Service to say the least, was a bit lacking. There was waiting for everything. Uneventful until the entrees came. Ben's fish was overcooked and I felt responsible because I picked the place and raved about it because it was Cathal's! I'm not sure if I will go back. I might ... maybe it was just an Off-night.

October 2007 Washingtonian. I'm Published!!!

Can you believe it?
I was reading my October 2007 issue of the Washingtonian that just came in the mail and quite to my surprise, a portion of my posting on Todd Kliman's online chat on Tuesday's was in the magazine! On page 169 you can see it... It was my July 12, 2007 posting. You can also read it in my archives of my blog.

Here was the orginal coversation:

Alexandria, VA:

Todd, I wanted to follow-up with you about where I went to dinner before Justin Trawick's show at the 9:30 club. I did research Oohhs and Aahhs, but I agree that it would have been a better place for an after show treat. I made a reservation at Etete. The Ethiopian place off of U Street. I think the it was an amazing experience. I remember reading somewhere that you thought the service was very good. I think you described it as family-like... anyways... my experience was pretty awful when it came to service. We had to wait for a long time and most of the time, I just got tired of waiting and I had to get up and find my server. I was not very happy about that. It took so long for the waitress to come over to us, I had to go find her to tell her that we were ready to order and this is after a 30-40 minute wait. Also ... I had a hard time picking something from the menu that didn't have jalapeño or green peppers in it (I'm allergic). But I got the Yefem Tibs as my entree and I loved it. Next time I go back I know to order more things from the menu to try. I will not order, however, the tomato salad. The dressing was such a disappointment. It came right out of the bottle... like a Kraft Italian. I tried the Sambusa (Lentil) and loved it. It reminded me of empanada's a little bit... Do you have another suggestion of where I can try more ethnic foods but won't run into the Green Pepper or jalapeño problem? Thanks. Always a Pleasure. Lisa

Todd Kliman:

Lisa,

Thanks for the update. And I'm glad you had a good time at Etete. It's interesting: I've never had a problem with the service there, but I've also never gone there before trying to make a show.

If you're looking for other good ethnic spots ... shoot, we just published a whole issue of them, essentially, in June's Cheap Eats. One that's in the city and doesn't go in for jalapenos is Malaysia Kopitiam. The food's consistently tasty, and there's a lot to choose from. Give it a go.

And, of course, there are always kabob houses. The area is full of them, and there's a lot that's good.

My favorite is probably Ravi Kabob (either I or II, both in Arlington). You'll run into the "jalapeno problem" if you order the terrific karahi, but if you stick to the skewered meats, you shouldn't have any worries. Fantastic stuff. Really, this is some of the best eating you can do in the entire metro area. And you can afford to do it often.


I highlighted what you see on p. 169 in bold italics.

Pretty Groovy, I think. :D

A Spoonful of Sin

Ohhhh my goodness! I just heard about this lovely doorstep service. Have you heard?
A Spoonful of Sin
https://aspoonfulofsin.com

That's right, it is an exclusive club dedicated to bringing you a monthly sampling of the most scrumptious, sumptuous, decadent desserts imaginable right to your doorstep. They have enticed some of the Washington, DC area’s most renowned chefs to share their confections and all of us get to enjoy them ... never having to leave your home.
There could be one problem. The portion sizes are just a spoonful or two – sharing is not recommended. Imagine receiving a beautiful box each month, filled with a portion of a specialty dessert, the likes of which you could get only in a five-star restaurant – but you only had to open your front door? Wow.... my goodness.
The subscription service costs $14.95 per month plus tax and shipping. You can order it for yourself or as a gift for one very lucky soul.
You can designate your membership for 3 months, 6 months, a year, or yes, even life...

Bistrot Du Coin. Le bistrot du poivre. Le bistrot du snobinard.

So tonight I premiered Bistrot du Coin in Dupont Circle.
It was a recommendation of my good friend and fellow DC Foodie, Shabobe Glover. Since I work in Dupont, I had walked past the bistro almost every day for the last month.

Only today during my lunch break did I actually stop and look at the menu. At first glimpse, even though I speak French (Oui, C'est Vrai. Je parle Francais) I didn't find a whole lot on the menu that I would even consider eating. Quite to Todd Kliman's dismay, I don't think I would ever order Duck Confit, mussels, Rabbit, or anything remotely funny like that. I know. I'm a very bad foodie, indeed.
When I walked in to the restaurant, the host asked me how many. I said that there would be a party of two that I would be meeting someone, arriving shortly. He says oh well you can wait at the bar. I can't seat you until both of you are here. I was pretty steamed. It wasn't busy. There was no reason that he couldn't sit me. The entire restaurant was practically empty. It was basically just rude, hence the "snobinard".

It wasn't very nice. So I sat at the bar and waited. Shabobe arrived fifteen minutes later and then he finally sat us (at the same exact table that I wanted to sit at to wait for him). Rude. Just rude.
Shabobe ordered a glass of wine. Even if circumstances were different, I don't think I would have ordered wine. Not sure. Didn't matter because before he could drink one entire glass, he managed to spill it all over himself and all over the floor. It was pretty funny. Another lesson of why you should not talk with your hands.
The waitress told us that as one of their specials, there was an endive salad with walnuts and blue cheese. Sounded like a winner to me. I got that and Shabobe ordered the mussels. (Ewwww...) Todd said that they were good, but no thanks. None for me.
Well I did take that choggers advice and I ordered Le Steak Maison (the house steak). It is described on the menu as, "Grilled Steak Frites with French Fries and béarnaise sauce". I'm confused a bit by this. Simply because I thought frites were "French fries". Shabobe orded the Rabbit stew, but I was a wuss and I didn't try it. As soon as we ordered, someone brought a basket of sliced French baguette with butter, nothing fancy, but we weren't complaining.
The endive salad was pretty tasty. The dressing was light and creamy. The walnuts tasted like they were slightly sweetened, they were my favorite part. I didn't notice any chunks of blue cheese, but maybe the blue cheese was the dressing. I don't think I have ever had this kind of endive before. This was not the leafy dark green lettuce leaves that I am used to, rather the endive was mostly hard from the inner leaves and were light green to creamy-white in color. The salad was still very good. I ate every bite.
My steak was thin, which I didn't expect and even though I ordered it "medium" it was served as "medium-well" almost "well-done". (Not actual photo)

It was still fairly juicy but what I didn't like much at all was how peppery it was. Hence the Poivre remark. This wasn't just plain ground black pepper. These were whole large peppercorns covering the entire steak. I had to dredge every bite of the steak into the béarnaise sauce just to be able to equalize the pepper. Even when Shabobe had a bite, he agreed.
Regardless of not being able to be seated upon arrival, the pepper and the steak being over cooked, we had a nice dinner. Dining with Shabobe is always a treat (and he paid). ;)

I took Todd's Advice. Zorba's Cafe in Dupont --

Today, I was in the mood for some hearty Italian cuisine and luckily for me, next door to my work is Buca di Beppo. I have been there only once before and I had a pretty good meal. I think it was a little pricey for lunch. I spent almost $18 for a lunch portion of the lasagna and a side salad and beverage (soda, not wine). Jeez. I am working, people. Only one thing I didn’t like what some of the lettuce that was in my salad was those hard white pieces. I hate that. I ended up fishing them out of my salad bowl and putting them on a bread plate. Anyways, I attempted to return this afternoon, but there was no one at the hostess stand. I waited a few minutes and then decided on such a nice day, I would venture out for somewhere with outdoor seating. So... I walk along Connecticut Avenue and before I realize it, I am almost to the Dupont Circle metro stop. All the sudden, like a light bulb went off in my head, I remembered that Todd Kliman's advice to me when I announced my new job in Dupont was to "become a regular at Zorba's Cafe" (see previous post, July 24, 2007).
So only this lovely sunny day, I went to Zorba's for my first time.

I was nervous walking up. I realized that I had never been there and I didn’t know what to do. I felt like I was in unfamiliar territory and that I could upset someone with my ignorance of the Zorba procedures (flashback to Soup Nazi).
So I walk up and there are small patio tables, (just for two) some with umbrellas, scattered about on their front stoop.

There is a sign posted out front by the door, "Order inside". Thank goodness for the sign. I would have been lost. I grab a menu on my way in and before I could open it, a man passes me with a large blue tray, filled with ... (gasp) everything that I want! I almost asked.... I said almost.
Well I took a quick glance at the menu. There wasn’t much for more (the line moved quickly). I figured out that he ordered the "Yero plate". It comes with a yero (pita with meat), small side salad, and french fries. Hmm… Are they called french fries at a Greek place? I dunno. So for the price, I thought it was a pretty good deal... all for $9.95 + tax.
You don’t wait long. Yes, sireee, ... in about 3 minutes, they called my number. I was so nervous ordering that I forgot to get a drink! Luckily for me, I noticed that there were glasses and pitchers of water available. As soon as my number was called, I went outside looking for a spot. I actually got a table with an umbrella.
I really loved the light vinaigrette dressing that was on the salad. I couldn't get enough. I bet I could have eaten another entire serving. The salad was a mixture of greens and romaine, shredded carrots, radish, and a tiny sliver of tomato and red onion. I personally would have been happier with more tomato. oh well.
My Yero was very tasty. I ate every bite. The pita was toasted and warm. The meat was tender and not dry. There was very little tadziki dressing, which I like more. I also would have liked some lettuce and tomato on my yero. Maybe you have to ask for that. I don't know. I'll find out because I definitely plan to go back. I ate my frites last. I ate them one by one dredged in ketchup. By this point, I was getting warm. Being partially in the sun began to wear on me. So there you have it! Zorba's is affordable, good food, and great outdoor seating.

I took Todd's Advice. Zorba's Cafe in Dupont --

I was in the mood for some hearty Italian cuisine and luckily for me, next door to my work is Buca di Beppo. I have been there only once before. I had a pretty good meal. I think it was a little pricey for lunch. I spent almost $18 for a lunch portion of the lasagna and a side salad and beverage (soda, not wine). Jeez. I am working, people. Anyways, I attempted to return this afternoon, but there was no one at the hostess stand. I waited a few minutes and then decided on such a nice day, I would venture out for an outdoors seat. So... I walk along Connecticut Avenue and before I realize it, I am almost to the Dupont Circle metro stop. All the sudden, like a light bulb went off in my head, I remembered that Todd Kliman's advice to me when I announced my new job was to "become a regular at Zorba's Cafe" (see previous post, July 24, 2007).
So today I went for my first time to Zorba's. It's a little strange.

I'm BACK! Another Blog with Washingtonian's Todd Kliman.

So after being away from my blog and also Todd Kliman's weekly online chat, I am Back! This was my question that I posted to Todd. Even though Todd wasn't much help, a fellow chogger chimed in and made a comment. That's below. :) I'll let you know how my dinner went tomorrow (time permitting).

Washington, DC:

Todd, This evening an old co-worker/friend of mine and I are meeting up for dinner. We are both pretty well versed when it comes to restaurant dining. We even usually go together to Restaurant Week Lunches, etc. Well tonight we are meeting at Bistro Du Coin in Dupont for dinner. I was wondering if you could give me a few must try items! I have never been there. I am not sure if my friend has. :) Thanks. Always a pleasure, Lisa D.

Answer:

Must-try items? Bistrot du Coin? I'd say that's going just a wee bit too far.

I'd zero in, though, on the mussels, the frites and the duck confit. Great atmosphere, some good cheap wines, lots of fun -- you might even enjoy the surly waiters (if you're in the right mood).

washington dc:

you forgot to mention the steak and fries at Bistro Du Coin, its a good dish for the price and a decent standby.

Answer: I didn't forget. :)

Yay, Me! New Digs in Dupont Circle.

The most recent chat with Todd Kliman online ...

Alexandria, VA:

Todd, Good day to you! I have great news! I have accepted a new position and luckily for me my new office is located in Dupont Circle. I wanted to see if you could recommend a few good lunch spots that I should not pass up in that area. I will get an hour lunch so walking distance is necessary. Let me know your suggestions! Thanks! Always a pleasure, Lisa.

Todd Kliman:

Congratulations!

First off, you'll want to become a regular at Zorba's Cafe, right near the Metro stop north of the circle. It's good, it's varied, it's affordable, and you can sit outside and people-watch when the weather's nice. It's the kind of place you could probably eat in a couple of times a week for a couple of years without getting sick of it.

What else ... Malaysia Kopitiam, at 19th and M, isn't far away and is consistently good and interesting, with a vast and sprawling menu that includes curries, pickles, stir-frys, noodle dishes, and marinated fishes.

There's also Pizzeria Paradiso on P St., for boutique pizzas, and Alberto's, on the other side of P St., for thin, crispy prole pizza.

That ought to keep you full, and happy, for at least a few weeks!

As Restaurant Week approaches ....

Check out the Online Chat of Todd Kliman. I participate every week ... here was today's question.

Alexandria, VA:

Hi Todd, I know that you are tired of talking about Restaurant Week, but the rest of us DC Foodies are really anticipating it and have looked forward to it all year. I wasn't able to get a table at Cityzen or Corduroy, so I made a dinner reservation at Charlie Palmer Steak house. It was ranked #12 on Washingtonians 100's Very Best Restaurant List, so I thought it HAS to be good. Can you give me an idea of what I should expect on the menu there knowing it's a $30 dinner (prix fixe)? Thanks, Todd. Always a Pleasure, Lisa

Todd Kliman:

Tired? Not tired at all.

What I was having some fun with was, the fact that so many of you were urging me to weigh in so early. Well, it turns out it's not so early at all, with many restaurants already starting to book up. Once I knew that, I was on board. And we went ahead and put together our preview a couple of weeks early.

What can you expect of Charlie Palmer Steak? For one thing, not many choices -- which I'm usually not thrilled to see. The good news is that CP Steak does a lunch prix fixe all year round, so it's not as if Chef Bryan Voltaggio is contriving some dumbed-down menu for the week that departs wildly from his usual options.

You'll eat well. Just don't go looking for one of the huge, bone-in cuts of beef that define the restaurant.

Todd Kliman the Governor of DC Foodies...

So on Tuesday at 11 a.m., I participated in another chat with Todd Kliman, Editor of the Washingtonian Food Section. I wanted to write in and follow-up with him about my experience on U Street. I didn't get to hit any of his recommendations but I did talk about my visit to Etete. Read below.

Alexandria, VA:

Todd, I wanted to follow-up with you about where I went to dinner before Justin Trawick's show at the 9:30 club. I did research Oohhs and Aahhs, but I agree that it would have been a better place for an after show treat. I made a reservation at Etete. The Ethiopian place off of U Street. I think the it was an amazing experience. I remember reading somewhere that you thought the service was very good. I think you described it as family-like... anyways... my experience was pretty awful when it came to service. We had to wait for a long time and most of the time, I just got tired of waiting and I had to get up and find my server. I was not very happy about that. It took so long for the waitress to come over to us, I had to go find her to tell her that we were ready to order and this is after a 30-40 minute wait. Also ... I had a hard time picking something from the menu that didn't have jalapeño or green peppers in it (I'm allergic). But I got the Yefem Tibs as my entree and I loved it. Next time I go back I know to order more things from the menu to try. I will not order, however, the tomato salad. The dressing was such a disappointment. It came right out of the bottle... like a Kraft Italian. I tried the Sambusa (Lentil) and loved it. It reminded me of empanada's a little bit... Do you have another suggestion of where I can try more ethnic foods but won't run into the Green Pepper or jalapeño problem? Thanks. Always a Pleasure. Lisa

Todd Kliman:

Lisa,

Thanks for the update. And I'm glad you had a good time at Etete. It's interesting: I've never had a problem with the service there, but I've also never gone there before trying to make a show.

If you're looking for other good ethnic spots ... shoot, we just published a whole issue of them, essentially, in June's Cheap Eats. One that's in the city and doesn't go in for jalapenos is Malaysia Kopitiam. The food's consistently tasty, and there's a lot to choose from. Give it a go.

And, of course, there are always kabob houses. The area is full of them, and there's a lot that's good.

My favorite is probably Ravi Kabob (either I or II, both in Arlington). You'll run into the "jalapeno problem" if you order the terrific karahi, but if you stick to the skewered meats, you shouldn't have any worries. Fantastic stuff. Really, this is some of the best eating you can do in the entire metro area. And you can afford to do it often.

Etete, an Ethiopian Gem on U Street

Last week, on the same day, I had Afghan and Ethiopian food. I didn't think that that my stomach could handle it, but I think that I did well. Last week on Friday before a show at the 9:30 Club, my husband and I decided to try Etete. It's listed on the Washingtonians 100's Very Best Restaurant list as number 76.
This looked more like a contemporary bistro than an Ethiopian restaurant. The walls were adorned with photos and various dining awards. We ordered as an appetizer the tomato salad (but without the green peppers) but was very disappointed to discover that the dressing for the salad was a store bought, comparable to a Kraft Italian. I wasn't very happy about that. We also tried the Sambusa (Beef: Triangular shaped pastry crust filled with fried beef, green, pepper, jalapeno, onion). I am pretty sure that I ordered the Beef, but what we were served is the Lentil (Triangular shaped pastry crust filled with lentil, green pepper, jalapeno, onion). To be honest, I loved it ... and we actually ordered one more Lentil. For my entree, I ordered the Yefem Tibs (*Etete's Special) described on the menu as charcoal broiled sliced prime tender beef marinated in white wine and rosemary, with a touch of garlic and black pepper. My husband order a spicy meat dish, I don't recall what it was, but it was firey reddish in color probably from the berbere. Although it was too spicey for me to eat as my main entree, I think it was very good. I also decided to try the honey wine. When I first tried it, it was very strong, but sweet at the same time. You have to almost force yourself to finish the glass. It is an acquired taste, after each sip, I liked it a little better.

Real Fish n' Chips without needing a passport

Even on a hot and steamy day like today, I ventured out for lunch with one goal in mind -- to see what all the fuss was about in Old Town at the new Eamonn's -- A Dublin Chipper. Located on the corner of Columbus and King, Eamonn's is like no other place in the tri-state area, probably intended to be that way.
The world-renowned Chef Cathal Armstrong, an Irish native, his wife Meshelle, and partner and sommelier Todd Trasher have brought a taste of Ireland, right to Washington, DC.
The owners of Eamonn's are the same folk who opened Restaurant Eve, also in Old Town, which has received world-wide recognition.
Eamonn's, named after the Armstrong's son, is a traditional chipper, in that you order at the counter and grab a seat, and wait for your name to be called with your order. The wait can be a long one, since everything is served fresh and there are only 30 seats, including the counter with stools. The menu is squalled on a chalk board that hangs over the cashier's counter.
You don't need a lot of choices. Why else would you be there if you didn't want the infamous fish n' chips? You have your basic cod in two sizes and fried Ray. If you absolutely don't want to try the fish you can choose the deep fried "burghers" or battered sausage. Yes, if you are counting calories, lunch at Eammon's will blow it out of the water.
They offer a few choices for sides that includes two sizes of "chips", bachelor's baked beans, onion rings, coleslaw, and "mushy peas."
They throw in one homemade sauce, and you have a choice of seven, such as traditional tarter sauce, "Marie Rose" (ketchup and mayo), Kitty O'Shea (capers and kalamata olives), Chesapeake, Hot Chili, Fronch, and Curry. I didn't try any of the sauces, like an "eejit" (Irish for idiot/fool).
I did try, however the cod and the chips. The cod came in a light weight, waxy paper pouch. Just large enough for the battered fish to stick out the top for you to take a bite. The cod was perfectly cooked, moist, flaky, and the batter is light and is almost crunchy. I actually thought the batter was the perfect combination of sweet and salty. The fish was so fresh... it even tasted fresh. I actually said to the two women who sat down at end of the bench where I was sitting that it tastes like, "Someone caught the fish, battered it and gives it you." It was that good. I think it's well worth the several minute wait.
The fries ...er, um, I mean Chips reminded me of boxy steak fries, but divine! I dipped every single bite into the malt vinegar that is provided on every table. I didn't get an dessert, and now I am kicking myself... they offer fried milky way, banana, and dough balls. The cashier area is also lined with authentic sweets.
I will definitely go back, but next time I am going to try the Onion rings (oh, I bet they are heavenly), the Irish soda as my beverage, and I will force myself to order a dessert! ;)


Website with menus and photos: http://www.eamonnsdublinchipper.com/
Address: 728 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone (703) 299-8384

Cheap Eats

The Washingtonian's "Cheap Eats" dining guide came out last month. I subscribe to the Washingtonian, but other than the 100's Very Best guide that comes out every January, the next most popular issue is June's "Cheap Eats".

I like that there is always a fold-out guide that lists the name of the restaurant, type of cuisine, address, neighborhood, phone, etc. This makes it very easy to skim the guide to look for a particular restaurant meeting your interested criteria.
Online there are even a nifty little symbol next to each restaurant if it is also one of the 100's Very Best.
ttp://www.washingtonian.com/restaurantreviews/3/index.html

I haven't been to many of these places that are listed as "cheap eats" but there are a few that I have frequented. I noticed that Artie's in Fairfax was listed as a cheap eats restaurant. I think that it's interesting that Artie's was included, but not any of the other restaurants owned by the Great American Restaurants group, like Sweetwater Tavern, Mike's American Grill, Coastal Flats, Silverado, because their menus are almost identical in each place. I wonder what set apart Artie's from the others?

I have visited this place only once because the last time that I went, which was on my birthday, was such a disaster. When I mean disaster, I mean disaster.
I remember distinctly waiting a very long time for our appetizers, and when we asked our server, he told us that he had lost our order and the kitchen is working to get it out to us.

The manger on duty brought out our appetizers, and apologized, but we were not compensated in any way. Not even a free dessert. I was even more angry when our entrees came out almost immediately after the appetizer. Well I will most likely never go back there again...
All the other places on the Cheap Eats ... maybe I will have better luck with.

Todd Kliman's Chat (Tuesday's 11 a.m.)

So every Tuesday at 11 a.m. Todd Kliman, the Food Editor of the Washingtonian Magazine has an online chat.
He begins the chat every week with some comments about a few local places that he wants to highlight. In addition, people can write in about questions that they have about restaurants, etc. I participate every week. I actually have an alert set up in Outlook to remind every week. Ha ha ha. Anyways ... this was my comment this week. And of course, I loved Todd's reply. See below.

Alexandria, VA:

Hey Todd, One of my really good friends, Justin Trawick is playing at the 9:30 Club on Friday. Before the show, I wanted to get some "real" food, so I made a reservation at the Tabaq Bistro for me and my husband. I have never been there and I know that it is not on the 100's Very Best list. I have heard great things about the atmosphere, but how's the food? Can you tell me what I should expect or what I should definitely not miss? Thanks, Lisa

Todd Kliman:
How to Build a Life with a Lemonade Stand. Neat sound.

(Sorry, folks. I've been grooving to the music on Justin's website for the last few minutes -- www.justintrawick.com ... And no, I'd never heard of him before popping open this question. Kinda reminds me a little of G Love and Special Sauce, if just a touch folkier.)

Lemonade, Special Sauce ... and back to food.

I'm no fan of Tabaq, although I do like the terrific view upstairs -- it gives you a great sweep of the city.

If it's good eats you're after -- and not just a place to drink and catch up and find yourself among a crowd -- then I'd rather send you to Coppi's Organic or Etete, also on U St. Or to Oohhs & Aahhs, which has just started serving chicken and waffles from midnight to 4 a.m. It'd make a great post-show "snack."

Link to Todd's Chat: http://www.washingtonian.com/chats/restaurants/4412.html?msg=1

Is this thing on? 1...2...3

Okay, so thanks to Miss Ashleigh Hill's suggestion, I now have a blogspot.
This entire blog will be dedicated to my journey to becoming the next Phyllis Richman, the next Todd Kliman (Dining Editor of The Washingtonian) ... well I can dream, right?

Well I will settle for more eloquent writer. I know that I have a lot of work to do, but there is one thing that I have on my side. It's determination.

I will tell you ... but I am going to sound obsessive compulsive. Since August 1997 (yes, over ten years) I have been collecting the dining reviews from The Washington Post Magazine dining section. Phyllis Richman was the food critic for years until Tom Sietsema (The Washington Post's restaurant critic) came along. In addition, I have followed The Washingtonians 100 Very Best Restaurants for years. It's my biggest goal, dream, highest aspiration to one day be able to say that I have visited all 100. It changes every single year, but so far I think I have been to about 15%. Again, I track it, obsessively.
One accomplishment thus far is that I have already earned the esteemed title of "VIP member" of Opentable.com. This was accomplished just yesterday. I honored my 12th reservation this year to a participating OpenTable restaurant, Farrah Olivia by Morou. This Chef is best known for his "Modern Tribal Cuisine". It makes perfect sense, since he grew up in the Ivory Coast. He is by far one of Washington's best Chefs. With the use of a wide range of exotic ingredients and unique culinary style, Morou has enlightened both food Aficionados and the every day diner.



My lunch at Farrah Olivia was another truly amazing experience and I expected nothing less. If you have read my other dining review posts, from a previous site, you will find that I already raved about my first experience at Farrah Olivia.
In late January, I visited Farrah Olivia for the first time to celebrate my 30th birthday with my husband, Ben. Yesterday, I went to lunch with a co-worker and I knew that no matter what I decided, I would not be disappointed. I was pleased to try something new -- Quinoa. This delicate side was paired with my Chicken Breast. Quinoa (pronounced Keen-wa) is like a very course grain. It looks like a couscous ...
and comes from South America. I thought it was amazing at how the texture really pops ... like of like roe on a California Roll. it The Quinoa included small sqaured carrots, used in other of Morou's dishes, green onions, raisins, and fresh ginger. It was truly divine -- like nothing I have ever tasted before. My chicken breast was not your usual, thin, flat filet. This was a real acutal chicken breast. There was even a bone sticking out the top. The presentation was unique to Morou. The chicken was on the plate sitting besides a swirl of brown mustard sauce. The sauce used whole mustard seeds. The yellowish-brown color was very attractive.

I also had the Beef Tenderloin sandwich. The beef was a little pink on the inside and incredibly tender, not at all chewy. The beef was drizzled in melted blue cheese, which I loved and served on a soft french roll. I will definately go back and order this as my own next time. The best part of this dish was the battered onion rings. You have never tasted onion rings like these.
These were like funnel cake good. The batter was the perfect combination of sweet and salty. It doesn't get much better than that.
I highly recommend the Prix Fixe Menu of two courses for $16 and three courses for $20. For this quality of food, it's a bargain! Check it out... I promise your taste buds will thank you.

Website: http://www.farraholiviarestaurant.com/ct/index.html
Address: 600 Franklin St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 778-2233

Past Reviews: DC Coast, Ceiba, Arcadiana

So ... Thursday, February 22,2007 I patroned DC Coast.
Are you seeing a trend here? First was Acadiana, then Ceiba, and now DC Coast.
They are all owned by Passion Food Hospitality, LLC (Passion Food Profile)
Owners Gus DiMillo, David Wizenberg, and Chef Jeff Tunks. Next I think I will have to try TenPenh .... DC Coast is a very nice restaurant; clean, simple, not to contemporary or to old-fashioned. I like how diners can see what's going on in the kitchen depending on where you are sitting. It's basically open. No mirrors, or glass. Free show! woohoo! ;) The decor is beautiful with a motif of the sea and mermaids.

On thing that I didn't like right off the bat was being sat (table of two) right next to a (rather loud) party of four ... literally we were so close I could have eaten off their plates. It wasn't the best environment for conversation. Mike (Yarger) said on Tuesday that he refers to those types of tables as, "I'll have what she's having (tables)". Ha ha.
Literally, the tables were on top of each other. I wish that we were sat in a more intimate setting. There just wasn't any privacy.

Dinner and the Food ... I will be back to review those and talk a little bit about my experience with Ryan McCarthy, GM of DC Coast. He was really charismatic. He pretended to know me.

Ceiba

So tonight (Tuesday, February 20, 2007) I visited yet another one of Washingtonian's 100 Very Best Restaurants -- Ceiba (pronounced SAY-Bah).
Ceiba is owned by the same owners of DC Coast, TenPenh, and now Acadiana.
Ceiba has done very well since it's opening in September 2003.
The restaurant's menu is full with cuisine based on Latin American influences.
The decor was very bright and very colorful almost like a tropical paradise, right here in DC.

I think the theme of the "bird and the tree" was very unique.


The name Ceiba refers to a tree indigenous to much of the region and purported to have mystical properties. The restaurant's decor includes murals throughout the restaurant celebrating the ceiba tree. Even the furniture is from Brazil -- made from wood indigenous to Brazil.

The menu includes dishes from specifically the Yucatan (Vera Cruz and Cancun), Brazil (Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro), Peru, and Cuba.
I did not try any of the Ceviche dishes offered (there were more than five offered), however I was able to sample three of their appetizers (one compliments of the chef). The chef brought out the Cuban Paella Crab Fritters. Described on the menu with a fried Lemon and peas served with a light Aioli. I was so pleased that the Chef brought out the Crab Fritter. I was going to order it as one of my choices, but I knew that I was ordering Crab Cakes as my entree. The crab fritter looked better than it tasted.... in my opinion. It reminded me of a hush puppy but just crab tasting. Also, the fritter needed a little more of the aioli. Maybe I just prefer a lot of sauce to dredge each bite, but I think without the aioli, I wouldn't have been as enthused to eat it.

I also ordered the Albondigas de Chorizo. Described on the menu as Chorizo Meatballs, Shaved Reggianito, Soft Polenta, Tomato Sofrito. So I was asked, "What do you think of the Chorizo?". I said, "It takes like a meatball."
Well ... I don't know how else to describe it. It did. The chorizo was very moist and yet did not fall apart when trying to pick it up with your fork. I think the shaved Reggianito on top was the perfect touch. I really liked this dish. I would order it again.
Next, I tried the Beef Empanadas Criollas. Described on the menu as having Green Olives, Raisins, Eggs and Piquillo Pepper Romesco. I didn't see or taste any of the olive or raisins, but I did have an egg in every one of the Empanadas. I really like this dish and would order it again.
Now that I think about it, the Empanadas seemed similar to Acadiana's Trio of Pies. (Check the other blog). Mike ordered the Black Bean Braised Pork Shank "Feijoada". Described on the menu as being served with Rice, Malaguetas, Toasted Farofa. I was able to try this ... I have never tasted pork so succulent and with so much flavor. It reminded me of being on my Uncle Loren's farm in Maryland at a pig roast. This pork was simply amazing. I have never had anything like it. It was served in a very large clay bowl. It felt like we were being served in some old Brazilian woman's kitchen.Very authentic looking.
I ordered the Jumbo Lump Crab Torrejitas. Described on the menu as being served with Peruvian Fried Rice, Red Onion and Asparagus Salad, Rocoto Corn Vinaigrette. I usually order crab cakes when I go out. For some reason, I am just always in the mood for a good crab cake. Saturday night at Restaurant Kolumbia, I ordered the Crab Cake there too. The presentation of the crab cake was good. It looked like a large volcano. The red onion and asparagus covered two crab cakes that sat on top of a bed of peruvian fried rice. I think it looked better than it tasted. The crab cakes were a little crunchy (I found shells), however I was surprised that there was actually "lump" to this crab cake. I can't tell you how often I order "lump crab cake" and there is no "lump". It's all just crab meat that is basically "shredded" no real lump. I think I would have liked the red onion and asparagus salad more, but I think it needed more vinegar. Maybe there was too much vinegar. Maybe just something was missing. Can't put my finger on it. I should have put some salt and pepper on it, but it didn't occur to me.

I tried two of their "spirits"- First, I had the PLAYA DEL SOL. An eclectic delight of Cruzan coconut rum, touched with amaretto, pineapple juice, Coco Lopez & grenadine. I also tried the YUCATAN SUNSET. Bacardi Razz rum, Citronge, mango puree & grenadine. I liked the first one best ... probably b/c I love amaretto.

Restaurant Kolumbia

Restaurant Kolumbia. (1801 K Street NW) Chef/Owner Jamie Stachowski.


Of course, my friend Mike (Yarger, of Acadiana; see previous blogs) that always takes such good care of me while I am experiencing my latest adventure in DC restaurant scene (thanks, Mike), has worked with Jamie when he was an Executive Chef at eCitie restaurant in Tysons Corner. So of course Mike, being who he is (very sweet) spoke to Carolyn (Chef's wife and restaurant Manager) and arranged a meeting for me with Chef Jamie Stachowski.

I was also spoiled with a tasting board (compliments of the chef) of Jamie's specialties. The board contained varieties of mostly hand-crafted meats. All of which Chef knew that I would never have tried otherwise, if he hadn't presented it to me. The board contained kielbasa with pickle chips, liver, lamb shoulder, veal breast with sweetbreads, blood sausage, smoked fish on pumpernickel and everything was a delectable experience of it own.

My favorite was the kielbasa and the pickles. It was presented like a kabob, loved it. Also surprisingly good was the accompaniment to the bread basket. I believe it was eggplant ... (according to our server). I was the only one who was willing to try it. It tasted like a very cremey Guacamole, rich in flavor and a perfect texture for the unadventurous diners.
So for my meal, I ordered only one course, the Baked Blue Crab Cake, Blended with Scallop Mousse, Creole Sauce, Homemade Potato Chips.
It was very different than any other crabcake that I have ever eaten. It was very rich and the scallop mouse gave the cake a creamy consistency.
I dredged every other bite in the bright orangish creole sauce. It changed the taste of the crab cake from creamy to spicey ;)
Two of the other ladies ordered a choice from the second course menu, the "Rock and Roll", described as Tempura Rock Shrimp, Crispy Calamari, Asian Daikon Slaw, Shallot Remoulade". I thought that the rock shrimp were dry and bland, but the calamari was fried to perfection and a little bit salty, but nevertheless, perfect. My favorite thing about the Rock and Roll was the Asian Daikon Slaw.
The slaw was colorful and the vingear mix was perfect. I could have eaten several more helpings. I loved it ... I wish that they would have had that with my crab cake.
I would definitely recommend the experience to others.

Stay tuned for my next excursion, 2941, Another restuarant on the Washingtonian's 100 Very Best Restaurant list.