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Dining in D.C.
Do your best to snag one of the red velvet booths with portholes, giving you a view of the kitchen - and giving the kitchen a view of you, so staff and chefs can keep a watchful eye on you. Or, if privacy is what you're after, there are two half-moon booths hidden in the back beyond the bar.
The service is wonderful; order the eponymous drink, and two waiters arrive to prepare it for you tableside. Other selections on the amazing cocktail list might be served in a similarly sultry way, and poured into a champagne flute of French crystal. Stop by for dinner this time of year and appetizers might include tuna tartar with a spicy lime vinaigrette, cucumber salad, whipped lemon cream and giant taro chips, or crisp rock shrimp on honeyed cornbread with a sweet pepper marmalade.
Entrees are classic and delicious, and could include seared Columbia River king salmon with stir fried peas, wild ramps and tarragon. For dessert, the choice is obvious: the super-decadent fondue served with a flourish and surrounded by Rice Krispy treats, peanut butter cookie dough, fresh strawberries and bananas. Remember, if you happen to drop a piece of fondue on the table or floor, you have to kiss your dining companion: but don't forget that the chef is probably watching, and the secretary of state might be eating at the next table!
You've had tapas, but what about tapas Turkish style? No? Then visit Zaytinya, another DC hotspot, and the latest eatery in chef/owner Jose Andres's empire. It's the place for incredible finger food, or meze, with Greek, Turkish and Lebanese flair - priced for sharing.
The massive 200-seat establishment still feels cozy; chalk it up to the huge grid of candles, and the gentle blue and white walls. Ask the waiter to help you select a wine from a long, balanced list; you won't find these Middle Eastern wines in most restaurants. Vegetarians will love the perfectly-done falafel and the yummy kolokithokeftedes, or zucchini-cheese patties, while carnivores will salivate over arayes (minced lamb in a pita) or kibbeh (beef and wheat fritters with almonds, pine nuts, and currents). And don't miss the incredible baklava for dessert.
It is easy to eat your way through both old and new D.C. - and these are just a few of my favorites! But don't take my word for it; taste it for yourself.
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Thy this Dining guide for descriptions. Type in any of the above localities and read a description, etc. www.washingtonian.com/dining/default.asp.
D.C. Visitors Center: www.washington.org, 800-422-8644
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