Dining In Dc – Food and Restaurant Blog

Return to Bibiana: A second look.

My very first visit to Bibiana was for lunch a year ago on September 4, 2009, its opening day. Since, I have recommended it so highly to everyone. I had such a wonderful meal with top-notch service, which is usually difficult to find the same day a restaurant opens. Bibiana’s servers were knowledgeable about each dish on the menu on day one — impressive. I shouldn’t have been surprised...

Carmine’s DC packs the house and stuffs the belly. Great for groups and family fun.

The new Carmine’s DC, a New York outpost of the famous family-style restaurant is doing what they set out to do — pack the house and stuff the belly. The largest restaurant in Washington, DC with more than 20,000 square feet and 700 seats, Carmine’s has managed to draw thousands within days of opening. In fact, according to Jill Collins, who is managing their public relations effort...

Family Friendly Brunch in Dupont Circle: Firefly.

Recently I was invited by lovely ladies, Charissa Benjamin and Skylar Thompson, the public relations team for Kimpton hotels and restaurants, to join them and several other bloggers for brunch at Firefly. Ever since I saw Executive Chef Danny Bortnick and his adorable son, Noah for a Restaurant Week demo last year at the Eastern Market, I’ve been eager to try Firefly. I don’t normally...

Potenza trumps Restaurant Week offering 3 courses for $28 with wine pairings.

With a supreme location in DC, just a block away from the White House, Potenza offers Washingtonians a chance at fresh bread or baked goods from their bakery, a place to unwind at their spacious bar and lounge, and authentic Italian food sure to make your belly smile. I was invited on Thursday for a media gathering, which was my first opportunity to visit Potenza. I won’t stay away now …...

Dish of the Week Spotlight: Masa 14

I reported on the opening a week or so ago; however, to sum up, Chef Richard Sandoval, who brought us his marriage of Latin-Asian flavors, Zengo has partnered with award winning Chef Kazuhiro “Kaz” Okochi of Kaz Sushi Bistro to bring us their new joint concept serving Latin and Asian small plates. After several months of anticipation, the 5,000 square foot restaurant just north of...

Under the Toque at Citronelle. Lisa spends a day in the back of the house.

Lisa Shapiro with the kitchen staff at Citronelle Michel Richard (Photo by Jenna Duffy) “How can this be work? This is so much fun!” I said. After spending an entire day in the kitchen at Citronelle Michel Richard, however, I realized that it is indeed a lot of hard work. David Deshaies and his team, including Sous-Chef Thomas Hauck, spend an average of 12 hours, 5 days a week in the kitchen rushing...

Conflict Resolution at Vidalia

Prior to the commencement of Restaurant Week, I published my own Top Ten Restaurant Week picks which was based on the restaurant’s overall reputation, history of quality of food, prix fixe menu offerings, or based on my own past restaurant week experiences. Vidalia was my #1 pick due to several important factors. The restaurant has a superior reputation, including having excellent quality...

Restaurant Week Engulfs the New Columbia Firehouse

Washington area foodies have been talking about the recent opening of Old Town’s Columbia Firehouse. It has been open just over a month and the overall perception is that the Neighborhood Restaurant Group, those who also brought us Rammy-winning Vermilion and other neighborhood gems such as Evening Star Café, Tallula, and Rustico have scored again. I have had lunch at the Firehouse three times...

Restaurant Week Lessons Learned at Me Jana

I have officially confirmed my own advice about not going to restaurants that offer small plates, tapas or mezze, for Restaurant Week. I learned my lesson first hand. On Monday afternoon, I had lunch at Me Jana, a fine Lebanese restaurant in the Courthouse area of Arlington. The restaurant is named after an old folk ballad that is traditionally sung to “welcome” friends and family and...

Zaytinya offers family style dining

Zaytinya, the Mediterranean sister of the Think Food Group that specializes in Mezze, or small plates designed for sharing, is offering a family style dining experience commonly found in Greece, Turkey, or Lebanon. Under the direction of James Beard award-winning chef, José Andrés, Zaytinya’s extensive menu reflects the rich, regional diversity of classical and contemporary Greek, Turkish and...

Ici Urban Bistro: A First Look

Washingtonians have witnessed a recent revitalization of DC area hotel restaurants. The mind-set that hotel restaurants are not up to par to other high-end restaurants no longer exists. Ici Urban Bistro, is an excellent example – located inside the stylish Sofitel situated in the historic LaFayette Square, the building erected in 1880; just blocks away from the white house. The clean,...

Taberna del Alabardero’s Summertime Special of Tapas and Sangria

Chorizo Taberna del Alabardero is celebrating their 20th Year Anniversary with a Summertime Special of Tapas and Sangria. During the month of July, Taberna del Alabardero will offer an assortment of 6 traditional Tapas along with a pitcher of the best Sangria in town priced at $50 for 2 guests. The summertime special Tapas will include a new seasonal dish, Gazpacho Andalucia, Salpicon de Marisco (marinated...

Ardeo responds to its community by offering excellent fare at a great price.

charred octopus Ardeo located in the historic neighborhood of Cleveland Park strives to be a true neighborhood restaurant. Ardeo has been nominated for the Best Neighborhood Gathering Place of the year ‘Rammy‘ by the DC Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington in 2007 and 2008. This neighborhood gem, which seats 124, serves modern American cuisine while incorporating Asian, Mediterranean,...

Brabo: Chef of the Year Robert Wiedmaier’s first restaurant in the Commonwealth. A First Look.

Tuesday night, my husband and I were invited to dine at Chef Robert Wiedmaier’s Brabo for the first time. The restaurant is nestled inside the new Lorien Hotel and Spa located right on King Street in Old Town, Alexandria.  Opened just five months ago, Brabo is the first of Chef Wiedmaier’s establishments in the Commonwealth. Marcel’s, which opened in 1999 and first introduced...