There's nothing like a fantastic meal to spark creativity in any cook, and in the past month I've had a few--thanks in part to my Top 10 list, which I compile every year based on Washingtonian's Top 100 Restaurants. The list arrives in January, and I pour through it and come up with 10 new restaurants that I want to try during the year.
Over the course of last year, I've had some excellent meals at Majestic (best meal I had all year), Eventide (get the venison), Tallula (homemade pastas, great pork shoulder, amazing desserts, and an economical wine list), Tabard Inn (best overheard conversations in DC, even if the menu was nothing to write home about), Vermilion (great five-course tasting menu), and even Againn (Their service is lacking where their kitchen shines--I won't be returning). Other outings at Willow and Zaytinya were also enjoyable.
So where do I want to go this year? It's kind of eclectic—a lot of my 'must try' places were taken care of in 2010, so this year I expanded out to a few things that sounded cool, looked delicious, or friends have raved about already. Let me know what you think of my list in the comments:
My Dreams:
Volt—I've sent enough people here, it's time to try it myself
Komi—Maybe this year, maybe the next, but the occasion has to be special enough to go here.
When I'm Ready for a Road Trip:
Woodberry Kitchen—They say it offers items that no place in Washington can. More than enough reason to try it out.
Casual:
2 Amys—I've been here for three years now! It's time I try it.
In the Neighborhood:
Restaurant Eve—Very happy with my Majestic experience, now it's time to try its fancier-half.
Bastille—A neighborhood bistro with "soul-stirring French cooking". Yum.
Brabo by Robert Wiedmaier—Mussels! In Old Town! Plus they have a moderately priced tasting room next door and a Butcher's Block market with wine and picnic items.
Next Restaurant Week:
Rasika—I always remember this place during Restaurant Week, but the reservations are impossible. It's my only goal in August.
Chris' Picks: Considering he lets me take him to every other place I can think of, I thought I should give him a little say in the matter this year.
Ris—Apparently she's the nicest chef to work for in the area...and has a fancy resume to back up her cooking. Good enough for me.
Blue Duck Tavern—Family style dinners that sound amazing.
Over the course of last year, I've had some excellent meals at Majestic (best meal I had all year), Eventide (get the venison), Tallula (homemade pastas, great pork shoulder, amazing desserts, and an economical wine list), Tabard Inn (best overheard conversations in DC, even if the menu was nothing to write home about), Vermilion (great five-course tasting menu), and even Againn (Their service is lacking where their kitchen shines--I won't be returning). Other outings at Willow and Zaytinya were also enjoyable.
So where do I want to go this year? It's kind of eclectic—a lot of my 'must try' places were taken care of in 2010, so this year I expanded out to a few things that sounded cool, looked delicious, or friends have raved about already. Let me know what you think of my list in the comments:
My Dreams:
Volt—I've sent enough people here, it's time to try it myself
Komi—Maybe this year, maybe the next, but the occasion has to be special enough to go here.
When I'm Ready for a Road Trip:
Woodberry Kitchen—They say it offers items that no place in Washington can. More than enough reason to try it out.
Casual:
2 Amys—I've been here for three years now! It's time I try it.
In the Neighborhood:
Restaurant Eve—Very happy with my Majestic experience, now it's time to try its fancier-half.
Bastille—A neighborhood bistro with "soul-stirring French cooking". Yum.
Brabo by Robert Wiedmaier—Mussels! In Old Town! Plus they have a moderately priced tasting room next door and a Butcher's Block market with wine and picnic items.
Next Restaurant Week:
Rasika—I always remember this place during Restaurant Week, but the reservations are impossible. It's my only goal in August.
Chris' Picks: Considering he lets me take him to every other place I can think of, I thought I should give him a little say in the matter this year.
Ris—Apparently she's the nicest chef to work for in the area...and has a fancy resume to back up her cooking. Good enough for me.
Blue Duck Tavern—Family style dinners that sound amazing.
I have Thoughts on a few of these!
ReplyDeleteRasika: I went last night for Restaurant Week! It was excellent, and a good selection of items, but I feel that just going for dinner wouldn't be too much more than the RW meal. Only three courses are offered, and their prices are not that high on each of those items. I'd say eating here outside of RW wouldn't be too much more costly than the RW menu.
Bastille: Good, hearty, comfort food (at least in winter) never really understood why it was on the 'best of' list.
Definitely with you on Restaurant Eve, though.
Can we PLEASE go to Magestic again? I want the perfect meal again, but for 2011 this time!
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