Sallie Lewis • March 11, 2015

As winter’s wrath continues here in D.C., places like Palm Beach, Fla. – with its warm breezes, bright sunshine and lush greenery – have never looked better. For a last-minute escape, this idyllic, palm-filled destination is a good option. Flights to Palm Beach are as low as $400, and once you arrive you can rest assured that there will be no shortage of glamour and grandeur.

This week alone, the Honda Classic is at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens and the 58th annual International Red Cross Ball, Feb. 28 at the Mar-a-Lago Club, will welcome ambassadors, dignitaries and philanthropic leaders from around the globe.

There is always something to do and someone to see in the Town of Palm Beach, not to mention glorious weather to be enjoyed. This roundup of ideas will help you plan a memorable getaway.

On arrival, drop your bags at one of the town’s premier hotels. The legendary and historic Breakers Hotel sprawls beautifully on the Atlantic oceanfront and features a classic Italian-Renaissance style with numerous pools, restaurants, a spa and countless other amenities. If you’re looking for more of a boutique property, try The Colony Hotel, which has been home to notable visitors for more than 60 years and just last summer completed an $18-million renovation. This cozy hotel, with its British Colonial architecture, doesn’t skimp on style. Guests enjoy pillow top mattresses, 350-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, European duvets, great food and entertainment. The Brazilian Court Hotel, with its lush courtyards, its delightful Café Boulud restaurant and its soothing Frédéric Fekkai Salon and Spa, is another option for undisputed luxury. For budget-friendly lodging, consider The Palm Beach Historic Inn.

The Town of Palm Beach is a magnet for the lover of sports and the outdoors. Whether you’re playing golf or tennis at one of the many clubs, or spending the day shopping, the town will shine for you. The Palm Beach Par 3, on 39 acres between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, is open to the public. It’s a popular and picturesque place to work on your golf game.

Worth Avenue is one of the nation’s greatest and most iconic shopping streets, its familiar archways boasting upscale retailers such as Ferragamo and Cartier. Tucked amidst these famed shops are quiet “vias” blossoming with flora, fauna and boutiques. Enjoy an afternoon of window-shopping and get lost in the maze of antiques dealers and art galleries.

Palm Beach is also home to many memorable restaurants, several the creations of true gastronomic visionaries. James Beard-nominated chef Clay Conley opened Buccan in 2011 along with partners and friends Sam Slattery and Oliver “Piper” Quinn. Today, it continues to be one of Palm Beach’s year-round hot spots, with its small plates, big flavors and great ambiance. For classic French cuisine and glamorous dining, head to Café L’Europe, a staple since 1980. For decadent Northern Italian food, stop at the consistently delicious Bice and sit on the back patio for an unforgettable al fresco dinner. Michael McCarty’s on Cocoanut Row is another gem, serving everything from soufflés to seafood since it opened in 2002. McCarty’s is renowned for its socializing prowess as well as for its food and drink. After dinner, it becomes a popular watering hole for late-night cocktails.

The Town of Palm Beach is beloved for its Old World charm and glamour, its quiet streets, its beautiful architecture and its ritzy scene. Escape the winter slush and retreat to Florida for a short respite. The warm winter sunshine, the soft clatter of palm fronds in the breeze and the fresh, salty smell of ocean air await you.

Sallie Lewis • February 12, 2015

Good lighting is universally appealing and vital for warding off winter’s gloom. We’ve rounded up a mix of stylish contenders, from classic to whimsical, playful and sophisticated, that will warm up your home in all seasons.

1. This vintage birdcage chandelier, complete with hand-wrought iron and faceted crystal glass, exudes whimsy and fantasy. Starting at $1,850. Restoration Hardware.

2. This sculptural Moravian star has gilded iron details and frosted glass, delivering a playful yet stylish sentiment. $1,495. Serena and Lily.

3. This atrium glass lamp is crafted of mouth-blown glass and can be filled with all your favorite objects, from corks to flowers or sea glass. $159-$179. Pottery Barn.

4. The original George Nelson bubble lamps have been a mark of contemporary cool and simplicity since 1947. Starting at $269. Modernica.

5. Evoking fields of golden grain blowing in the breeze, these bundled wheat sconces bring a touch of refined, natural glamor into the home. $395 for the set. Neiman Marcus.

6. Sleek, sophisticated and masculine, this “grasshopper” lamp is equipped with a powder-coated steel shade, a solid brass frame and a fabric-covered cord. $495. Design Within Reach.

7. A handmade Wyoming antler chandelier by Russell Johnson Imports is a vintage objet that will hang beautifully above large dining tables, kitchen islands or in libraries adorned with treasures from around the world. $2,879. One Kings Lane. [gallery ids="118266,118240,118247,118231,118253,118272,118260" nav="thumbs"]

Sallie Lewis • February 11, 2015

As winter winds down, the anticipation for warmer weather has pation for warmer weather has never been higher. Soon, spring and summer sailors will be assembling along the Georgetown waterfront.

And there’s a place that’s opening just in time.

Orange Anchor at Washington Harbour is a new, nautical-themed dining destination that caters to seaward-turning lovers of good food. Owner Reese Gardner – founder of Wooden Nickel Bar Company (Cooperwood Tavern, Irish Whiskey Public House and Second State) – has been boating all his life and wanted to create a space inspired by people coming in straight off the boat. The restaurant even has changing rooms and communal sink stations for washing up.

Inside, the decor is a study in primary colors: orange leather trades off with navy blues and white. Anchor-themed wallpaper contrasts with striped fabrics. Decorative accents such as boat cleats, mirrored portholes, stainless handlebars and steel spotlights all add to the nautical experience.

Large-scale photographs by local artist Mike Foster help set the scene with stunning views of the waterfront. On one wall, a medley of black-and-white boat photos honor members of the National Potomac Yacht Club at the Columbia Island Marina.

The restaurant will specialize in seasonal American plates, from jumbo lump crab fritters to classic clams casino, caviar tacos and lobster macaroni and cheese with a five-cheese blend. Patrons can also eat Chincoteague oysters four different ways: chilled, grilled, fried or on a half-shell filled with Champagne. Most ingredients are sourced from farmers within three hours of D.C. Orange Anchor will also have an “oyster hour,” 5 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with oysters for $1 each.

The bar pro-gram is equally impressive, with a selection of more than 40 rum varieties and 10 beers on draft. Cans of beer are served with a vibrant Orange Anchor koozie.

For the captain looking to get food or ice on the go, Orange Anchor’s boat delivery service will delight. Salads, sandwiches and bags of ice will be available for delivery to those who dock their boat at Washington Harbour. The venue will also have a deckhand on call should you be sailing solo and need help docking.

Orange Anchor will officially open Friday, Feb. 13, with soft openings on Feb. 11 and 12 (those having lunch or dinner on Wednesday or Thursday will receive half off their food and drink tab). Brunch will be served Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting Feb. 21. The website is OrangeAnchorDC.com. [gallery ids="101985,135439" nav="thumbs"]

Sallie Lewis • January 29, 2015

In the words of John Lennon, “All You Need Is Love” – and, might we add, a special place to celebrate over a nice meal.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, now is the time to plan a special night out with your friends or loved ones. Feb. 14 falls on a Saturday this year, and the District has a slew of dining destinations for the sweetest weekend of 2015. Here are ten of our favorites

1. Hank’s Oyster Bar: You know what they say about oysters. Hip D.C. hotspot Hank’s will be having a three-course tasting menu for $33 on Valentine’s Day, with cocktail pairings for an additional $20. Call 202-462-4265 or visit hanksoysterbar.com. 633 Pennsylvania Ave. SE and 1624 Q St. NW.

2. After Peacock Room: Sit amidst the beautiful Prussian blue, deep green, black and gilded interiors and enjoy a five-course Valentine’s Day tasting menu for $95 per person, with an optional $40 wine-pairing supplement. Seating for dinner begins at 5:30 p.m., with the last seating at 9:30. Reservations required. Call 202-525-4903 or visit afterpeacockroom.com. 2622 P St. NW.

3. Acqua al 2: The Italian favorite in Eastern Market is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. Swing by on Feb. 14 for a five-course menu for $85. (Ask the reservationist about Harold Black’s bar upstairs for a pre- or post-dinner drink. This swanky, secretive speakeasy serves up sleek, smooth cocktails.) Call 202-525-4375 or visit acquaal2dc.com. 212 7th St. SE.

4. Café Bonaparte: If cozy, French, romantic dining is your kind of vibe, be sure to swing by local Georgetown favorite Café Bonaparte, where there will be a four-course Valentine’s Day dinner by Michelin 2-star chef Gerard Pangaud for $69 per person. An early-seating three-course dinner is also available for $59. Call 202-333-8830 or visit cafebonaparte.com. 1522 Wisconsin Ave. NW.

5. Tabard Inn: Cozy up at D.C.’s Tabard Inn – serving treasured holiday meals for more than 25 years – and indulge in their four-course prix-fixe menu for $90 per person. Call 202-331-8528 or visit tabardinn.com. 1739 N St. NW.

6. Proof: “Food is the Focus. Wine is the Passion.” Such is the motto at this popular Penn Quarter dining destination. The team at Proof is currently putting together a four-course prix-fixe menu for Valentine’s Day. Call 202-737-7663 or visit proofdc.com. 775 G St. NW.

7. Restaurant Nora: Indulge in a beautifully crafted Valentine’s dinner at America’s first certified organic restaurant. For $130 per person, you will sit down to five courses, with options such as Belgian endive salad, housemade red pepper tagliatelle with black truffles and Grand Marnier crème brûlée. Call 202-462-5143 or visit noras.com. 2132 Florida Ave. NW.

8. La Piquette: This charming Cleveland Park bistro has a wonderfully authentic French tasting menu planned for your Valentine’s night out. Perhaps foie gras or vol-au-vent…braised lamb shank…a fresh berry dessert with crème Chantilly – their $60 three-course menu will delight the soul. Call 202-686-2015 or visit lapiquettedc.com. 3714 Macomb St. NW.

9. 2941 Restaurant: Escape the hustle and bustle of D.C. and venture out to Falls Church, where, over the entire Valentine’s weekend, 2941 will be serving a three-course prix-fixe dinner for $78. Think tuna tartare with avocado, black truffle ribollita, fresh East Coast oysters, filet mignon, seafood risotto and dark chocolate mousse. Reservations required. Call 703-270-1500 or visit 2941.com. 2941 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church, Va.

10. 1789 Restaurant: Enjoy a six-course tasting menu in the Federal-style dining destination that locals have called a favorite since the 1960s. The prix-fixe menu, available from 5 to 11 pm, costs $105 ($150 with wine pairings). Complimentary valet parking. Call 202-965-1789 or visit 1789restaurant.com. 1226 36th St. NW. [gallery ids="101980,135468,135485,135483,135472,135478" nav="thumbs"]

Sallie Lewis • January 16, 2015

As December dwindles and the year prepares to turn, restaurants and bars around the District are icing down the Champagne and getting ready for their best New Year’s Eve yet. Here are the best places in town to ring in the New Year:

Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown adds sparkle to its annual soiree with festive holiday garlands and dazzling décor. The full dinner menu starts at 4 p.m., and the chef will feature four “Farewell 2014” dinner specials.

At Peacock Café, there will be two seatings with a special prix fixe menu. The first seating ($57) runs from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. The second seating ($69) begins at 8 p.m. and includes a glass of Champagne at midnight.

Enjoy an all-inclusive five-course prix fixe menu with a midnight toast at Café Milano. Guests can also dance to music performed by Manolito the Gypsy and other surprise entertainers. Early seating is from 4 to 7 p.m., with the regular a la carte dinner menu available.

Soak in one of the best views of Washington on New Year’s Eve at the W Hotel’s POV rooftop lounge. Amidst a stunning D.C. backdrop, some of the city’s most sought-after deejays will be spinning tunes throughout the night as the Champagne flows. Limited seating is available for bottle service. Contact POVEvents@Whotels.com for pricing.

Bistrot Lepic has organized a jazzy New Year’s Eve celebration with a three-course menu ($65) and loads of live jazz performed by Natalie Jean.

Cozy up to the big, roaring fire at La Chaumiere and delight in fine French dining in Georgetown. The chef has prepared a special New Year’s Eve menu with everything from baked onion soup and escargots to sautéed sea scallops, beef tenderloin medallions and veal piccata.

Treat yourself and indulge in caviar, oysters and lobster at Plume in the Jefferson Hotel. New executive chef Ralf Schlegel has organized a decadent seven-course New Year’s Eve dinner. The first seating ($165) is between 5 and 6 p.m. The second seating ($225), between 9 and 9:45 p.m., includes a glass of premium Champagne.

Joe’s Stone Crab opened downtown this year, and there’s no better place to tuck into fine crab claws. Joe’s will be featuring its full a la carte menu on Wednesday, Dec. 31, with loads of fresh stone crab. Plus, kick off your evening with complimentary sparkling wine and hors d’oeuvres.

If you’re looking for a classic D.C. institution to ring in 2015, look no further than 1789. The historic restaurant will offer a prix fixe menu ($125) and a prix fixe menu with wine pairing ($175) in addition to its popular a la carte menu.

The swanky Blue Duck Tavern has two events on New Year’s Eve. The restaurant will serve a special four-course menu ($120), including a Champagne toast, from 4:30 to 11 p.m. In the lounge, a New Year’s Eve party ($180) will run from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. The party will feature a premium open bar, small plates, a dessert table and live music by Karla Chisholm.

Wherever you decide to go on New Years’ Eve, the Georgetowner wishes you the best as you celebrate bringing in 2015!

Sallie Lewis •

We asked a few Georgetown families to talk about what they love to do around Christmas or Hanukkah, and what it means to them. The village is quieter, easier to traverse – all the better to appreciate all that you and yours have. It is indeed a special time of year.

LIZ & STEVEN BARENTZEN
Quiet, Peaceful Neighborhood

“One of the things I like the most is how quiet it feels,” said Liz Barentzen of Christmas in Georgetown. “A lot of people leave the city, students are gone. On Christmas Eve, when we take our walk, it feels peaceful and light.” Liz and Steven Barentzen met in New York City and were married there before moving to Washington, D.C., in 2004. Their two young sons, Cash and Wesley, were born in D.C.

Each recurring holiday season, the family of four upholds many traditions — from going to the National Christmas Tree together, to ice skating at Washington Harbour and having dinner at Founding Farmers. One of their most treasured traditions comes on Christmas Eve. “I have a Manhattan clam chowder recipe that was my great-grandmother’s,” said Liz. “We have that for an early supper, and then we walk through the neighborhood looking at the lights and stopping for a few parties.”

Later, Liz and Steven have some of their close friends over for an evening get-together and celebration. “Christmas is the time for family and reflection, togetherness, warmth,” said Liz, and this Barentzen family tradition certainly exudes all of these things.

The Barentzens are involved with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. ASPCA was the first humane society established in North America, and today it is one of the largest in the world. The family first got involved when their dog passed away shortly after moving to D.C., and it continues to make a donation every year.

ALLISON & CHRIS PUTALA
Hanukkah, Christmas and Martin’s Tavern

“It’s the holiday cheer of our community that we like best,” said Allison Putala. Her Georgetown block has more than 10 kids who are under 10 years old, plus a host of other fun and lively neighbors.

Growing elsewhere (Atlanta for her, Amherst for him), Allison and Chris Putala met in D.C. and were married at the Mellon Auditorium in September 2008. They have lived in Georgetown for the past eight years and have two children: a daughter, Caroline, who is in preschool and their son Jack, who is 2.

The Putala family mixes the traditions of Hanukkah and Christmas each holiday season. From making a great grandmother’s special dip to reading “A Child’s Christmas In Wales,” the family fosters the holiday spirit, sharing traditions and making memories that their children will remember throughout their lives.

One of these traditions includes going to Martin’s Tavern during the holidays, where little Caroline Putala has a special “Everybody Loves Martin’s Tavern” song for the occasion and is a popular patron in her own right. Like the Barentzens, the family also enjoys going ice skating at the Georgetown waterfront and having dinner at Founding Farmers. Allison is on the board of the N Street Village, a women’s homeless shelter in D.C. that gets women out of the cycle of abuse and prepares them for the job market.

KRISTEN & JOHN LEVER
Breakfast With Santa, Noche Buena

“Christmas is a time to be thankful for all the things that we have and to spread goodness. One of our favorite events to go to is the Breakfast with Santa at Volta Park,” said Kristen, who with her husband John has lived in Georgetown since 2001. They will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in 2015. Kristen is on the board of Friends of Volta Park in addition to Baby Love, an organization that provides baby gear and supplies to mothers and children in need.

The couple has two children, Ian, 8, and Kara, 6, and the family has a slew of special holiday traditions. With two children under the age of ten, the holidays are especially sweet for the Lever family.

“On Christmas Eve after dinner the kids put on their plaid PJs and we sit in front of the fire, and John reads ‘The Night Before Christmas,’ ” said Kristen. One of the family’s happiest Christmases in recent memory occurred last year when the Levers moved into a new house in Georgetown. The house was roomier and allowed the grandparents and additional family to stay over for the holidays.

Christmas in the Lever house is a cultural fusion, thanks to John’s Chilean heritage. In Chile, they celebrate “Noche Buena,” the Chilean version of Christmas Eve. Mixing the two styles of celebration and customs together is something that gives the Levers their own flair each Christmas.

D.C. is filled with magical corners and specially decorated places during the Yuletide. For the Levers, one of their favorites is Book Hill Park in Georgetown. They enjoy looking down at the hustle and bustle on the streets, the glowing Georgetown Public Library and all the decorated storefronts. They also love the Georgetown waterfront with its wash of lights and the Kennedy Center aglow on the river.

When asked what Christmas means, the Putalas summed it up in one word: “Family.”

LESLIE & PAUL MAYSAK
Slow Down, Shop Local
Photo by Erin Schaff.

“Christmas to me is about spending time with family and taking time to slow down and enjoy all that we have,” said Leslie Maysak, who with her husband Paul has lived in Georgetown for 15 years. Today, the couple has two sons, Jack and Liam, 11 and 8, respectively.

Every Christmas, the family of four loves going to the holiday trains exhibit at the U.S. Botanical Gardens, and they pick up their Christmas tree near their house. “We always get our tree at The Georgetown Visitation School,” said Leslie, adding that it is carried to their home in a little wagon. “We love the small town, village feel of Georgetown,” she added, shedding light on the enviable quaintness that attracts people near and far to our tree lined streets and cobbled roads.

With its bountiful garlands and famed tables aglow, the Maysaks treasure their time at Martin’s Tavern during the holidays. The family is a big proponent of shopping local during Christmas. “We try to do as much Christmas shopping as we can in Georgetown,” said Leslie. And with the evident commitment to their neighborhood, it should come as no surprise that the Maysaks also enjoy giving back. The family supports the Georgetown Ministry Center in addition to picking up hams for the homeless food drive during the holiday season.

Please let us know about your own family traditions. Email editorial@Georgetowner.com. We will put the most interesting on our website before Santa Claus arrives.
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Sallie Lewis • December 8, 2014

GiGi New York is the ultimate go-to for personalized leather bags, tech accessories, wallets and more. Give yourself the gift of organization with a new 2015 Datebook ($36 to $100), available in a rainbow of colors. Plus, for just $15 you can personalize it and add your initials.

Tucked away on P Street just across from Rose Park is Georgetown Emporium, where one-of-a-kind treasures await. Scoop up a vintage Hermès tie or scarf and give a true Parisian gift to the Francophile in your life.

If your loved one enjoys unwinding over a glass of wine, why not give a gift card for a vinotherapy spa day at the Jefferson Hotel? The Jefferson’s intimate spa utilizes fragrant botanicals and ancient traditions to deliver the ultimate relaxation. Guests can indulge in massages, facials, body treatments and a specialized vinotherapy (reflective of Thomas Jefferson’s passion for wine).

Invest in a new Barbour jacket, right on M St., for him or her.

Traveling this holiday season? Snatch up this textured leather passport cover and luggage tag set by British favorite, Smythson ($295 at Net-A-Porter). Available in emerald, yellow and fuchsia, the set is artfully decorated with gilded lettering and details.

Layer on style this holiday season with a cozy Vince sweater from CUSP by Neiman Marcus ($425). Made from luxurious yak wool, this new striped sweater will keep your gift recipient chic and warm.

ViaUmbria, a new pop-up shop on Wisconsin Avenue, has a great selection of hand-painted ceramics and fine linens, plus colorful pastas and savory seasonings to dolce up your loved one’s vita. [gallery ids="118342,118332,118377,118369,118353,118360" nav="thumbs"]

Sallie Lewis • December 5, 2014

Marcel’s, the haute French flagship owned and operated by chef Robert Wiedmaier, had a big year in 2014.

Having celebrated the restaurant’s 15th anniversary in March, Wiedmaier completed a major dining room refurbishment last month. Since its opening in 1999 at 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Marcel’s has been redesigned in a succession of renovations.

This year, revamping the dining room has been the primary focus. Its completion brings a fresh facelift to one of the District’s favorite dining destinations.

“It has a European look with a lot of American sensibilities,” said Wiedmaier about the space. “It’s very comfortable and spartan at the same time.” He added that the look is a flirtation of classic and modern elements, without being too modern.

From contemporary chandeliers and angular sconces to fresh china, providing “a bigger canvas to play on and paint on,” these modern appointments have beautifully updated the ambiance at Marcel’s. In addition, chef Wiedmaier hired Doyle Mueser of New York to create tailor-made, bespoke suits for the entire front-of-house staff. From top to bottom, this revamped look augments the first-class dining experience at Marcel’s and signals the beginning of a reinvigorated presentation.

In an age when casual dining and dressing down are pervasive, an evening at Marcel’s is a welcome change. “We’ve always pushed the pedal on fine dining and we’re going to continue to push the pedal harder,” said Wiedmaier, who attributes his success to a steadfast focus on fine dining, even while it was diminishing in popularity.

“The look is very elegant, but my staff exudes friendliness and unpretentiousness,” he said. “It’s a great combination.”

At Marcel’s, the objective is to make patrons feel special from the moment they walk through the door. Fostering this welcoming feeling are Marcel’s hard-working team and staff, which Wiedmaier created and has sustained over the years. In fact, from the dishwashers to the waiters, almost his entire crew has been with him since the restaurant’s conception – in today’s marketplace a virtually unheard-of distinction.

At the heart of this welcoming service and elegant experience are the gastronomic talents of chef Wiedmaier himself.

Born in Wiesbaden, Germany, to an American mother and a Belgian father, Wiedmaier went to culinary school in the Netherlands, then worked in Belgium before coming to Washington.

Along with his Belgian grandmother, Wiedmaier credits his mother for instilling the culinary calling. “My mom was always a great cook, always in the kitchen, always in the markets. And I was always tagging along with her,” he said.

Growing up, he worked at the surrounding farms, learning how to hunt, fish and live off the land. Hunting and fishing would become a lifelong interest, particularly as they pertained to cooking. Wiedmaier practices whole-animal butchery, conserving the entire animal, using each piece with no waste.
This regard for nature and sense of responsibility about using food respectfully make Wiedmaier a standout chef in D.C., where he has worked for 30 years.

“I knew what I wanted to do from a very young age,” he said. “I stuck with what I loved and never looked back.”

Sallie Lewis • November 19, 2014

With the plethora of great restaurants in Georgetown, one could argue that there’s no reason to dine elsewhere, but consider what you’d miss. Washington, D.C., has been having a city-wide restaurant renaissance over the past few years, with new concepts popping up alongside old classics, creating a thoroughly modern patchwork.

Take the highly lauded Rose’s Luxury on 8th Street SE, along Barracks Row, which snagged Bon Appetit’s prestigious “Best New Restaurant in America” award this year. At Rose’s Luxury, the service is warm and welcoming, the cocktails are lovingly crafted, the family-style menu is playful and ever changing, and the overall experience is bliss.

Chef Aaron Silverman, the mastermind behind Rose’s, has succeeding in creating a menu of small plates that encourage noshing and sharing (think warm challah bread with wildflower honey, charred broccoli with caesar dressing, pork sausage and habanero lychee salad, pickle brined fried chicken glazed with honey, fresh raw Toro sashimi, pasta with eggplant and tomato). The restaurant is housed in an eclectic building with a spirited neon “Awesome” sign, walls of exposed brick, a bustling open kitchen and strings of twinkle lights that give off a warm, cheery glow. Arrive early (as early as 4:30 or 5 p.m.) and prepare to wait, but rest assured, you’re in for a night of gastronomic greatness.

Just north in the historic Bloomingdale neighborhood on First Street NW, is the Red Hen, an Italian-influenced American restaurant that is equal parts relaxed, experimental and comfort-driven. Michael O’Malley, Sebastian Zutant and Michael Friedman are general manager, sommelier and chef, respectively, who came together as friends to create a laid back, indie-dining destination for the emerging Bloomingdale neighborhood. Their menus change seasonally, taking advantage of all the best flavors and ingredients over the course of the year. Currently, you will find everything from a smoked ricotta crostini with balsamic brown butter and truffle honey to a wild mushroom soup with crispy sunchokes, thyme and truffled mascarpone for starters.

Pastas like spinach fettuccine with braised duck, sweet potato, mint and Parmigiano-Reggiano grace the menu. Large plates like caramelized scallops with grilled kale, bacon, roasted cauliflower and polenta delight as do wood-grilled chickens with fingerling potatoes, currants and preserved lemon. Spiced pumpkin cakes and maple brown butter gelato sugarcoat the dessert menu and an impressive wine and cocktail list awaits your arrival.

On 14th Street NW, near Logan Circle, the Pig, a prodigious pork-centric restaurant continues to rake in the accolades along with bacon-loving patrons. The Pig features a local, seasonal menu with vegetables grown on its farm in nearby La Plata, Md. The concept is a celebration of the pig and all the flavors that accompany it, with rustic dishes from around the world inspiring much of the menu. There’s a focus here on respecting food, and the Pig uses only humanely raised animals, while wasting little. Diners can chomp on starters like shaved Brussels sprout salads and crispy sweetbreads. The Face Bacon is the melt-in-your-mouth favorite. Pig Boards are a popular sharing item with fresh bread, pickles, charcuterie, olives and mustard dipping sauces. For supper, enjoy dishes like stuffed suckling pig, crispy pork shanks and Korean barbeque for two. They also offer a unique menu of eco-friendly wines and American craft beer. Venture to the Pig for a totally unique dining experience that’s quite literally hog heaven.
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Sallie Lewis • October 23, 2014

Chez Billy Part Deux

Exploring the culinary offerings of Southern France has never been easier thanks to the newly opened Chez Billy Sud at 1039 31st Street in Georgetown. As a sister restaurant to Petworth’s popular Chez Billy, the two will share Chef Brendan L’Etoile, with key differences in ambiance and menu direction.

The elegant dining room at Chez Billy Sud, formerly Café La Ruche, is airy and fresh with light sea foam walls illuminated by gilded mirrors, gold leaf accents and windows. Bistro chairs and white tablecloths are classic and chic without pretension. In the warmer months, patrons can sip a glass of rosè and dine al fresco in the restaurant’s quaint courtyard.

Chez Billy Sud lives up to its name with a menu driven by flavors from the south of France. Hors d’oeuvres range from frisee salads to warm olives fragranced with champagne vinegar, rosemary, fennel and oranges. Entrées vary from pan-roasted trout with lemon caper brown butter to mussels, beef bourguignon and duck confit. Desserts like spiced apple tarts and profiteroles glazed in chocolate satisfy the sweet tooth. Unlike Chez Billy’s large bar program, Chez Billy Sud has a small yet memorable hand crafted cocktail menu for imbibers wish distinguished tastes. Start off with one of five specially crafted cocktails, like an Armagnac old fashioned or a Negroni, to get your evening going. For dinner, pair your meal with a French vin from the venue’s impressive wine list, and let the culinary flair of Southern France come over you, if only for a night.

Chez Billy Sud is currently only open for dinner, but stay tuned in the coming months as they add brunch and lunch services.

A Medley of Flavors at Mama Rouge

The newly opened Mama Rouge at 3000 K Street features a medley of culinary influences, all of which come together to create an exceptional neighborhood dining experience.

Located on the Georgetown waterfront in Bangkok Joe’s old home, this Southeast Asian French bistro has a flair for bringing out the best flavor profiles from various cultures’ cuisines, including Vietnamese, Thai and French. Aulie Bunyarataphan, the chef and owner (along with husband, Mel Oursinsiri) wanted to create a menu based on Southeast Asian and European cooking traditions that was thoughtfully tailored for an American palate and served in a contemporary French bistro setting.

The lively dining room with its red and teal color scheme is subdued with sophisticated French tables and bistro accents. This is the perfect backdrop for the diverse and colorful menu offering at Mama Rouge. Sample everything from pho, Pad Thai and dumplings to crab cake francaise, steak au poivre and duck a’lorange. Cocktails and wine have a French focus, yet Bunyarataphan’s Thai grandmother, the original Mama Rouge, inspires many of the menu items. This dichotomy between Southeast Asian and French influences is what gives Mama Rougea feel entirely its own.
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