tom sietsema favorite restaurants
How come you have not been back to the Jewel of India? Wisely, the owner of the late Punjab Grill kept its beautiful interior intact when he replaced the Indian restaurant with Rania, whose name in name in Hindi and Sanskrit translates to queen. The inherited marble bar and booths with silhouettes of a temple make for one of the most regal dining rooms in Washington. The jewel box to the left of the entrance? Seriously, I owe Jewel of India another visit. And illegal. The drinks are also a main draw, using all sorts of agave spirits and native ingredients to draw a new perspective on cocktails with Mexican fare. Staff lets you decide how to tackle it, although the beast comes with a knife stabbed into its center and black gloves to minimize the mess. Two handsome bars, one per floor, are animated with what people seem to be swiping for on Tinder and company. And I've made an effort recently to bring readers up-to-date on such established restaurants as Old Ebbitt Grill and Annie's Paramount Steakhouse, to name just two examples. Open for indoor and outdoor dining. Along the way, he measures how each city stacks up in terms of creativity, community, tradition . You have my sympathies. The shifting of tectonic dinner plates leave Washington Post critic Tom Sietsema, who's also been on the job 22 years, as one of the longest continuously reigning full-time restaurant critics in America.The Philadelphia Inquirer's Craig LaBan beats him with a 24 year tenure.So does Texas Monthly's Pat Sharpe, who's been writing reviews for the magazine in one capacity or another since . We do not have any booster seats and space for strollers. 202-742-9777. lecloudc.com. First courses will find you smacking your lips, too, especially the scallop crudo arranged with lightly charred snow peas and set in a clear snow pea broth zapped with cured seaweed, an umami-rich dish that looks as cool as it tastes. 202-804-6434. raniadc.com. Comfort and abundance explain what the owner calls a cornucopia of diners here. Open for indoor and outdoor dining and takeout. I've heard of people checking websites at midnight (this is supposedly your best chance), calling daily, etc. Hi Tom, Oops. On occasion -- if I'm eating out with more than two other people or the food is especially complicated -- I might jot something down quickly to remember it. 2017 14th St. NW. Tom Sietsema has been the Washington Post food critic since 2000. I was thinking about avoiding the brunch rush and going with dinner that evening instead. New Heights is an apt name for this long-running restaurant in Woodley Park, acquired earlier this year by three immigrants from Iran, Ukraine and Bolivia: Mark Namdar, Olena Fedorenko and chef Jose Molina, respectively. Theres more than food to like. Every other table seems to be dressed with momos. ramp pesto. We are somewhat adventurous eaters but not the most, there needs to be at least a few vegetarian options, relatively quiet (but not silent). Heres the place for a Caesar salad reimagined with Brussels sprouts and cheddar cheese, or a panzanella of grilled sourdough croutons tossed with escovitch, or pickled, mussels. As with so many upscale restaurants now, this one forgoes a la carte. Try Gils take on albondigas, jicama aguachile, and a huitlacoche mulita. Chelou translates to strange or unexpected in French, and it delivers on this theme. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Definitely Punjab Grill and Rooster & Owl, although the owners of Three Blacksmiths told me they could accommodate vegetarians (and they do, almost nightly). The other reason I enjoy a night here is the hospitality. Lunch and dinner daily. Yes, its loud and dark. Chef Chris Bianco is back, ready to take on Los Angeles anew with signature pizzas and California sides that only this Phoenix phenomenon could pull off. Chef Tony's Fresh Seafood Restaurant 5225 Pooks Hill Rd Bethesda, MD 20814 (240) 858 - 6735 Since 2007, this foodie magnet has been drawing guests with its Mediterranean flavors and fresh seafood. 22885 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn, Va. 703-760-3710. himalayanwildyak.com. Of course I do, but generally just *after* I've dined in a place. The food flies out of the kitchen but merits leisurely appreciation. Stick with the above suggestions, and youll dine just fine. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Every spoonful has the power of a hug. You said it was a "gem" when you reviewed it 5 or so years ago. After introducing Afghan Bistro in 2015, mom and pop went on to open two more restaurants, Bistro Aracosia in the Palisades and Aracosia McLean in Northern Virginia. Expect a good crunch. One of the most creative vegetarian dishes in recent memory is found here. The links include service with a smile (and plenty of polish), drinks as clever as the cooking, and combinations that run busy but never boring. The chicken, brushed with a combination of pomegranate molasses and honey and served with a bevy of accents warm-spiced basmati rice in a bowl swiped with creamy hummus is almost a meal in itself catches a lot of attention, too. Veterans of the hospitality industry, the trio share a lofty mission. Chef Tsiga Mera comes to the kitchen from the late Addis Ababa, also in Silver Spring. the Dabney, Maydan, Red Hen), but still no luck getting a reservation. Owner Peter Pagonis says the black-and-white images help explain the name of his restaurant, rooted in the Greek word for nostalgia, "the desire to . The Caesar salad is built from grilled broccolini and a creamy dressing, bold with black garlic. As an example of the places we/I like in DC for an occasion Fancy Radish, Kinship, Blue Duck Tavern, the late Casa Luca, Siroc (Hopefully this also gives you a sense of a price point). I hear a lunch bell (and see a deadline). Phone:+1 703-760-0690, https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2023/02/20/best-restaurants-tom-sietsema-favorites-february-2023/, WP: This takeout is tailor-made for a picnic, even if that means your living-room floor, Tom Sietsemas 8 favorite places to eat right now 8/2019. Read more at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2023/02/20/best-restaurants-tom-sietsema-favorites-february-2023/. 9 new favorite,and thejulienne kohlrabi and celery root, invigorated with a lemon vinaigrette, at Rooster and Owl? The restaurant was just named one of the six favorite places to eat in February by Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema, who emphasized that spicy is indeed spicy: Sure enough . A third establishment is on its way, across from the Four Seasons hotel in Georgetown. (Given that the menu embraces accents from Spain, Italy, Greece and Morocco, a nomadic culinary personality seemed fitting, says Brad Bernardo, director of operations for Southern Proper Hospitality, the restaurants Atlanta-based parent. Were the farthest thing from dinner and a show, says Regan. All the dining destinations have been visited in the past year and were. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Tom Sietsema's 7 favorite places to eat right now Tom Sietsema 2/22/2022 A reborn Japanese Italian restaurant in Washington. You have given stars but not indicated the scale on which they are rated. Due to Le Thai's convenient downtown location, the restaurant is open late 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 10 p.m. on all other days. Regulars, for instance, might be greeted with gratis swordfish skewers, which are otherwise $18 on the appetizer list, including a beet salad. (424) 332-4082. Sound-proofing can be expensive, and often goes hidden (diners don't see it, like they would art on the wall or fancy china on the table). Travel news, guides and tips for anyone looking to get away. In the meantime, Nostos delivers some of the sun and flavor I expect to see when I get there. We want to be stewards of that work created by the kitchen. Owner James Jang says he envisioned the restaurant as a place I could bring my parents for a special occasion.. What is your favorite vegetarian dish in DC? At the table, a reduction of saffron and orange completes the canvas. Restaurants know it helps to have to a gimmick, and this one, from Venezuelan chef Enrique Limardo, features a whopper: two pounds of short ribs packed into what looks like a loaf of house-baked ciabatta. With their new Junior Partners Tom Sandoval & Tom Schwartz, Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd have added Tom Tom Restaurant & Bar as the newest crown jewel in the Vanderpump Family's West Hollywood Empire. Open for indoor dining. A Bolivian touch comes by way of a salsa verde bright with lime juice, cilantro and shallots. Three of the Foreman Wolf company's restaurants are within walking distance of Charleston: Bar Vasquez, an Argentine tapas bar and steakhouse; Cinghiale, an Italian restaurant; and Cindy Lou's. Then you see chef Eric Miltons handiwork land at nearby tables and start rethinking your order. The most popular dish at the Japanese retreat looks better on a plate than inside plastic and is better experienced in view of the open kitchen than as takeout. Small plates $9 to $27. Open for indoor and outdoor dining and takeout. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A: Tom Sietsema Open for more than four decades, El Chalan downtown is the grandfather of the bunch, and probably the most cozy. Some dishes are simply sensational, like housemade pappardelle arranged with tangy roasted Roma tomatoes, a crumble of duck sausage and pinches of ricotta sweetened with honey. Voted Best Bar in Southern California by Los Angeles Travel Magazine, Tom Tom is at the same time decadent . Beef isnt the sole attraction. Whereas Nina May pays tribute to the Mid-Atlantic, Opal throws open the door of possibilities. Post your hours on the home page or 1 click away! Cordon bleu, for instance, finds the traditional filling of ham and cheese in a satchel of Swiss chard, making for tidier eating. Don't you think that the ability to enjoy a conversation is a extremely important aspect of a dining experience. Dinner entrees $22 to $42. I'll be back in the host seat again, next Wednesday at 11 a.m., if you want to talk food and restaurants some more. Diners select a side; lightly dressed coleslaw or creamy mac and cheese tend to round out my plates. Your mileage depends on knowing the kitchens strengths. The crush of new places to eat means I'm spending a plot of time in them, sometimes at the expense of veteran establishments. If you really want to sample the chef's Cuban cooking (the oxtails are amazing), I encourage you to dine at El Sapo right when the doors open, or, if weather permits, on the patio. This year Mother's Day happens to coincide with my Dad's birthday and I will be taking them both out for a celebratory meal. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. Not all servers are created equal. The problem with his latest place: No more kids! says the chef. A tab in the online version of the spring guide will let you search for the best meatless options, by the way. We feed people at Monocacy. Sure enough, the buttermilk fried chicken shored up with mashed potatoes is portioned as if for linebackers save perhaps for the crisp snow peas on its abundant plate. Similar to his boss, Cieslak works with his wife, Sommer Walker, a former ballerina whos now bar manager at Preserve. My parting gift to you this year is a bevy of restaurants I look forward to continuing to follow in 2023, among them a longtime Maryland outpost known for its heaping helpings of comfort food, a polished new Korean steakhouse in Northern Virginia and several innovative dining draws in Washington. Fujimoto infuses a lot of other flavors into the menu, including udon carbonara and black rice Peruvian chaufa paella to mix into the raw fish. Thanks in advance! Four-course tasting menu $85. Take it from this fan. Florida bald eagles Harriet and M15 rebuild nest after Hurricane Ian, Giant puppet Little Amal visits NYC to draws attention to refugee story, Uber driver Fritz Sam rescued people from burning Brooklyn building. How could we leave out the baked-to-order, Astrodome-shaped pita, anointed with garlic oil and sprinkled with zaatar? Little Havana was such a joy to spend time in -- not only because of the great island drinks -- and Punjab Grill is giving Rasika a run for its money. Ive yet to check a trip to Greece off my wish list. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. Hoffman says he stepped away from Preserve a year or so ago to concentrate on a second restaurant, the 140-seat Garten in Severna Park. Or is it a similar situation to the much maligned Valentine's Day situation? The chef knows she doesnt have to do much more than add a little egg and mayonnaise to form her lovely no filler broiled crab cakes or sprinkle rice flour on her buttermilk-bathed soft shell crabs before frying them to a delicate crisp. The chef likes to play with fire, evinced by pork belly finished with a chili sauce that races from hot to tangy and back, a sensation (somewhat) tamed by Thai basil in the jumble. People having fun, says executive chef Jose Ignacio Useche, a longtime associate of his boss. Open for indoor and outdoor dining. Take the soup known as callaloo. It can be a hassle, owners have told me, due in part to to no-shows and late-comers. He later explained that all tips go to the owner or company and are not even devided up among the staff. The restaurant is only taking walk-up orders Wednesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tribute to the left of the most regal dining rooms in Washington owner! Of use, which became effective December 20, 2019 most regal dining rooms in.! Jose Ignacio Useche, a longtime associate of his boss indicated the scale on which they are rated the... Merits leisurely appreciation online version of the most regal dining rooms in Washington a. Among the staff having fun, says executive chef Jose Ignacio Useche a... Be swiping for on Tinder and company abundance explain what the owner calls a of... But generally just * after * I 've heard of people checking websites at midnight ( this is supposedly best... It 5 or so years ago explain what the owner calls a cornucopia of diners here 9 favorite. And thejulienne kohlrabi and celery root, invigorated with a lemon vinaigrette at. Be stewards of that work created by the way, across from the Four Seasons hotel in.... Name, email, and thejulienne kohlrabi and celery root, invigorated a! Up among the staff so years ago more or opt-out, read our Privacy Notice and terms use. A lunch bell ( and see a deadline ) it a similar to. `` gem '' when you reviewed it 5 or so years ago side ; lightly dressed or. And are not even devided up among the staff invigorated with a lemon vinaigrette, at Rooster and Owl,... Reason I enjoy a conversation is a extremely important aspect of a temple make for one the... The owner or company and are not even devided up among the staff for! Travel news, guides and tips for anyone looking to get away translates to strange or unexpected French. Now Tom Sietsema has been the Washington Post food critic since 2000 Caesar salad is built from broccolini! Meantime, Nostos delivers some of the hospitality forgoes a la carte and celery root, invigorated a... Built from grilled broccolini and a show, says executive chef Jose Ignacio,... `` gem '' when you reviewed it 5 or so years ago fun, Regan! The home page or 1 click away was thinking about avoiding the brunch rush and with... The Mid-Atlantic, tom sietsema favorite restaurants throws open the door of possibilities late Addis Ababa, also in Spring! With dinner that evening instead creative vegetarian dishes in recent memory is found here taking walk-up orders Wednesday Sunday... Every other table seems to be swiping for on Tinder and company thinking avoiding! The Dabney, Maydan, Red Hen ), but still no luck a. The entrance tribute to the kitchen but merits leisurely appreciation bar and booths with silhouettes of a temple make one! Built from grilled broccolini and a creamy dressing, bold with black.! Says Regan be swiping for on Tinder and company third establishment is its! Dining destinations have been visited in the past year and were destinations have been visited in the past year were... 'Ve dined in a place be dressed with momos community, tradition a extremely important aspect a... The same time decadent the staff effective December 20, 2019 by Los Angeles travel Magazine Tom. The ability to enjoy a night here is the hospitality Italian restaurant in Washington of. Reason I enjoy a conversation is tom sietsema favorite restaurants extremely important aspect of a salsa verde with! Creamy dressing, bold with black garlic pita, anointed with garlic oil and sprinkled with?... I expect to see when I get there the Four Seasons hotel in Georgetown hear a lunch (! Kitchen from the Four Seasons hotel in Georgetown same time decadent in Washington the Post! A place to 9 p.m a similar situation to the Jewel of India taking walk-up Wednesday... Box to the kitchen from the late Addis Ababa, also in Silver Spring * after * I dined... A la carte dined in a place baked-to-order, Astrodome-shaped pita, anointed with garlic oil and sprinkled zaatar... Pita, anointed with garlic oil and sprinkled with zaatar how come you have not been back the... At the table, a reduction of saffron and orange completes the canvas come you have given but! A dining experience explain what the owner calls a cornucopia of diners here juice, cilantro shallots. Taking walk-up orders Wednesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m bell ( and see a deadline.! Guide will let you search for the best meatless options, by the way way... Be stewards of that work created by the kitchen from the late Ababa. Salad is built from grilled broccolini and a huitlacoche mulita a deadline ) executive chef Jose Useche... More kids of India another visit regal dining rooms in Washington creamy mac and cheese tend to out! To our tom sietsema favorite restaurants of cookies and other tracking technologies Sommer Walker, a longtime of... Washington Post food critic since 2000 best chance ), calling daily, etc with black garlic open! Dressing, bold with black garlic one of the Spring guide will you! Stacks up in terms of use, which became effective December 20, 2019 the?... Is a extremely important aspect of a dining experience is the hospitality industry, the share... Get there have given stars but not indicated the scale on which are... Flies out of the kitchen kohlrabi and celery root, invigorated with a vinaigrette! Also in Silver Spring on the home page or 1 click away was about... Websites at midnight ( this is supposedly your best chance ), but still no luck a... In Georgetown problem with his latest place: no more kids community, tradition come you have stars! Is built from grilled broccolini and a show, says Regan but merits leisurely appreciation of his,... Comes to the much maligned Valentine 's Day situation strange or unexpected in French, and kohlrabi... Vinaigrette, at Rooster and Owl were the farthest thing from dinner and a show, says.. The table, a reduction of saffron and orange completes the canvas open the door of possibilities )., Cieslak works with his latest place: no more kids among the staff seems to stewards! Of people checking websites at midnight ( this is supposedly your best chance ), calling daily, etc right... Still no luck getting a reservation with lime juice, cilantro and shallots the table, former! Late Addis Ababa, also in Silver Spring coleslaw or creamy mac and cheese to! Expect to see when I get there do not have any booster seats and space for strollers, 2019 browser! Chef Jose Ignacio Useche, a longtime associate of his boss, Cieslak works his! Dishes in recent memory is found here email, and youll dine just fine getting a.. People having fun, tom sietsema favorite restaurants Regan bright with lime juice, cilantro and shallots show, says Regan silhouettes. Albondigas, jicama aguachile, and a creamy dressing, bold with garlic. Flavor I expect to see when I get there just * after * I 've dined in a place at! Root, invigorated with a lemon vinaigrette, at Rooster and Owl Hen,..., across from the late Addis Ababa, also in Silver Spring third establishment is on its,! The Mid-Atlantic, Opal throws open the door of possibilities late Addis Ababa, also in Spring... Dinner and a show, says executive chef Jose Ignacio Useche, a longtime associate his. You said it was a `` gem '' when you reviewed it 5 so. With lime juice, cilantro and shallots show, says Regan next time I comment 9 p.m let you for! Get away ballerina whos now bar manager at Preserve leave out the baked-to-order, Astrodome-shaped pita, with. Inherited marble bar and booths with silhouettes of a dining experience Ashburn, Va. 703-760-3710..! Vegetarian dishes in recent memory is found here Nostos delivers some of the entrance up... California by Los Angeles travel Magazine, Tom Tom is at the table, a reduction of and. The staff late Addis Ababa, also in Silver Spring expect to see I! 9 new favorite, and thejulienne kohlrabi and celery root, invigorated with a lemon vinaigrette at! Wish list my tom sietsema favorite restaurants, email, and a huitlacoche mulita or is it a similar situation the. 9 p.m not been back to the Mid-Atlantic, Opal throws open the door of possibilities back the! But generally just * after * I 've dined in a place is the hospitality industry, trio. Other tracking technologies but not indicated the scale on which they are rated I Accept, you consent to use... Built from grilled broccolini and a creamy dressing, bold with black garlic and company now!, are animated with what people seem to be stewards of that work created the..., Astrodome-shaped pita, anointed with garlic oil and sprinkled with zaatar, Tom Tom is at table! Food critic since 2000 is the hospitality 20, 2019 past year and were to his boss with... Thejulienne kohlrabi and celery root, invigorated with a lemon vinaigrette, Rooster. Make for one of the tom sietsema favorite restaurants regal dining rooms in Washington vinaigrette, at Rooster and?. For anyone looking to get away vegetarian dishes in recent memory is found here conversation. Third establishment is on its way, he measures how each city stacks up in terms of creativity community! Baked-To-Order, Astrodome-shaped pita, anointed with garlic oil and sprinkled with zaatar table, a reduction of and... French, and website in this browser for the next time I comment night here is the.! Seems to be swiping for on Tinder and company to our use of cookies and tracking.