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Chef chen alexandria va2/1/2024 ![]() And that, fingers crossed, next year’s dining guide won’t even have to mention the “p” word. Here’s hoping you find some new favorite places from the latest crop, which starts with my Top Five picks. Fauci, President Biden’s chief medical adviser, is that the United States is finally “out of the full-blown explosive pandemic phase.” The good news, recently delivered by Anthony S. Given the changing situation with the pandemic, you’ll want to connect with the restaurant directly for current information on their safety protocols. ![]() Asking for the list after the fact can be a serious chore for time-strapped staff.)Įach review is followed by the usual details - price ranges, sound checks, accessibility information - to help you decide whether to book or not. ![]() (Note to the expense account crowd: Remember to take the itemized receipt home if you need it. Read on for suggestions on being a better diner. (Scott Suchman for The Washington Post)Īfter I wrote about the uneven state of service earlier this year, I thought it only fair to ask restaurant professionals how guests might work on their performance. (Scott Suchman for The Washington Post) RIGHT: Wild Icelandic cod at Melina in North Bethesda. LEFT: Pastry chef Marcel Anderson at the Henri in Washington. Given Christine's enthusiasm and attention to detail, I expect constant improvement and look forward to our next visit.Wild Icelandic cod at Melina in North Bethesda. After dinner, we were greeted by the Manager Christine who gave us a brief walking tour of this true treasure of a place. The menu changes frequently so be sure to look it up online before you go. Crab cakes (All lump) w/ a vinegar slaw served with herb mashed potatoes w/ an aioli and the Crab and Lobster ravioli w/ a crispy piece of prosciutto served in a tomato cream sauce (very rich!) Both dishes were terrific and would recommend if available. Could have ordered that all over again and called it dinner and walked away happy! Then came the mains. The "Duck Three Ways" (served over a crispy outside/soft inside sweet potato pancake) appetizer was fantastic and would definitely order again, same with the buttermilk battered fried rock shrimp and red chilies over rice noodles w/Asian sweet and sour sauce. My Manhattan and my wife's Martini were PERFECT. However, Kadeesha stepped in and everything turned around on the spot. Got off to a rather slow start as we had to ask for a waiter and then things were a little confused with the wrong drink order delivered. The food was fantastic and the atmosphere superb. $150 per person is about the top of my mark, and that’s special occaission time.) (I know there are restaurants in the DC metro that are ten times that, but I still think that ridiculous and almost obscene. ![]() Our pre tip total without desserts, but with cocktails, 1 glass wine each, 1 appetizer and entree each was $370, which I view as sort of pricey. So, the three times I’ve gone and had strong service we’re solid 4 1/2 dining experiences, but the two times that service wasn’t up to snuff degraded the experience despite excellent food. Not knowledgeable of the specials, not particularly welcoming, not attentive to clearing dishes promptly or ensuring that everyone had drinks. Not rude, but they just weren’t up to the level of experience that the owners hope that the patrons enjoy. The waitresses were slow and inattentive. Our friends had rabbit, which he loved and she had lobster and crab dish. The entrees were all on the very good to excellent cusp, I had braised lamb with polenta, which was close to perfect, my wife had crab cakes, and they do a great job. Very good wine and cocktail list, marvelous appetizers, including duck crepes (superb) and fresh oyster sampler plate. For a warm spring night on the patio with wife and close friends, it had every making of a great experience. I went to Cedar Knolls in January, for my anniversary dinner, had a wonderful waiter (Tom or Todd) and it was a solid 4 1/2 Stars. Sorry to say that I’m starting to view Cedar Knolls as a crap shoot, had wonderful experiences three times, and mediocre (for the price point) twice.
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