Honey Pig would be great if she were a big meat eater- so festive and fun. I went with the Around the World tasting menu in the “train car” at Compass Rose. Sort of a bohemian funky vibe (says the internet) and a variety of interesting food, plus a friendly price for her and a friend to go and have fun.

For her brother who loves to cook, I got him an online class with CozyMeal to learn how to make the Xiao Long Bao soup dumplings he is obsessed with.

I feel good! (And thank you all for helping me think!)

Korean BBQ -- the grill is at the table. Honey Pig, for example.

Are you sure a cooking class wouldn’t do? My friend just gifted her teen daughter a class at Sur La Table and it was a huge hit.

Thanks!

Tasting menu at Seven Reasons is awesome. Maydan is also great. Bottomless dinner at Ambar is such a good deal for the money and incredible food.

Compass Rose maybe?

Maybe the tawle menu from Maydan or I think Albi has something similar— probably a bit more than $250 if you add in tax and tip (depending on how many people of course). Dim sum is a good idea too.

I like to browse the Eater DC maps for ideas:

https://dc.eater.com/maps

E.g., 16 Destination Tasting Menus Around D.C.; 17 Standout Steakhouses Around D.C.; 14 Food Halls Around D.C.; Hot New Brunches to Try Around D.C., etc.

Bump

^$250 or less

My 19 year old college student asked for a “food experience” for Xmas. We don’t think that means a cooking class, but rather a meal out. Awesome dim sum with friends? Fancy pasta? She’s not a sushi kid. Washington or Baltimore - any ideas? TIA