Anonymous wrote:Plume downtown at the Jefferson. Tasting menu/wine pairing is out of this world & the hotel is so nice if you choose to stay!

+1 for what I think you want, you will be much happier here then at Volt, Volt is ok but I was expecting a lot more than it delivered. We did the tasting menu and there were some misses. The atmosphere at Plume feels more special. They gave me a stool for my bag and had reading glasses for me when I had forgetten mine. You have to want french food. Another good french place is lauberge in great falls but it is country french and the atmosphere is more casual than plume.

Anonymous wrote:Im looking for recommendations for a special dinner for my husband's 50th. We have dined at Komi, City Zen and other high end restaurants in the city. I'm thinking something like the chef's table at Volt or the Inn at Little Washington. I would like something a little different. So hoping for other suggestions that I may be missing. Thanks!


Don Pollo, Bethesda. Make sure you smuggle in a thermos of Clos du Bois.

LOL.

From what I've heard 2941 has really gone down hill.

OP, I posted earlier about not bring impressed with with Volt. But if you do go, definitely get the limo. I can't remember which service we used.

But, beware - if you plan on doing the wine pairing, be careful how much champagne you drink on the way up. My DH and I shared a bottle on the way up and did the wine pairings. I was hammered by the end. And it's a long ride home. And a comfy limo invites sleeping. And sleeping on the way home will probably lead to wanting to go straight to sleep when you get home. And then your DH won't get any on his special day.

2941
Modern Mediterranean | $$$
2941 Farview Park Drive, Falls Church; 703-270-1500; 2941.com

At the beginning of this year, 2941 transformed from a special occasions French prix fixe to a more casual, French and Mediterranean restaurant. It’s rebirth should be commended.

An eggplant morphs into something so supple and rich, you might swear off pork belly.

Even though a lobster bisque lacks any flesh, the crustacean can be tasted throughout a light broth that manages to feel creamy too.

Gnocchi takes on the consistency of delicate, whipped mashed potatoes.

Custard is probably not the right venue for spinach, but the exploit is worthy in the attempt.

What you’ll find on the plate is almost always beautiful.

MUST TRY: Gnocchi



Pan Seared Maine Scallops in Pesto Broth from Brabo
Pan Seared Maine Scallops in Pesto Broth from Brabo
BRABO
Modern American | $$$
1600 King St., Alexandria; 703-894-3440; braborestaurant.com

Valentine’s Day unfolds in late summer as cubes of pink tuna and magenta beets fit together Tetris-style. The dish is one of many on Brabo’s rotating tasting menu, a concept previously reserved for holidays but now offered nightly.

Zucchini blossoms, almost always stuffed with cheese and fried, go rogue melting into burrata-blessed saucy pasta. Swordfish cooks up so meaty it’s a wonder it comes from the sea and an olive emulsion coats the bottom of its plate, rivaling hummus’ creamy-factor.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for all the suggestions! One restaurant that I would like to comment on is Restaurant Eve. We want there a couple of years back for my birthday. I was very excited to try it. But left disappointed. We felt that the food was very bland.

One other question: is Minibar still as amazing as it used to be? You don't hear much about it anymore. My husband has always wanted to try that place too. I think I'm still leaning towards Volt but need to figure out the logistics of getting there and back. Don't think we can stay over and don't want to drink and drive. Any recs for a good car service? You only turn 50 once!

Tom Sietsma hated Minibar. Just underwent a renovation in the past year. Said it wasn't what it used to be.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/restaurants/minibar,1088422.html