Anonymous wrote:

In DC looking for something we haven't tried. All we want is good wine, great cheese and chacuterie boards in a nice quiet atmosphere. I think this rules out places like Proof. We have done Sonoma and a few others around town. Any obscure recs in DC? Was looking at Juniper bc of the pretty courtyard but reviews are mixed. TIA

Rats. Right up until that part, I was going to say Proof.

I dunno - on a Monday, Proof should be pretty darn quiet! Just sit at a table towards the back (away from the bar). Proof is absolutely my favorite spot for charcuterie and cheese.

Righteous cheese.

Anonymous wrote:Ripple and Cheesetique come to mind. Also Range had a lot of charcuterie on the menu last Saturday. We had the cheese plate for dessert, and it was good but nothing special.

Have you tried Carolyn at Righteous Cheese in Union Market? She used to do 10-12 person cheese and wine tasting events that were really fun. You could do one of those or email her and see if she does private events or could make you a basket for a romantic night at home or a great hotel room.

When I used to travel every week for work, DH and I had many of these "picnics" and any decent cheese shop will put it together for you.

http://www.cheese-course.com/classes.php

Me again. I live a few blocks from Ripple / Dino and think this is what you want. Dino is classic Italian, makes a nice board and has awesome olives. Service is good. Ripple is more modern, you'll want to tell them ahead if you don't want one of the high 2-top tables near the bar. Service at Ripple is often lacking, but it only matters if you want to ask a lot of questions about the wines or cheeses or are in a hurry. Cheeses and wines may be more unusual or adventurous at Ripple, but Dino let's you do half glasses from their by the glass wine menu which I like because sometimes I want more wine, but 2 glasses is too much.

We've had good experiences with Slate wine bar in Glover Park.

http://slatewinebar.com

Ripple and Cheesetique come to mind. Also Range had a lot of charcuterie on the menu last Saturday. We had the cheese plate for dessert, and it was good but nothing special.

Have you tried Carolyn at Righteous Cheese in Union Market? She used to do 10-12 person cheese and wine tasting events that were really fun. You could do one of those or email her and see if she does private events or could make you a basket for a romantic night at home or a great hotel room.

When I used to travel every week for work, DH and I had many of these "picnics" and any decent cheese shop will put it together for you.

http://www.cheese-course.com/classes.php

Sorry la tomate