174458 Fri Jun 03 14:09:03 -0700 2005 9 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 938000 Hi all, Will be in town in 10 days, and would like to treat a friend to a special fine dining experience (she treated me to Tru in Chicago a while back, and I would like to return the favor). I've looked a bit online and found some places that looked potentially interesting (Citronelle, 1789, Obelisk, Galileo), but would be interested in personal, up-to-date recommendations from DC chowhounds, since I don't know any of these places. Am partial to french, but type is not really important as long as it's interesting and inventive (and delicious, of course). Formal is fine, but hopefully not too uptight/snobby. Price not really an issue. Any thoughts appreciated ! Fri Jun 03 14:09:03 -0700 2005 0 Johnnyboy 1 938001 Citronelle in Georgetown. Maestro in the Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner. Inn at Little Washington - limo ride through the Virginia countryside. Fri Jun 03 14:13:24 -0700 2005 938000 0 jjholmes 2 938012 Citronelle and Maestro are both fine choices. The Inn at Little Washington only take reservations 30 days in advance and they fill up that day usually. Another good choice would be Taberna del Alabardero, an excellent Spanish restaurant. For slightly less fancy, but excellent food Palena. Fri Jun 03 15:28:20 -0700 2005 938001 0 dinwiddie 3 938030 If one absolutely, positively, must go to the Inn at Little Washington, rooms at the Inn come with dinner reservations. This will add an extra 350 or more to your dinner bill. Fri Jun 03 22:32:58 -0700 2005 938012 0 PollyG 1 938002 Maestro, Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner Runs laps around places like Citronelle, Galileo, etc. Having been there several times, it is the best meal I have had in DC. If willing to take the ride, Inn at Little Washington proivides a memorable dining experience. My wife still cannot get that meal out of her head. Fri Jun 03 14:16:24 -0700 2005 938000 0 'Burgh Hound 1 938003 Labortorio de Galileo -- NOT Galileo itself -- is intersting, not just to eat the fantastic food, but to watch Roberto as he cooks away. Not uptight/snobby at all - like eating in the kitchen of a friend who loves to cook. Fri Jun 03 14:32:52 -0700 2005 938000 0 Bonz 1 938014 If you're looking for a place similar to the style of Tru in terms of fine dining with a creative bent Citronelle and Maestro are what you are looking for. Citronelle is sophisticated but with a streak of whimsy in the cooking and a French accent. Maestro has elegant surroundings elegant food with an Italian accent. I'd also add Citizen at the Mandarin Oriental, with what I feel is a very urban vibe, to the list. It isn't quite there yet but it is not far off. Fri Jun 03 15:33:13 -0700 2005 938000 0 bilrus 2 938314 I second Cityzen at the Mandarin Oriental. The place is beautiful. Wed Jun 08 19:27:31 -0700 2005 938014 0 BMC 1 938028 Bienvenue de Montréal. We have some good eats here. Here are some rough equivalences to the places I enjoyed in your hometown: Toqué / Maestro Brunoise / Black Salt Yoyo / Two Amys Au Pied de Cochon / Ray's the Steaks Katz's / noplace If you want to see Howard Dean (the moral equivalent of Stéphane Dion), you should probably go to the Palm or the Caucus Room. If you want to see Mayor Tony Williams (Gilles Duceppe), try Les Halles. I hope you enjoy your stay and I look forward to reading your comments. Fri Jun 03 21:23:42 -0700 2005 938000 0 tStephenB 2 938098 Glad to see you enjoyed Montreal ! Thanks to everyone for all the help. Several places suggested were closed on the only night I could go (monday), so I chose Citronelle. Am excited ! Thanks again, JB Mon Jun 06 09:18:55 -0700 2005 938028 0 Johnnyboy