Anniversary Dinner Sat. After Thanksgiving

[sballard]

Hi Everyone,

My wife and I are going to spend a few nights in DC for our Anniversary. Will either be staying at Hotel Rouge near Dupont Circle, or the new Palomar in Arlington. Ideally, I'd like an Anniversary worthy restaurant within walking distance of our hotel. Which location would fit the bill better, and which restaurants? Price is not really an issue, although nothing is more disappointing than overpaying for an average meal.

Thanks!...Shawn

[whiner]

If walking is key, go to Dupont Circle and eat at Obelisk.

I second the back room at Palena if you are willing to take the Metro.

[Elyssa]

Not too far from Hotel Rouge is Equinox, one of my favorite high end restaurants in DC. If they have reservations available it is totally worth it.

The chef uses lots of fresh and local ingrediants (he's also currently one of the few chef's in the area serving white truffles, which he does in a spectacular way. I had them 2 years ago for the first time). The atmosphere is perfect for a romantic dinner since the tables are well spaced out and allow privacy. The service is top notch and the atmosphere is laid back yet elegant.

As Ktmoomau mentioned Komi is near by as well. Also Restaurant Eve is an excellent choice. I spent my anniversary there a few months ago and I was exstremly impressed with the service and food. You can choose to eat in the Bistro or the Tasting Room. We ate in the Bistro and that sat us at a cute corner table which was very romantic.

Other then Equinox there are not a ton of restaurants of that caliber in area. But a short metro ride away will land you at Palena. I would suggest getting a table in the back room.

[sballard]

Thanks so much. Those are some great options. Hopefully at least one of them will have availability in a week!

Thanks Again!...Shawn

[Indy 67]

If Equinox is close to your hotel, I can add one more possibility: The Oval Room. (The restaurants are on the same block.) Reading Elyssa's description, it seems Equinox may be more romantic. The Oval Room's tables are well spaced, but there are no special nooks. The decor is sleekly elegant and contemporary.

I love the food in the restaurant. The cuisine respects the ingredients with excellent sourcing and precision cooking. However, the same can be said about quite a few DC restaurants. What elevates this restaurant is innovation. Four of the chefs are from Jean Georges in Manhattan and that restaurant's spirit of innovation -- including molecular gastronomy -- has found a home at the Oval Room. Something on the plate always surprises and delights me. Happily, the chef never crosses the line between innovation which pleases and innovation which is just plain bizarre.

Four of us once ordered the tasting menu in spite of the fact that none of the dishes would have been our choices had we been ordering a la carte. The results were swoon-worthy. Most impressively, the restaurant was pleasant and responsive about accommodating individual preferences. Two of us skipped the meat course and substituted a second fish course. One of us had a different fish entirely during the official fish course.

[ktmoomau]

Hmmm IMHO your two choices doesn't put you in walking disctance of any absolutely incredible restaurants here, except perhaps Komi. Cityzen in the Mandarin Oriental (never been but is highly rated in DC), and Citronelle is in the Latham in Georgetown? You wouldn't be a far cab ride away in those spots in Arlington from Restaurant Eve which is rather romantic, or in Dupont from back room of Palena which has nice anniversary decor, as well or you might be walking distance to Komi, although I have never been and don't know what the decor is like I have heard it isn't really romantic, but again highly rated (it is on my list for Anniversary in Jan, but food comes first for us).

But those are some of the top DC places, you will want to make reservations anywhere you end up.

[sballard]

Thanks so much. Food comes first for us as well, so it sounds like Komi would be the way to go. Looking at the map, it is only a few blocks away from the hotel. Now, to see if I can get a reservation. Wish me luck.

Thanks!...Shawn