483941 Mon Jan 28 12:05:50 -0800 2008 5 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 3341330 After hearing a lot of buzz about this Wolfgang Puck newbie in the Newseum, we tried it on a recent busy Saturday. The Bentley and Aston Martin parked outside presaged the trendy set inside. The trendy also were the noisy, and the bare glass and stone surfaces made it so we almost could not hear across the table. A slow start with the service, including one guest getting an out-of-date menu and another vegetarian guest having to press for more than stir-fried or steamed vegetables as dining options. No bread in this asian-themed spot, so we were eager for the amuse-bouche -- a plate of spicy stringbeans with almonds. No sooner had they arrived than our appetizers appeared and the beans whisked away. (When we commented that the appetizers came a little sooner than we wanted, the waiter said he would make a note of it, but refused to delay the service, effectively rushing us.) The tuna tartare in nori cones was bland and unexceptional. The ensuing short ribs also were un-noteworthy, and the accompanying rice came five minutes after the main course. The desserts were unusual, and good. (A shredded philo with goat cheese and cherries, for example.) The tab, high. The experience, average. The service, brusk. (When navigating the busy aisles to go to the rest room, the servers not only didn't get out of one's way but expected the guest to move aside for them.) The desire to return anytime soon, not so great. Disappointing in light of the high hopes. Mon Jan 28 12:05:50 -0800 2008 161385 Capcityman 1 3341350 They've been open for months. I'd think they'd have staffing issues fixed. Isn' t the place divided into cheaper tiers, with simpler less-expensive fare on the ground floor? Or aren't those areas open yet? Mon Jan 28 12:10:08 -0800 2008 3341330 12359 monkeyrotica 1 3341816 Had a great experience in the bar on New Year's Eve and enjoyed a few appetizers. The dinner menu looked so good, we were looking forward to going back. I hope they get their act together. Thx for the warning. Mon Jan 28 13:50:07 -0800 2008 3341330 159158 HSBSteveM 1 3341942 Your experience was very different from mine, which was just a couple weeks after their opening. We had some of the most gracious and accomodating service I've witnessed in DC. That said, they were clearly still operating in "test mode" while we were there, because they never filled the dining room (upstairs) beyond 50% of capacity the entire Saturday evening. Mon Jan 28 14:21:33 -0800 2008 3341330 11417 Pappy 1 3343142 Very rare to see this type of sentiment regarding The Source. I have eaten there a couple of times and have many friends who have as well and I have not heard one negative thing about it, especially food wise. While it is loud and crowded, I think that is something you have to expect and understand before going to eat at a place like that. I would give it another shot and I'm pretty sure you would come away feeling a little different. Mon Jan 28 20:55:33 -0800 2008 3341330 158273 westendhoya 2 3343384 I think anyone who loves straight up Asian will be slow to warm up to Asian fusion as prepared by The Source. Candied green beans are not going to cut it. It's a nice place, and I 'd consider going back, but I'm in no rush. Tue Jan 29 01:03:24 -0800 2008 3343142 10156 Steve