try hook or no?

[anunez]

I never got over to hook when Barton Seaver was there and have heard conflicting reports since he left. My family is in town next weekend for Easter and I need an option for Sat night. They ahve already tried Central, Beck, Rasika, Blue Duck and others so was looking for something new (at least to us). Should I cancel the reservation? anyone have a better idea? i am not feeling all that inspired these days...thanks!

[ktmoomau]

I just haven't really loved the new menu now that Seaver has left. It became kind of normal. I want to like it because I would like to go back just to see, it used to be my favorite restaurant, but looking at the menu right now I just know I would be disappointed. I miss the black risotto, interesting pasta and really creative pairings.

[ledrez]

Service at Hook is variable, Last few times has been not too professional, a bit on the fly. Pouring our own water, wine, long waits between courses. Food is fine, sometimes great. Sweets do standout. For out of towners the G'town setting is very fun. Try to sit forward in the restaurant, in the windows upstairs or down. However, for much better food and service Proof is a consistent winner!

[sashab10]

Ever since Seaver left, I'd say Hook has drastically improved for the dinner side... that being said, the pastry chef there has always been and continues to be AMAZING - if you go, please please try the lingonberry linzertorte - it is worth every bite...

[anunez]

thanks all - now after a little more thought I am thinking the gtown locale is also perfect so we may stick there just cause. Has anyone been to Bodega? its the only other place in the area I was interested in trying. Hoping we get some better spots in gtown soon, all out of towners want to go there and then you are stuck!

[Elyssa]

I went to Bodega for the first time last weekend. I was pleasently surprised---pretty good tapas. Really good, crusty bread. We got the cheese platter w/ almonds, the chicken croquettes (very good) and the scallops (also very good...nice caper sauce that wasn't as salty as I was expecting). It's a good restaurant and I will return to explore the menu more.

It's totally different then Hook though. It really depends on what you are looking for--small plates vs a regular seafood based meal.

[anunez]

thanks for the field report! i think i will stick with Hook but now it looks like i am def going to ahve to make it out to Bodega

[Ericandblueboy]

The mahi mahi crudo is really good. The housed cured crudo is good if you like smoked fish. The oysters were fishy (not briny) on Sat. night. They actually cooked one of the best pieces of filet mignon we've had for just $30 (it had to be at least 9 oz, better than the filet you find at Palm, Morton, Ruth's Chris, etc.). Less exciting was the halibut special, which was a little dry and fairly bland. The beet and goat cheese salad was a mind opening experience for us - two rather distinct flavors that actually complemented each other very well.

[r0cc00]

I tried Bodega this past weekend & LOVED it.
trendy & packed but food was outstanding - seriously.

Had about 7-8 tapas & way over ate.
Total bill was about $75 w/ 2 drinks. We tip to $100 cause the service was outstanding and FAST.

For a very busy restaurant/bar on a Saturday night, it was accommodating & friendly service. & did I mention the food was awesome?!

[Jacey]

I've been meaning to try Bodego. Give us some details about what you ate.

[Elyssa]

The chicken croquettes and scallops in a caper sauce (not at all as salty as you would think) were both very good.

[r0cc00]

First of all I have to commend them for their staff & mgr on hand.
For a 'trendy' type bar/restaurant in the middle of Georgetown, there was no snobbiness @ all.
In this city & with this economy, to be able to eat that much quality food in a fun atmosphere is a pleasant surprise.

That said - everything below was excellent except for 1 dish & I am a very critical eater too:
Great bread.
Spinach Salad w/ anchovies
Seared Baby Octopus with a Sprinkle of Smoked Paprika
Lamb chops w/ red wine sauce
Clams Steamed with White Wine, Garlic and Parsley Sauce (what clams? gr8 sauce tho w/ bread!)
Grilled Flank Steak with Pimento Morrón.
Sautéed Shrimp in Garlic & Crismona Virgin Olive Oil
Spanish Flan

I wanted to try the Chicken Croquettes, Seared Tuna with Caramelized Onions, & Seared Diver Scallops with a Creamy Caper Sauce and Sautéed Fava Beans but my stomach couldn't make room!

[Cebca]

I'm not from DC, but the food blog Culinary Couture did a haiku review of Hook today (don't know if I can put in the link without it getting deleted, but it will pop up if you google it).

[alkapal]

cebca, i link blogs all the time.

[Cebca]

good to know, thanks!

[Cebca]

http://lemmonex.com/2009/04/02/hook-h...

[Elyssa]

I think you should stick with Hook. I took my parents there a couple of months ago and we all really loved our meals. I am one of Hook's fans. And I know some people don't love it but I do. I think the food is really good and I like the open kitchen. Next door to Hook is Tackle Box which is nice for lunch (although I do think the serving size of the fish is on the small side). It's different from Hook but still good.

If you haven't tried PS7 I would recommend that as well. It seems to go with your above list in terms of good food, service, and price range. You could also try Acadiana and Zola.

[Ericandblueboy]

I've never been to Hook but I'm going this weekend even though their online menu looks a bit boring. Masochistic, I am.

[jaydreb]

I say try it and report back. Sounds like your family has already been to most of the other contenders.

If your looking for alternatives, I really like Proof and Courdoroy.

[chicken kabob]

I think Hook is good-not great-but I really love Proof and Founding Farmers lately.
Have you been there?