Easter weekend in DC with parents, recs? Also, ?s about tea at the Willard...

[pantsu]

I'm meeting my parents in DC for Easter weekend to do a bit of sightseeing (they haven't been in almost 40 years). We're staying a few blocks south of the Mall. No car, but I'm pretty familiar with the Metro (I travel to DC for work yearly but usually stay in Georgetown). They're not too adventurous, palate-wise, whereas I eat just about anything.

I've already searched around the DC board a bit, will take them to the American Indian Museum's basement cafe (options sounded tasty, original, and inexpensive) for lunch one day, but I'm in search of a couple dinner spots that aren't exorbitantly priced or "hip," something my parents don't really enjoy. Historic-type places would be awesome, or old timey taverns/inns (they love that). Preferably not super far from the downtown area.

Really, I'm just looking for recs for folks with a not-so-adventurous palate that aren't super pricey or loud.

Also, my mother is dead set on having tea at the the Willard hotel (she loves the historic nature of the place). It seems reasonably priced, but I was curious if it will be offered on Easter weekend (their site doesn't say). Also, if you have any notes on their tea service and/or attire, they'd be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[pantsu]

Just to give a small update on this...

We've got a reservation for tea Saturday afternoon....and FYI for anyone curious, apparently dress for the Willard's tea is business casual, although the woman who I spoke to said the only way you wouldn't get in was if you wore sweats. Also, thanks for suggesting the 701....they have live jazz on Easter, so we have a dinner reservation there.

I get in about 5 hours before they do, meaning I have some time to kill and eat whatever I want. I'm planning to run out to G-town and get some cupcakes, then make my way back, probably via Chinatown. How busy are the restaurants (specifically Rasika, Oyamel) on Fridays for an earlyish dinner?

I'm also stalking food trucks tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully some will be in the general vicinity.

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Rasika Restaurant
633 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004

[ktmoomau]

You can place your order for cupcakes and pick them up, fyi, so you don't have to wait in the long line if there is one.

If you go early you should be ok, early meaning around of before 6ish, if you can get to Rasika def try to make it there, really good. But you can look last minute for a res on opentable, if you have their app too.

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Rasika Restaurant
633 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004

[Jeserf]

according to their web site, the Willard has a special Easter tea

[agarnett100]

I would make reservation soon for what ever your planning FYI

[pantsu]

Yeah, that's the plan....waiting on the parents to approve dinner choices.

As for tea, we'll likely go Saturday afternoon.

[pantsu]

these are pretty much exactly what I was looking for! Thanks, and keep the recs coming if you think of any other places that might be appropriate! Looks like 701 is doing live jazz on Easter, so we may go there (big jazz fans).

edit: I know Chinatown is kind of a hound's mecca as well....anything there I should check out?

[ktmoomau]

Most things in Chinatown are more hip and less more normal food tastes, but the recs I suggested are pretty close by, blocks away really. The place that would go over the best might be Proof, but it is rather dark inside, I don't know if that is a problem or not. Also PS7 might fit the bill in terms of food, but not the ambiance you want. Neither are historic or places with that type of ambiance.

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PS7 Restaurant
777 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001

[Energy09]

Tabbard Inn sounds right up their alley.

Another idea is Montmarte near Eastern Market. http://www.montmartredc.com. Good neighborhood french restaurant.

PJ Clarke's opened recently in DC. It can be expensive depending on what you order, but I've had a number of good things.

[ktmoomau]

Good suggestions above for dinner others I would add:

701 and perhaps Tosca, both wouldn't be too far away from where you will be either.

[katecm]

I can't help with tea, but a few old-fashioned places that would suit them would be Tabard Inn, 1789 and Martin's (the latter is the most casual, and I recommend more for the charm and history than the food. Make sure you ask for the sheet that tells of historic events that allegedly happened in it, like JFK and Jackie's engagement).

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Tabard Inn
1739 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036