Valentine's Dinner Recommendations

[rt_three]

Hi everyone!

I'm looking for recommendations for a Valentine's dinner (on Feb 13th). I was wondering if you had preferences between:

CityZen
Adour
Bistro Cacao
Equinox
Marcel's

We've been to Corduroy, Rogue 24, 1789, and the Oval Room and enjoyed them all. Thinking about something on the lines of Corduroy or Rogue 24 - romantic, a little fun, and slightly modern. I'm in the market for a tasting menu + wine pairings or tasting menu + a bottle of wine.

Right now I'm leaning towards Equinox (tasting menu on the website looks great) - thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

[ineemeeny]

For what it's worth, I will say that Marcel's and 1789 are not much "fun," nor are they "modern" so I'd recommend against them.

I've been reading a lot about Rogue 24 lately, so if I hadn't already made my reservations (Patowmack Farms out in somewhereville?), that's where I would probably look first. Good luck!

[rt_three]

I did Rogue 24 in December 2011 and it was fantastic! Obviously not every one of the 24 courses was a home run, but there were plenty that were - basil-fed snails were out of this world. It was a great experience.

[ineemeeny]

Basil-fed snails, you say??? Wow. I don't even know what to say. That sounds amazing!! Rogue 24 for my birthday in May! :)

Have you decided where to go?

[Elyssa]

Personally I love Equinox...but it doesn't 100% meet the description you listed later in your post.

Have you thought about The Source? I think its a modern Asian menu, with incredible food and wine (I believe a tasting menu is available) in a chic, yet romantic environment.

[rt_three]

I looked at The Source but wasn't convinced it would make the cut, but it does seem like it would be nice. How does it compare to Equinox?

[Elyssa]

The Source is one of the best restaurants in DC, hands down. It makes all the lists for top restaurants. Equinox and The Source are my 2 favorite high end restaurants in the city. They are very different so hard to compare. But both have excellent service, wine lists, and food. I would say the Source is a little more modern in feel---and obviously the cuisines are different.

[ipsedixit]

The Source is ok, but I would certainly not consider it "one of the best restaurants in DC."

[Elyssa]

Why? All the publications in the city do....and so do I. It's excellent---everything from the tasting menu to the dum sum brunch.

[ipsedixit]

It's overtired fusion cuisine, that's seem like an anachronism of stuff that was in vogue 10 years ago. The food, on taste alone, is ok, but there's nothing really inventive about it. The space is nice, however.

(Don't even get me started on the "dim sum" ...)

[Elyssa]

Not to highjack the thread but I think the Source is about as far away from duldrum fusion cuisine as it comes. It's actually "fusion" done right. The duck and lobster alone are worth a trip.

[DCDOLL]

Because you want the 13th you may be ok cos i was gonna say it's too late for the 14th already!
i think you would really like Adour, we go there alot for special occasions. I was underwhelmed by City Zen personally, and Equinox was decent but not outstanding. Marcel's was a little stuffy. Have you been to the Oval Room? The food there is really lovely, service and location great. So i'd try Adour first and then if they are full the Oval Room. I would have said 1789 but you seem to be wanting to try something new. Tosca is a great high end (waiters in tuxes) italian place if that appeals to you. good luck and please do a report on wherever you end up!

[rt_three]

Thanks for the tip! They definitely do still have space for the 13th. I've been to the Adour in NYC - any chance you've been to both and can compare?

[DCDOLL]

No, haven't had the pleasure, but we have done (and regularly do) all the "higher end" places in DC and Adour is one of those that stands out. It had a little bit of a rocky start but now has it down. The wine list is great too if that appeals to you! Ask for a table by the window so you can people watch...and see all those who wish they were you!! The bar is great too for a before dinner drink and they have valet. The St Regis hotel it's in is historical and lovely...perhaps a room after dinner might be in order??