Image: Seine in the Mist – Kees Scherer (Paris 1955)
This week we wrapped up our four part series breaking down the Washingtonian Top 100 for 2020. Last week we did posts looking at the restaurants that all the critics agree about and the ones where Tom Sietsema of the Washington Post breaks from the consensus. This week we looked at places the Washingtonian broke from the consensus and where our own site does. The bottom line is that there are well over a hundred great places to eat in D.C., and in the financial crunch that is hitting they could use some support. This week we also posted our take on a “Jew-ish” deli and on Instagram reminded the world that Sushi Ogawa and Corduroy are overlooked. With that, lets look at the other action on our site and news from the dining world:
Changes to the Recommended Restaurant List:
Added:
Call Your Mother – we actually added this great bagel place last week, but we posted the write-up this week.
Downgraded:
DBGB – We have ridden out the various ups and downs, but based on the last meal it cannot be recommended without some reservations – the soupy souffle, the overcooked meat, service was off (entree arriving before apps were done). I’ve had great meals here, but consistency has become a problem. We still think it is worth trying out, but it is not on par with others in the category.
News:
Brasserie Liberte lost its opening chef, who moved to Florida. He is being replaced by Matthew Cockrell, who has been doing good work at Mintwood Place. To mention two French places that are doing good work right now.
Little Sesame is going in by Metro Center. And Chick-fil-A is going in south of Dupont. Menomale is working on a NoMa spot.
There is exciting news for shoppers in Georgetown. Wendell Allsbrook, is going out on his own after 15 years at the highly-respected The Organic Butcher of McLean to open Georgetown Butchers on Grace Street.
Nevin Martell will put on his next installment of New Kitchens on the Block on Sunday, April 5 at Mess Hall.
Laura Hayes had the scoop of the week about the stoner racking up Michelin stars.
Three legends passed away this week. Gray Kunz, who earned a four-star review from the Times for his work at Lespinasse, where he was one of the first to add Asian elements to French cooking. He is also credited with being the unique combination of a perfectionist and kind mentor. (Ahem, Jean-Georges).
A local legend Tommy Jacomo, the gatekeeper and grand MC of The Palm, passed away at 75.
And although not part of of the dining world, the loss of legendary McCoy Tyner jazz pianist cannot go without mention. A crucial piece of the Coltrane band in the sixties, he later found, lost, and regained fame in his own right. Listen to a wonderful, joyous cover of Blue Monk here.
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If you do make it to D.C. for Cherry Blossoms, then be sure to check out our dining guide to find a great place to eat. We have more than 250 recommended restaurants listed – and only recommended restaurants listed. You can sort by cuisine, neighborhood, and/or rating! In both MAP or LIST format.
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