FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 10, 2011

Robin McClain, Destination DC
(202) 789-7099
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Kate Gibbs, Destination DC
(202) 789-7072
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

WASHINGTON, DC: A CULINARY CAPITAL

Always known for power lunches and elegant State dinners, Washington, DC is now beginning to turn heads as a diverse culinary capital. With a dizzying number of new eateries, celebrity chef hot spots, international gems, fresh farmers markets and budget-friendly food trucks at every corner, DC is a food lover’s playground. Read on to discover what the District is cookin’.

Power Dining Spots
If you’re eager to mingle with the media, spot a Senator or rub elbows with a Representative, familiarize yourself with DC’s power dining spots.

Between the White House and the Capitol, Ristorante Tosca entertains its share of high-powered lobbyists, and it’s reportedly the historic location where former Sen. Ted Daschle urged then Sen. Barack Obama to run for president shortly after the 2006 election. Just before the inauguration in 2009, the Obamas celebrated Michelle’s birthday at Equinox, a DC favorite known for its dedication to earth-friendly practices, local farmers and seasonal ingredients.

Also near the White House, the Willard InterContinental Washington is a political landmark, where Ulysses S. Grant popularized the term “lobbyist.” At the Willard’s Round Robin & Scotch Bar, Senator Henry Clay introduced Washington, DC to the mint julep.  An amateur historian and political buff himself, Round Robin bartender Jim Hewes also serves up special cocktail menus throughout the year, including of “All the President’s Cocktails,” listing the libations of choice of all men who’ve held the highest office. And while may not have a seat in the Oval Office, you can dine among those that do across the street at The Oval Room, named Modern Luxury’s “Restaurant of the Year” in 2010.

A must-see on any political dining tour is the Old Ebbitt Grill. Opened in 1856, the Ebbitt relocated several times before settling into its current home across the street from the White House on 15th Street in 1983. A legendary Oyster Bar, tasty crab cakes and lively happy hours make the Ebbitt a favorite meeting spot for downtown workers, White House staffers, visitors and theatre-goers.

On Capitol Hill, lively bars and restaurants welcome a continuous stream of notable political figures, staffers and interns. Capitol Hill’s “first table cloth restaurant,” The Monocle set the stage for the neighborhood’s power dining reputation when it opened in 1960 as the closest restaurant to the Senate side of the Capitol complex. JFK was an early fan, frequently requesting roast beef sandwiches to be delivered to the White House.

With its big food, bold flavors and an unparalleled rooftop view of the U.S. Capitol, it is no wonder that all of the movers and shakers flock to Charlie Palmer Steak, located on Constitution Avenue.  In the main dining room, check out its innovative “wine cube,” which features over 3,500 American-made wines and over 600 selections. And with its move from Dupont Circle to the Hall of States building on North Capitol Street – also home to Fox News, MSNBC and C-Span, Johnny’s Half Shell is the newest go-to spot for talking TV heads and seafood lovers alike.

Near the K Street lobbying district, The Palm plays host to a continuous stream of deal-makers and politicos. Seldom do you visit without a political celebrity sighting. Since the DC institution opened in 1972, General Manager Tommy Jacomo has entertained every president since Nixon – and is anxiously awaiting Obama’s first visit.
Georgetown claims a legendary list of notables among its past and present residents—and a selection of restaurants and pubs that meets with their approval.

Diners at Billy Martin’s Tavern use a tableside map to find the favorite booths of legendary customers like Lyndon Johnson or Alger Hiss. As a bachelor Congressman and Senator, JFK liked to sit in the half-booth just inside the door, known as the “rumble seat.” He is rumored to have proposed to Jackie in booth #3.

Head west towards the Capitol and you'll find Article One-American Grill & Lounge, a restaurant inside the newly renovated Hyatt Regency Washington. You'll dine on American fare while catching the "who's who" of the Hill mingling and catching up on the day's events. Keep your eyes peeled for celebrity and politico sightings - Hillary Clinton, President Obama, Denzel Washington and Nancy Pelosi have all been guests of the hotel. 

Presidential Eats:
Known for their good taste and romantic date nights, the Obamas have certainly set the tone for dining in DC:

President Obama took German Chancellor Andrea Merkell to a Georgetown favorite, 1789, in which antiques and equestrian prints decorate the dining room. The guests feasted on a summer salad, beet salad and beef tenderloin. Spring lasagna, and leg of lamb with baby vegetables are among the offerings, served with a side of house-baked bread.

First Lady Michelle Obama had a ladies’ lunch Louisiana-inspired Acadiana. Gumbo, boudin, and fried green tomatoes reign as delicious first courses, while crowd pleasers such as soft shell crabs, cornmeal crusted catfish and roast duck with sides of grits or collards are served as mains.

Whisked toward the private dining room at Blue Duck Tavern, President Obama and his wife celebrated an anniversary at the elegant restaurant offering seasonal dishes. The couple ordered the tasting menu, which included oysters and crab cakes. Guests who require less security can people watch at the bar, enjoy sunshine on the patio or tuck in to a table in the airy dining room.

The President and the First Lady celebrated Mrs. Obama’s birthday at downtown powerhouse Equinox. Chef Todd Gray’s emphasis on seasonal drives the menu of regional American cuisine. Eggplant frites, tortellini with lemon ricotta, roasted fennel and mussels or Maryland rockfish are a few options that may grace the plate.

Restaurant Nora, located in a charming row house, was the destination for the First Lady’s birthday, where the kitchen plated saffron lobster risotto and lamb for the couple and their guests. Dishes at Nora are conceived by chef Nora Poullion, whose organic restaurant is among the first certified in the nation.
The multi-course menu at Komi is an epic journey of beautiful takes on seasonal ingredients from every corner of the globe. The Obamas went here for date night, a leisurely meal with many culinary gifts from the dazzling young chef, Johnny Monis.

International Cuisine
Get a taste for the international flavor of DC in eclectic restaurants that serve cuisine from all over the globe.

African: DC is home to more Ethiopian restaurants than any city outside of Africa, and many of them – including popular spots Etete and Dukem - are clustered around 9th and U Street NW in what is commonly referred to as “Little Ethiopia.” Servers ladle stews, vegetables, meats and legumes around a 16-inch circular piece of bread, called injera. You’ll eat with your hands, using another piece of injera as a scoop. Some more famous dishes include Wat, a rich meat or legume stew seasoned with a blend of chili peppers and spices; Tibs, a sautéed, grilled or sometimes deep-fried cubed lamb or beef with onion, tomato, jalapeno pepper and rosemary; and Kitfo, ground, lean, seasoned beef served raw or cooked to order. (Foodie tip: if you find Ethiopian food intriguing and crave an introduction, sign up for DC Metro Food Tours' Little Ethiopia dining tour). While Ethiopian restaurants are the most common African eateries you’ll see in DC, the District is also home to Moroccan and West African restaurants.

Asian: Asian fare runs the gamut in DC, from fine dining restaurants like OYA and Asia Nine Restaurant & Lounge in Penn Quarter, Zentan Restaurant in Dupont Circle and Rasika in Downtown to noodle shops and pho takeout places in Chinatown. Steve Ells of Chipotle fame just opened up his first ShopHouse: Southeast Asian Kitchen in Dupont Circle, offering fast and fresh combinations of flavors. There's also excellent Asian food to be found in the northern Virginia suburbs, where large immigrant populations operate give rise to tasty, affordable eateries. But if you’re simply craving fresh sushi, zesty Pad Thai or flavorful curries, you’ll have plenty of options within walking distance of DC’s most popular attractions.

European: European cuisine abounds in all parts of DC, where diners can sample Italian, Greek, Spanish, French, German and other familiar favorites. DC’s French and Belgian influences are particularly evident on the fine dining scene, where acclaimed chefs like Michel Richard and Robert Wiedmaier delight and amaze diners with their high-end creations. Flavors of the Mediterranean shine through at casual tapas and mezze bars like Jaleo and Zaytinya and upscale eateries like Taberna del Alabardero and Komi. European influences don’t end on the plate, however. Choose from more than 50 Belgian beers on draft at Brasserie Beck, or head to Logan Circle's ChurchKey for more than 555 artisan beer choices. Italian cuisine is the focus at many of DC staples, like Chef Amy Branderwein’s Casa Nonna in Dupont Circle, as well as the city’s newest hotspots, including Bibiana, voted one of 2010’s best new restaurants by Esquire magazine, and Fiola, hailed as “Restaurant of the Year” by GQ in 2011.

South & Central American: Thanks to DC’s large South and Central American communities, the regions’ cooking traditions are well represented on the District’s menus. Diners frequently stop for pupusas and empanadas, or meat and vegetable-stuffed pastries, at casual storefronts in the Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights neighborhoods. Sip caipirinhas and mojitos as you take salsa lessons at the lively bars and clubs in the neighborhood. For high-end Nuevo Latino flavors, try stylish downtown eateries like Oyamel and Ceiba.

Celebrity Chefs
The District’s dining scene has caught the attention of serious foodies and some of the best-known names in the culinary world. As local chefs and home-grown talent make names for themselves in DC restaurants, some of the world’s leading chefs have also set up shop in the District.

With the opening of the first W Hotel in Washington, DC, the city also welcomed the cuisine of highly-acclaimed Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. His in-house restaurant J&G Steakhouse offers a worldly collection of steakhouse classics against the backdrop of sweeping views of the White House Gardens and Washington Monument. 

The Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC boasts internationally acclaimed chef Michael Mina at the helm of its destination restaurant, Bourbon Steak, where beef is slow-poached in herbs and butter before being grilled over a wood fire.

The St. Regis Washington, D.C. is home to Adour by Alain Ducasse. Like its sister restaurant in New York, Adour is named after the river is southwest France near the town where Ducasse was born and the menu features elegant French cuisine.

Inside The Liaison Hotel on Capitol Hill, James Beard Award recipient and frequent Oprah guest Chef Art Smith presents Art and Soul. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor patio seating and built-in conversation areas, contemporary lighting, 16-foot rolling glass walls and stainless steel curtains to create an atmosphere of stylish urban sophistication. Other celebrity chef ventures include Westend Bistro by Eric Ripert, Wolfgang Puck’s The Source and Bobby Flay’s latest, Bobby’s Burger Palace.  Soon to come to DC is Eataly, the massive Italian marketplace whose founders include acclaimed chef Mario Batali.

In addition, Top Chef favorites are flourishing in DC. Spike Mendelsohn’s Good Stuff Eatery and We, The Pizza are all the rave on Capitol Hill. Season six contestant and Top Chef All Stars runner-up Mike Isabella recently opened Graffiato in DC’s Chinatown neighborhood, an Italian-inspired eatery featuring seasonal ingredients and Prosecco on tap.

DC also boasts homegrown award-winning celebrity chefs like Michel Richard, who serves up tantalizing French fare at Citronelle, Central and Michel in Tysons Corner, Va. His newest concept, Meatball, is expected to open in Penn Quarter in November 2011.
And of course, there is 2011 James Beard Award-winning “Outstanding Chef in America,” Jose Andres, whose DC outposts – Oyamel, Zaytinya, America Eats Tavern, minibar and Jaleo – have earned critical acclaim.

Farmers Markets
Sample fresh flavors of the season at one of DC’s lively farmers markets, where you'll find endless amount of the freshest food, entertainment and atmosphere— a great alternative to traditional restaurant meals.

Follow in the First Lady Michelle Obama’s footsteps and make your way to the FRESHFARM Market by the White House. It’s seasonal, and first debuted in fall of 2009. Mrs. Obama was on-hand at the market’s opening and has been a frequent customer ever since, buying fresh fruits and vegetables to display her commitment to healthy eating.

On weekends, Eastern Market on Capitol Hill is the place to go for produce, flowers, meats, and cheeses, along with arts and antiques. Built in 1873 and designed by architect Adolf Cluss, the renovated Eastern Market reopened in June 2009 after surviving a tragic 2007 fire that almost destroyed it. Now a National Historic Landmark and one of “America’s Best Public Markets” according to Frommer’s in 2011, Eastern Market is a favorite among locals and a must-see for visitors. Check out local artisans’ work at the flea market, and make sure to try the “bluebuck” (blueberry buckwheat) pancakes at Market Lunch.

On Sundays, head to Dupont Circle for its popular FRESHFARM market, which also features cooking demonstrations by the city’s top chefs. On Thursdays from 3-7 p.m., the Penn Quarter neighborhood is filled with even more excitement as its seasonal market is in full force. Seafood lovers can sample the catch of the day or feast on fried oysters and crab cakes at the Maine Avenue fish market in Southwest, open daily.

When spring, summer and fall bring out the year’s richest harvest, DC’s market season reaches its peak, with markets in locations like Downtown, Georgetown and even on the National Mall. Log on to freshfarmmarket.org for a list of hours and locations.


DC Restaurant Week
It’s easy to sample some of DC's top dining destinations at a great value. For one week each winter and summer, nearly 200 of the region's most noted restaurants join together for DC Restaurant Week, bringing diners fixed price lunch and dinner menus, priced at $20.11 for lunch and $35.11 for dinner (to correspond to the current year).

For more details on Washington, DC's restaurants, visit Washington.org.

###
About Destination DC: Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of more than 800 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. www.destinationdc.com