In DC visiting family and I booked this thinking “oh this looks fun…” and was it ever. Normally with these more theatrical places I worry that the quality of the food suffers. But not here. The theatrics were fun but honestly took a back seat to mind blowingly good food. Easily one of the best meals I’ve had in a while and on food alone this place should have 3 stars (yes I know that tire man is not the sole arbiter of quality and yes I know that the stars are based on more than just food and probably a place where the waiters are wearing crushed velvet tuxedo jackets over vintage t-shirts isn’t gonna get 3 stars but damnit this place is putting out some of the most thrilling food I’ve had anywhere and they deserve the notoriety and praise that comes with it). Anyway, on to the food:
– Beggars purses a la quilted giraffe. Crepes filled with caviar, crème fraîche, etc.
– “Even if you don’t like lamb…” you will like this lamb. Totally true. Elysian Fields lamb loin with cherries and Black Forest cake. Incredible lamb jus to go along with it. Incredible balance of sweet and savory.
– Raw tuna and watermelon with ponzu. Maybe the weakest dish of the night but still delicious, which really says something
– Bacalao pasta with fried bacalao in a champagne and caviar sauce. New to the menu and a great sensation of the sea
– “Three cheese” ravioli stuffed with délice de Bourgogne finished with a sauce of brillât savarin. This was a cheez it. If a cheez it was the most delicious cheese dish you’ve had.
– Trumpet mushroom stuffed with maitake mushroom duxelles served with a mushroom and black truffle sabayon and Madelines stuffed with porcini cream. This was the showstopper. Absolutely the most delicious thing I’ve eaten in a long time. Somehow erthereal and substantial, savory and intense. It’s the first vegetarian dish that’s made me truly excited and wanting more. I would bathe in the sabayon if I could.
– “World Class Wagyu” with hearts of palm and guava, cornbread takoyaki, collard greens, and guanciale infused sauce. So tender and an incredible fusion of disparate flavors.
– “Parts Unknown” fusion of Bouillabaisse and Moqueca stew with halibut, potatoes. Homage to Anthony Bourdain (who looks over the kitchen).
– Jell-O shot palate cleanser? Yes please.
– “Cheese course” of Japanese strawberries stuffed (yes) with balsamic and la tur cheese
– Berry Sorbet
– Dulce de leche brûlée with pear sorbet
– Coconut and lime… something. I don’t exactly remember but it was delicious
– Salted popcorn soft serve
Service was great. Fun, friendly, and relaxed while also being flawless. They nailed the pacing too, all this in less than 3 hours, but didn’t feel rushed at all. Wine program was great, we got the pairings which were generous and fantastic, all French with some nice age – think 1er burg from mid 2000s, Guigal condrieu, Bonneau CdP, etc.
All in all an absolutely phenomenal experience and one I can’t wait to return to!
by millie678