DC Restaurant Week - August 2006
Jul 24, 2006
Click for information on the latest D.C. Restaurant Week
OK. The list of restaurants participating in Restaurant Week is up again and the usual restaurants are participating. 1789, which is usually one of the more popular choices for Restaurant Week, is NOT participating, although with a new chef and a regular pre-theater menu, I'm not surprised they bowed out.
I haven't received many responses to my inquiries yet, but when I do, I'll start posting what the restaurants are offering. If you can't wait to make your reservations, then I'd suggest that you go with one of these suggestions.
Corduroy
Corduroy is one of my favorite restaurants in the city due to their superior service, food, and wine. They always offer their full menu during Restaurant Week with a few upcharges, and with most entrees between $20 and $30, Restaurant Week makes Corduroy a very good deal.
Vidalia
Vidalia offers most of their regular menu for Restaurant Week. Their food is exceptional, and their wine list even better.
Ristorante Tosca
Tosca is probably one of the better and more expensive Italian restaurants in the city which makes it a great deal during Restaurant Week.
Kinkeads
Kinkeads doesn't normally offer dinner service as part of their Restaurant Week offering. Since this is likely not to occur again, I'd take advantage of this while you can.
Also, here are some rules/tips for Restaurant Week for you newbies out there.
- Make sure when you make the reservation, that you tell the person on the phone that you are going to order the Restaurant Week menu.
- Go somewhere new. Take advantage of this offer and try a restaurant that you wouldn't normally go to.
- Think about how much you are actually saving by dining during Restaurant Week. Places that offer small plate or tapas probably wont give you the best bang for your buck.
- Keep in mind that this is one of the busiest times of the year for restaurants and they make their money on volume, so please be sure to be courtious and call to cancel your reservation if you can't make it.
- Have fun!
This also could be a good time to go to one of those restaurants that ISN'T participating in Restaurant Week. Everyone is crowding into restaurants that ARE participating, which makes it easier to get a reservation at places like Komi or Palena. Just a thought.
Here is the information on menus for Restaurant Week that I have:
100 King
Offering their Restaurant Week Menu throughout August for dinner starting on August 7th
Starters (choice of):
Gazpacho
Hommos
Greek Salad
Zucchini Cakes
Moroccan Merguez Sausage
Fried Calamari
Entrees (choice of):
Sauteed Hybrid Bass with Garlic Broccolini, Fingerling Potatoes and Basil Sauce
or
Roasted Chicken Breast with Olive Oil Garlic Mashed Potatoes
or
Mixed Grill Kabob served with Basmati Rice and Yoghurt Mint Dip
Dessert (choice of):
Peach Tatin
or
Tiramisu
14K
Restaurant Week menu available here.
701 Restaurant
Restaurant Week menu available here.
Acadiana
Lunch And Dinner Menu
Appetizer (choice of):
Heirloom Tomato Goat Cheese Tart with a Creole Viniagrette and Arugula Salad
or
any of our delicious homemade soups-Smoked Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo, Sweet Corn and Crab soup or Turtle Soup
or
Trio of Deviled Eggs
or
Mixed Greens with a Creole Molasses Viniagrette
Entrees:
CHOICE OF ANY!!!
Desserts (choice of):
Cafe au Lait Creme Brulee, Lemon Panna Cotta with Vanilla stewed Blueberries, or Bittersweet Chocolate Bread Pudding with Brandy Stewed Cherries
Beacon Bar and Grill
Select from any Appetizer, Entree and Dessert on the menu. Full menu available here.
Bistro Bis
Offering it's entire menu for Restaurant Week. A "sample" menu is available here.
Bombay Club
Offering a special full menu for Restaurant Week. Their menu is available on their web site. Click "Events" and then "Restaurant Week".
Butterfield 9
Offering a pre-Restaurant week menu Aug. 7th through 13th. Click here for the menu.
Also extenting Restaurant Week Until the 27th. Lunch Menu and Dinner Menu available online.
Ceiba
Usually offers a wide selection of normal appetizers, entrees and desserts. Their menu isn't available online but double check the offering when you make a reservation.
Circle Bistro
Usually offers their full menu during Restaurant Week. Double check their offering when you make your reservation.
Corduroy
Corduroy always offers their full menu for Restaurant Week. Check their web site for the most recent menu.
Dino
Offering Restaurant Week option thru Thursday August 24.
Full menu available
First course: any small plate up to $12
Second course: any item up to $22
Dessert: Any dessert
Special 3 wine flight to go with restaurant for $10.
See the Dino Web Site for the most recent menu.
Equinox
Offering a special tasting menu for dinner during Restaurant Week. Click here to see the menu.
Finn and Porter
Full menu available for Restaurant Week diners. See their menus here.
Georgia Browns
Their full menu is now available on their web site.
Indeblue
Will be extending their Restaurant Week offering an additional week to the 27th. Their dinner menu and lunch menu can be found here and here.
Mie N Yu
Offering the Restaurant Week menu through August 27th. Lunch and dinner, and brunch menus available on their web site.
New Heights Restaurant
Their full Restaurant Week dinner menu is available on their web site.
Neyla
Neyla's Restaurant Week menu can be found on their web site.
Oya Restaurant
Offering their Restaurant Week Menu from August 1 to September 9th.
Paolo's Ristorante
Full Restaurant Week menu is on their web site.
Perry's Restaurant
Perry's has an extensive dinner offering for Restaurant Week. You can find their complete menu here.
Restaurant Kolumbia
Offering a max of three choices for each course on their lunch and dinner menus, although the dishes sound pretty good. Full menus can be found here.
Taberna del Alabardero
Their lunch menu is here, and their dinner menu for Restaurant Week is here, but their web site doesn't work with Firefox.
Vegetate
Their Restaurant Week menu will be available here soon.
Vidalia
Sample Restaurant Week menu available here.
Viridian
Offering their full regular menu for Restaurant Week for lunch and dinner. Their menus can be found here. Update: Viridian is extending Restaurant Week through next week as well. Just an FYI.
So I need to figure out a strategy here - I want to be able to get a reservation at 1789 - unlike the last 6 restaurant weeks when I get shut out. What's the best method? Can you book this far ahead?
Posted by: Adam | Jun 02, 2006 at 12:22 PM
Call and see. I don't see why not.
Posted by: Jason | Jun 02, 2006 at 12:25 PM
Adam, be willing to go later on a week night. I got a reservation last Jan without too much trouble. Although, for the record, I didn't think it was worth the hassle. It was definitely great food and a great atmosphere, but it didn't seem terribly unaffordable (for a special occasion! not everyday!) without the restaurant week; the entrees are all around $30.
Posted by: e. | Jun 02, 2006 at 01:16 PM
Ok, so if that's not the best place to go, what would you recommend? If I was only to go to ONE place during all of Restaurant Week (god forbid), where should I go?
Posted by: Adam | Jun 02, 2006 at 03:23 PM
Hello Adam,
If I had to choose 1 to visit I would go to Galileo. You could also go to opentable.com and see which ones are classified with $$$$ meaning they are normally the most expensive.
Posted by: Andrew | Jun 03, 2006 at 12:52 AM
Hi, Jason. When you said "Talk to you in July," did you mean you and your adorable family will be away (and not blogging) for the rest of June? Say it isn't so, but only if it isn't so!
Thanks.
Posted by: mizburd | Jun 03, 2006 at 04:09 PM
WINE EVENT!!! BRIO TUSCAN GRILLE IN TYSONS CORNER. SIX WINES AND SIX COURSE DINNER 50.00 PER PERSON. CALL TO MAKE RESERVATIONS 703.288.8882
BRIO TUSCAN GRILLE
1971 CHAINBRIDGE ROAD
MCLEAN, VA 22012
(IN NEW EXTENSION OF TYSONS ONE)
Posted by: Tiffani Stanton | Jun 05, 2006 at 06:24 PM
I would NOT suggest Galileo...it was my worst RW experience ever...let's just say the food was horrible, as was the service...
1789 does not take reservations online this far in advance, but they may take them via phone. It's always one of my RW staples. Haven't been there since the new chef took over, though...
Posted by: lala | Jun 06, 2006 at 12:25 PM
I went to Galileo for RW last year for lunch. I thought the food was quite good and the service was fine. We were in a large group (10 I think?) and were still able to get a reservation maybe only a week or two in advance.
Posted by: Mike | Jun 08, 2006 at 10:52 AM
Just an FYI, kids: 1789 is NOT participating in RW this year (I just called and tried to get reservations). But they apparently are offering a summer coupon on their website soon that offers basically the same 3-course deal and is available all summer. Also, don't forget that 1789 has the after-hours menu and pre-theater deal that are also RW specials available all the time.
Posted by: Ryan | Jun 18, 2006 at 09:16 PM
Try Red Sage or IndeBleu. Those are definitely the best dining experiences I've had in DC, they both serve their full menus during restaurant week (instead of a paltry selection like at Galileo or other big-name joints), and they're both pricey enough to make it well worth the restaurant week crowds. I can't wait to go back.
Posted by: Rachel | Jul 11, 2006 at 11:07 AM
IndeBleu does not offer a full menu and their wine selection is overpriced. It was not a good experience for us.
Posted by: Sarah | Jul 11, 2006 at 05:39 PM
I went to Red Sage last summer during RW for lunch and it wasn't anything spectacular.
Posted by: E. | Jul 12, 2006 at 11:41 AM
Hi Adam, If you can't make it to 1789 during restuarant week. 1789 is having their Summer offer again:$35 3-courses until Sept 13th.
Posted by: Michelle | Jul 13, 2006 at 09:42 AM
Thanks for the info! I went ahead and made a reservation for Indebleu, but then saw Sarah's comment about not offering the full menu - anyone know for sure yay or nay?
Posted by: Adam | Jul 13, 2006 at 12:09 PM
I heard that you cannot do RW reservations until a month before hand....meaning tomorrow. Is this true? Also, is there a comprehensive list that details the restaurants participating? Is it the same as the ones that participated in the winter RW? So many questions. Thank you for your help and advice!
Posted by: Caroline | Jul 13, 2006 at 01:52 PM
I've never heard that before. There will be a comprehensive list published soon on the DC Convention and Tourism web site. Also I'll post something here soon as well. The restaurants that participate from year to year are generally the same, with a few exceptions. The best thing to do is call for a reservation and ask.
Posted by: Jason | Jul 13, 2006 at 01:56 PM
I made reservations more than a month out for 1789 in January since I, too, had been shut out for many years. I just took a guess they'd participate and it paid off. Too bad they are not participating this time around, but the summer special sounds like a good deal. For the record, I quite enjoyed my meal (scallops), but Darling Boyfriend (who paid the upcharge for their signature lamb) was less pleased. This was about three weeks after the new chef took over the kitchen.
Posted by: Susan | Jul 14, 2006 at 06:06 PM
The list is up!
www.washington.org/restaurantwk
Posted by: Lauren | Jul 20, 2006 at 10:58 AM
I have three places i really want to try for restaurant week...Galileo, Kinkeads, and TenPenn. Anyone have plus' or minus' during for them during restaurant week?
Posted by: Becca | Jul 20, 2006 at 03:32 PM
Galileo was NOT a good RW experience for me--neither the food nor the service made me want to return. Never done Kinkead's, but my colleague says it's a great RW lunch spot. TenPenh usually offers their full menu, don't they?
So far, I have dinner reservations at Palette, Cafe 15, Vidalia (been there twice and LOVE it), DC Coast, and Corduroy. Yay!
Posted by: bettyjoan | Jul 22, 2006 at 04:32 PM
TenPenn was fine, but nothing special this past Janurary, and service was unbearable (and I'm not that picky). . . I'm doing Corduroy, Vidalia, Indebleu, and Arcadiana (LOVE me some Creole/ Cajun goodness)! My top two are Vidalia and Corduroy.
Posted by: LawDancer | Jul 25, 2006 at 09:32 AM
The one and only time I went to Galileo was when they were having a half price special for people on their email list. The service was fine but the food was nothing special at all. I was very dissappointed and this was after only paying half price! The wine list is also ridiculously overpriced. I was shocked but then read later in the Washingtonian that they are known for overcharging on their wine list. I would def suggest trying something else. Komi or Palena would be great restaurant week alternatives and Corduroy is an amazing time.
Posted by: cbc | Jul 25, 2006 at 10:26 AM
Rasika has their RW menu posted...if you can tolerate weeding through the flash set up.
Vidalia does, too.
Posted by: holly | Jul 25, 2006 at 11:37 AM
Last year we did IndeBlue. They did NOT offer their full menu. They did post a RW menu (on their eye-hurting website). Since my SO and I were interested in all the offerings, we ended up going. The food was very good, and service was pretty decent.
But, as with any RW, if the selection is limited and you don't like the selections, you will probably not enjoy it.
My suggestion is to make a reservation, then wait for them to post a menu. If you like the choices, then go. If not, find another restaurant to try. No point in paying even the "discounted" $30 if you end up ordering dishes you don't want to try.
Posted by: Wahoooob | Jul 25, 2006 at 12:37 PM
What about a steak place. I have had a fabolous experience at Smith and Wollensky, but I want to try something new. A guy at Bobby Vans said he used to work at Sam and Harrys and it was the place to go (full menu). Would you recommend this place or somewhere else?
Posted by: Jon | Jul 25, 2006 at 02:06 PM
I liked District Chophouse quite well the time I went. It was in RW the last time around, haven't looked to see if it's in this time.
Posted by: Mike | Jul 26, 2006 at 10:35 AM
I think there might be a Charlie Palmer, I know there is a Bobby Vans as well.
I would personally caution people to stay away from Ruth Chris. I was there on a regular event and the steak was extremley overrated. Why would resturant week be any better.
Posted by: Jon | Jul 26, 2006 at 10:51 AM
Restaurant Week is a symptom of just how perversely overpriced DC's food scene is. $30 pre-tax ain't cheap for a meal. Tack on $10-15/head for wine, 20% tip, and 10% tax, and you get $55-$60/head for limited menu options. And you have to fight to get a reservation. I suppose if you want to say I "ate a Galileo," it makes sense. But it would be cheaper to eat a few pretzels at the bar.
Posted by: guez | Jul 26, 2006 at 05:02 PM
I agree with quez, I have been wholly unimpressed with DC's "high-end" food scene. Too much style and not enough substance.
Posted by: Rory | Jul 27, 2006 at 12:51 AM
Hence all the discussion and hard work by Jason to provide everyone with information on what each restaurant is offering. Some good restaurants DO offer their entire menu for RW. And others offer you two choices. If you don't do your research, you may get scheisted.
There are plenty of good restaurants in DC, if you find restaurants based on food, not just popularity.
Posted by: Wahoooob | Jul 27, 2006 at 08:13 AM
I agree with Wahoooob's earlier comments about limited menus. If you've wanted to try a place and it has a limited menu, make a reservation. If the menu doesn't appeal to all, cancel it. In January, my best meal and service was at Cafe 15, even though we only had 2 choices for each course. We were treated exceptionally well, which I hadn't expected. This summer, I'll try Tosca and Nora.
Posted by: Jason (but not Jason) | Jul 31, 2006 at 12:19 PM
Any word on some of the menus? Betterfield 9 has theirs up on their website. Anyone seen any of the others?
Posted by: Anne | Jul 31, 2006 at 01:54 PM
Last year we ate at the following:
Butterfield 9: Strange service, tiny portions, and one entree had to be sent back because it was totally inedible. Interesting food, though - I wished that it would have tasted as good as it sounded.
Tenh Penh: Excellent food, average service. I especially liked the small samples of things (like gazpacho in a little shot-like glass) that they brought between meals.
Corduroy: The biggest disappointment of them all. I can't even remember what I ate. I do remember that there was a dessert that was like a big candy bar, and it was very good.
Dino: BEST restaurant in DC. Best service, best food, etc. We even bought a set of the flatware that they set their tables with. Every detail was perfect. Get the cheese course. Skip the wine pairing and buy a bottle instead.
And seriously....Could someone please explain why everyone seems to think that Corduroy is such hot stuff? No one ever seems to have a substantive review that says anything other than "it's great." When we went, every last bit of it was disappointing.
My best bit of "restaurant week advice" is to go EARLY. Go ahead and take the 5:30 or 6:00 reservation. You get the best of the ingredients in the kitchen and the wait staff isn't at their wits end...and neither is the kitchen.
Posted by: CurlyGrrrrl | Aug 01, 2006 at 01:42 PM
Last year my bf and I decided to try two lunches one mid-week and one late sunday. We figured we were getting to try two great places and would get more for our money. If you arent planning on going away for the weekend this year I would recommend a late lunch/early dinner over the weekend. Most places serve lunch until 4pm anyway. We tried Mie N Yu which was totally amazing and also tried Vidalia's which had an amazing Peach Crisp for dessert, and I actually heard the lunch menu for Vidalias was better than the dinner. This year we are going to do dinner because of weekend plans at Smith and Wollenskys, does anyone remember what they served for the price fixe menu in the past?
Posted by: Kritta | Aug 02, 2006 at 02:29 PM
I'm updating this post this weekend with links to Restaurant menus if they are posted on their web sites or if they've sent me the information.
Posted by: Jason | Aug 05, 2006 at 01:43 PM
Great - I have been nagging Indebleu for theirs, and have been getting zero response.
Posted by: Adam | Aug 06, 2006 at 10:49 PM
Avoid DC Chophouse for RW! I wasted my $20.06 lunch there last Jan. They had a very limited menu, I seem to recall only 2 choices for each course! I was stuck with beef tips in gravy on rice. What a waste of one of my 2 RW lunches for the year!
Posted by: Lori | Aug 07, 2006 at 01:27 PM
I made reservations for IndeBleu but now I'm wondering about their RW menu
:-(
Posted by: Karee | Aug 09, 2006 at 10:39 AM
I have the Indebleu RW menu - I gave it to Jason to post, but I guess he has been busy. Email me if you want it and I will forward it on.
Posted by: Adam | Aug 09, 2006 at 11:24 AM
I am taking my Dad to The Caucus Room for his birthday which falls during RW...any go a previous year? Do you recommend it or should I switch to Colvert Run which is also available?
Posted by: Irene | Aug 09, 2006 at 09:53 PM
Personally, I'd go with Colvin Run Tavern.
Posted by: Jason | Aug 09, 2006 at 09:55 PM
I went to the Caucus room last summer for RW. It was a good meal and I felt I got my money's worth. It is possible you get more bang for your buck elsewhere but I left very pleased after having a lovely dinner and some nice wine. Could have been the wine that left me so pleased. I'd go again if there weren't so many to check off the list!
Posted by: Anne | Aug 10, 2006 at 01:27 PM
I reserved online w/ Seasons at the Four Seasons 3 weeks ago for Sun. lunch & they just called to cancel saying they were not participating for lunch. Of course, by many of the better spots & times are taken.
I have done David Greggory for dinner in the past & I would not recommend it. Lukewarm food, uncomfortable seating & poor service.
Right now, I'm thinking of trying Charliei Palmer for dinner, but now I have to search for a Sunday lunch spot.
Posted by: Tonya | Aug 10, 2006 at 02:54 PM
Tosca has posted their RW menu: http://www.toscadc.com/rest%20week.htm
Posted by: ADDC | Aug 10, 2006 at 03:32 PM
David Greggory has a great happy hour and does a fun Pinot Noir night on Wednesdays - a better way to experience the restaurant than RW. davidgreggory.com.
I second the comment about Cafe 15. The service is much above most DC restaurants and the food is excellent. During RW last year, I went with a large, unruly bunch and they were exceptionally gracious even in the face of such adversity.
Posted by: mjsante | Aug 12, 2006 at 04:12 PM
Bangkok Joe's has also posted their RW menu on their website. www.bangkokjoes.com
they have 2 appitizer options and 4 entree options.
Posted by: LaShanta | Aug 14, 2006 at 11:59 AM
anyone been to Willow yet?
Posted by: Anne | Aug 15, 2006 at 12:07 PM
For RW, do you tip based on the RW price or on the amount that the total would have been on another week? The difference isn't huge, but it can be more than a buck or two for the wait staff. I've always tipped based on my estimate of the real price, but people with me recently thought that was a bit much. What do you think?
Posted by: Jason (but not Jason) | Aug 15, 2006 at 02:45 PM
Tosca was yum. yummity, yum, yum YUM. Had the veal and spinach ravioli to start (sweet lord!), then scallops (eh--the pork and the lamb chops ordered by my friends were much better--guess I am not a sage fan), and finished with the the special strawberry crisp that wasn't on the menu--I highly suggest this or the chocolate cake with hazelnut ice cream (it tastes even better than it looks).
Posted by: Sarah | Aug 15, 2006 at 02:48 PM