the washington post.
friday, february 21, 2020eZ12
pescatarian. Price is not much of
a concern, but we don’t want to
get to Pineapple and Pearls or
Métier levels. Plus, we’re looking
for a place that’s a little more
low-key and fun. Good drinks are
a must.
a: Low-key, with gluten-free and
fish options? You’ll find what
you’re looking for at Centrolina
(Italian), Chloe (international),
Compass Rose (also global) and
the Mexican-themed anafre.“Delicious” a nd “fun” a pply to all
four, too.Q: I made a reservation way back
in november for Nina may,
which is coming up on a
saturday in March; do you have
any updates from anyone about
the restaurant, e.g., is it still a
good bet? Any ingredients in
March we shouldn’t miss if
they’re being used in a dish?
a: Great timing. I just yesterday
filed my review of the new farm-
to-table restaurant from two
former equinox vets. since my
preview in november, I’ve been
three times. A few pieces of
advice: say yes to drinks, the
porchetta, baked Alaska and a
table upstairs.Q: Where in D.C. should my
spouse and I celebrate our
anniversary next month? We’re
adventurous eaters who enjoy
spicy foods and places that takereservations, and we don’t do
Italian or Mexican. We’re not big
on cocktails, but a fantastic beer
or wine list would be a huge plus.
If inspiration doesn’t strike, we’ll
probably head back to the
Dabney, since it was our favorite
from last year.
a: You can’t go wrong with the
Dabney, the Mid-Atlantic
standard-bearer in Blagden Alley.
But if you’re looking to spice up
your dining routine, I encourage
you to explore the formal Punjab
Grill downtown for modern
Indian or seven Reasons for
creative Latin American dishes
on 14 th street nW.Q: I’m graduating in May and
was wondering if you knew of
any options for a good place to
take a large group out to
celebrate. Preferably in the
northern Virginia area. no real
food restrictions, besides
needing some non-seafood
options. Would be a party of
about 15, and if there is a
backroom, that’s a plus.
Preferably not too expensive,
about midrange.
a: There are a couple private
dining options at the friendly
Randy’s Prime seafood & steak
in Vienna, owned by the local
Great American Restaurants
group. While some of the seafood
dishes are among my favorites,
the nicely marbled prime rib-eye
comes in the color you want, and
the french fries go fast thanks to
a hot bath in duck fat.Q: I just had my first-ever trip to
Thailand canceled because of the
coronavirus. Major bummer.
Where can I go this weekend to
get some real Thai food? I’m in
Montgomery County but willtravel to get some!
a: How unfortunate. Are you
able and willing to line up for a
seat in a no-reservations
underground restaurant in the
District? I ask, because grazing at
Little serow in Dupont Circle
transports me to Chiang Mai
every time I visit — not often
enough, alas.Q: Going to maialino mare ...
have you been yet? If so, what do
you recommend?
a: Been there, eaten that (and I
liked the menu and the attention
inside the Thompson hotel).
spring for the fried artichokes
and peppery chicken, among
other draws in the new Danny
Meyer-run venue.Q: We dined last night at
Rooster & owl, and in addition
to the terrific four-course/four-
choice dinner, were pleased to
learn that it offers half-size wine
servings (i.e., a three ounces or so
pour). I love this practice. Can
you confirm that this is the
restaurant policy? And which
other restaurants offer this
service?
a: The pours for the restaurant’s
wine pairing option run between
three and 3^1 / 2 ounces, chef-owner
Yuan Ta ng confirms. Wines by
the glass (a la carte) are 5^1 / 2 to six
ounces.Q: The eastern in Capitol Hill/
eastern Market offers half-pours
on all wines by the glass and
always has some cool “off-menu”
items by the glass and half-pours.
one of the reasons my husband
and I love the place.
a: Reader to the rescue! Good to
know about the Eastern.
see ask tom on 13Ask Tom
excerpts from Post food Critic
tom sietsema’s online discussionQ: I’m tasked with planning a
dinner (20 to 30 people) for my
department at work. Anywhere
in D.C. (Metro accessible
preferred). Cost is not an issue,
but somewhere that can
accommodate a variety of tastes
and can ensure focused attention
on a variety of food allergies.
semiprivate area preferred but
not required.
a: I know I mention it a lot in
this forum, but the oval Room
does a great job with groups of
your size. It’s near the White
House and serves a delicious and
creative American menu. And
just the other night I was
reminded what a treat it is to
dine at lobbyist favorite tosca
downtown, which comes with
multiple party spaces and is
particularly successful with
pastas.Q: For the small private party ...
We just planned a private event
at Rose’s Luxury, and they were
incredibly responsive and
attentive to food allergies (celiac,
specifically).
a: Another superb idea.Q: A few of my gal friends and I
are planning a dinner out soon.
We’d like to stick to D.C. or
northern Virginia. one of us is
gluten-free and another isLaura Chase de formigny for the Washington Post
Want something different from the main dining room at Randy’s Prime seafood &
steaks? the Vienna restaurant offers several private dining options.sCott suChman for the Washington Post
anafre restaurant on 14 th street NW is a good
choice for a low-key meal with gluten-free options.TICKETS: (202) 785-9727
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SAT, MAR 21, 8pm
SIXTH & I
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