Our Picks for DC Restaurant Week 2012
DC Restaurant Week 2012 is upon us again, and it’s quickly become my favorite time of year since I moved into the District. From January 9-15, foodies of D.C. will be pleased with the best deals from the finest restaurants. I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 restaurants to try for the much-anticipated week.
For those of you unfamiliar with this week of a foodie’s heaven, restaurant week is the time of year when all the finest restaurants in the city offer 3-course lunches for $20.12 and 3-course dinners for $35.12. Most of these restaurants are regularly a little more costly (after all, they are the best of the best), so now is a great time to experience Washington at its finest (and cheapest)!
The following are either places I love and think you should definitely experience, or places that I have been dying to try for myself!
Buddha Bar is world renowned and fairly new to the District. They pride themselves on being a more unique establishment in that they provide “haute cuisine and spiritual music offering an eclectic array of Asian/Pacific Rim with a touch of French Infusion and world class Sushi.” As one of DC’s newest hot spots with a glowing reputation (and a happy hour that I have been dying to try), you can’t go wrong with the restaurant week deal at Buddha Bar!
Where: 455 Massachusetts Ave NW
For classic delicious Italian cuisine, Carmines in Penn Quarter is a great deal to take advantage of for restaurant week! The portions are large (for an Italian feast, they have to be), and every bite is perfectly prepared to be shared with friends or family. If you haven’t been able to locate that perfect Italian go-to place yet, check out Carmine’s and you won’t be disappointed!
Where: 425 7th Street NW
El Centro D.F. quickly became one of my favorite places as soon as I tried the Pork Pipian. This establishment definitely has the best bartenders I’ve come across in the city, and the staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about their ingredients, dishes, and tequilas. I’d recommend taking a date to El Centro to enjoy a restaurant week experience, followed by cocktails on the fully covered rooftop bar!
Where: 1819 14th St. NW
La Tasca Spanish Tapas Restaurant and Bar – DC
Ahh, La Tasca… Paella and sangria galore! Restaurant week is the best time to try ALL THE TAPAS YOU CAN EAT with their unlimited tapas lunch and dinner deals. My favorite must-tries for La Tasca tapas are Paella de Verduras (vegetable paella), Salmon a la Plancha (salmon with spinach), Paella Valenciana (seafood paella), and Buey al Jerez (grilled beef with mushroom sauce). If you go and you don’t try the paella, you will forever regret it! As for sangrias, they are all delicious! Share either a half pitcher or a full pitcher of one if their fruity sangria selections.
Where: 722 7th St. NW
Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar
For great wine and meals prepared with the finest local ingredients, Sonoma may be a good selection for your restaurant week experience. Check out their special menu (I’ve been told that the risotto is to die for, so it’s on my to do list), and keep in mind that you will definitely want to add a bottle of wine to your tab!
Where: 223 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE
Zaytinya, one of Jose Andres’ finest restaurant creations, is offering prix fixe menus for both lunch and dinner. The first time I ever went here for a dinner night, I asked the staff to surprise me with their entrée recommendations, and I was so pleased that I did it again the second time, again bringing me something completely unique and equally as delicious; it’s safe to say that you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. What’s the best part about Zaytinya’s restaurant week specials? They are extended through the 22nd!
Where: 701 9th Street NW
My first Zengo experience was perfect: delicious food, classy atmosphere, friendly chef, and plenty of unique cocktail concoctions. As one of D.C.’s more expensive (and deservedly so) restaurants, this deal is one you cannot pass up if you’ve wanted to try a Richard Sandoval establishment. Now is the time to take advantage of Sandoval’s famous Latin cuisine!
Where: 781 Seventh Street NW
Potentially one of the most drool-worthy selections on this list, CoCo Sala is every chocolate lover’s dream. With a dark, sexy atmosphere, scintillating chocolate cocktails, and a menu to be perfectly paired with the bar selections, CoCo Sala is by far the best date night I can imagine. For girl’s night, or date night, Id’ recommend making your reservations for dinner to get the most bang (and chocolate!) for your buck!
Where: 929 F Street NW
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
This award-winning establishment brings in the flavors of the islands with Spanish, African, Creole and Asian influences! A fun, energetic atmosphere add all the more enjoyment to the Cuba Libre scene. Try a tropical rum cocktail with your restaurant week entrée selection, and stick around for some salsa dancing afterward!
Where: 801 9th St. NW, Ste A (Corner of 9th & H Streets)
As part of the EatWell Group, Logan Tavern is sure to please both the appetite and the conscience! Taking pride in the ethical, local, natural and sustainable use of ingredients, Logan Tavern provides delicious meals and a happy environment. Check out their restaurant week specials, and explore the Logan Circle neighborhood while you’re at it!
Where: 1423 P St. NW
Remember to make your reservations early! This is one of the busiest times of year for these restaurants, so don’t miss out on the delicious menus by getting the dreaded, “sorry, we’re all full…” Happy dining!
Photo courtesy of El Centro D.F
Category: EAT N' DRINK, FOODIE EVENTS, RESTAURANT EVENTS
