my favorite near Dupont Circle is Vidalia, on M St. between 19th & 20th.  And if you go to the Penn Quarter district there are so many, Jaleo (Spanish Tapas), Oyamel (Mexican Tapas, same owner as Jaleo), Rasika (superb Indian), just take Metro over to Gallery Place & walk around.  And the Museums are excellent, Smithsonian (about a dozwn museums in all), National Gallery of Art & the Phillips Collection right in Dupont Circle.

is Hanks Oyster Bar. It's a short walk from DuPont circel and has good seafood. It's small and sometimes hard to get seated, though.

Citronelle - in Georgetown.  The best meal I've had in life.

Blue Duck Tavern - another great restaurant in Georgetown.  Very different from Citronelle, but an excellent place to eat.

Cityzen

Palena

Proof

Komi - voted best in dc 2011

Thanks so much for all the information....

I am very much looking forward to my trip.  Hopefully the weather will communicate and the stars will align.  I have heard great things about the gentlemen in D.C.  And I hope to get a nice warm welcome from you all.  Thanks and keep the great idea's flowing.
P.S. I think a trip to see the Panda exhibit is my first stop :0)
kisses from hot and humid sunny South Florida
Elle Vegas