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Washington DC

The difference between the captial grilles (food and DC.....saga continues)
CSJ See my TER Reviews 1350 reads
posted

Certain items on the menus in different cities have been better then others. The way it tastes...the way its served....I am surprised at the inconsistencies. Boston was wonderful, Atlanta not so much...Then again Ruth Chris is also a shot in the dark with a blindfold.  Morton's seems to be pretty good everywhere....chains....whats the point in having one if it isn't going to be good across the board?
I was told about a french place in Dupont but totally forgot the name, and it sounded wonderful. One thing I miss about NYC is the food for sure.....and the cupcakes!

Any great cupcake places here in DC?

Polaris 2618 reads

There is a hugely popular place in Geortgetown, just off M Street around 31st or so, where people line up to get the treats.  I've not sampled, and disdain such an unseemly stampede for minor and temporary pleasures.  If I have to stand in line, I'd go for something more substantial, but there you have it for this part of DC.

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CSJ860 reads

I agree about lines. Hate them...its why I never sampled the shake shack burger in ny.
Thanks for the info...cupcakes make my day :)

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SMDTC1000 reads

Unless you really want to stand in the street for a couple of hours to see the inside of the shop  call ahead and place your order (don’t know if there is a minimum order). They have a window for phone orders. No line, just in & out.

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CSJ1064 reads

I hate to admit it but for me its 80 percent convenience, so I appreciate the info.

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kjpepper649 reads

The Georgetown place is called Georgetown Cupcake. There is a reality show about it on one of the cable channels. They also have a Bethesda location, and there cupcakes are excellent.

Hello Cupcake is in DuPont -- not as good, but still decent.

As for food, why all the steakhouses? DC has a TON of good restaurants. I'd suggest Komi or Vidalia or Jaleo if you want something truly special and different.

If you want a steakhouse, try Charlie Palmer Steak.

And if you want a good pizza place, Two Amy's is excellent...

Posted By: CaraSaintJames
Certain items on the menus in different cities have been better then others. The way it tastes...the way its served....I am surprised at the inconsistencies. Boston was wonderful, Atlanta not so much...Then again Ruth Chris is also a shot in the dark with a blindfold.  Morton's seems to be pretty good everywhere....chains....whats the point in having one if it isn't going to be good across the board?
I was told about a french place in Dupont but totally forgot the name, and it sounded wonderful. One thing I miss about NYC is the food for sure.....and the cupcakes!

Any great cupcake places here in DC?

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alexzint524 reads

Hi there,

the french place in du pont you are talking about I believe is Bistrot Du Coin...cool spot

I recommend trying Red Velvet Cupcakery...doesn't have all the hype of Gtown cupcake, but is very good.

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CSJ619 reads

does this place have steak? I am not obsessed but the person that told me about the restaurant told me they have a french steak dish that's awesome :)

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OldTraveler584 reads

DC certainly has variety, and step one is what types you enjoy.

I like Duangrats for Thai (there is another nice Thai place on approximately 2nd & D SE but I do not reacll the name--near the remodeled Bullfeathers.

The old Portner's in Old Towne Alexandria has reopened and the steak there was nice, though not a sgood as Ray's The Steak (I rarely go to a steakhouse for myself, I can cook it as well or better myself but the lady I took is a steak fanatic).  I think both Ruth C & Morton's are seriously over priced for what you get.

I've had very nice meals at Al Tirimasu off DuPont, and at Zed's--though Zed's has also at times been inconsistent.

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KeenObserver481 reads

If you are into Indian food, there is Rasika in DC...It's on D-Street. The most  upscale Indian restaurant in the DC area. Only downside is that you don't get beef or pork.

http://www.rasikarestaurant.com/rasika.html

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CSJ599 reads

indian is probably the only food I m not crazy about :)

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forbes825 reads

Rasika might change your mind

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vamikey638 reads

the Bombay Club over by Farragut Square is the most elegant Indian restaurant I know of--tuxedo'd waiters, someone playing the big white grand piano every night, & the decor.  And the food is just about as good as Rasika, just more traditional, while Rasika is more modern/cutting edge.  Both are owned/run by the same group, BTW.

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CSJ539 reads

upscale isn't so much the issue. I a def enjoy upscale and the best dive as long as the food is good....depends on ones mood I guess

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CSJ553 reads

The only thing left in DC would be the perfect burger. In nyc I am think Jackson Hole won that fight a long time ago

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kjpepper1092 reads

Perfect burger: Ray's Hell Burger. But that's in Arlington. not far though.

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CSJ527 reads

I guess I am addicted to the AP drinks at the grille :) But I am open to new cupcake places...

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!Drunk_BlowingChunks508 reads

I'm their sweetest cup cake. lol  :D

Not sure about cupcakes but tooti fruity has some good froyo. I guess NYC has that too.
I don't think DC has what NYC doesn't have in terms of food. I could be wrong though since I'm not too picky.

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CSJ572 reads

in ny...the thing is you a eat at so many places...and never run out of new ones to try...in dc there is a def cap

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TrulyMsMocha618 reads



-- Modified on 11/3/2011 9:31:43 PM

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CSJ585 reads

I like the big expensive ultra fattening cupcakes...the ones that are heart attacks waiting to hppen

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TrulyMsMocha581 reads

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forbes584 reads

Baked n Wired in G'town is the best if you like homestyle cupcakes.  Just off the canal near Barnes and Nobel

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HeathersLuv4u609 reads

....as well as drinks and men so hot you'll wanna lick me like a big lollipop......yum yum!
I like it (aside from the delicious eye candy) cuz u can eat them party afterwards....and they stay open very late...think I crawled outta there at 3am a few times...even on a Sunday night...dang.
They do burn the candle at both ends in DC..!

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CSJ610 reads

what type of food is it?

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HeathersLuv4u520 reads

American.....wonderful soft shell crab and crab cakes...my fav's!

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CSJ893 reads

nice fresh crab? Fresh seafood seems to be an issue sometimes :) found that out the hard way in atlanta

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OldTraveler472 reads

I have found it inconsistent.

Best crab cakes I would vote for The Fishmarket on King St near the river.  Not fancy but very good, especially when eaten on thier small balconies in nice weather, watching the tourists below.

There's actually even better ones at a small diner off of Coca Cola road between DC and BWI, but I don't remember the name and might have to struggle to find it.

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TrulyMsMocha629 reads

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tomcat0360510 reads

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CSJ508 reads

two types: upscale or bistro...which type is this?

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tomcat0360908 reads

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sexyadele1011 reads

The Bistro Lepic on Wisconsin Avenue in upper Georgetown close to the social Safeway. They have a pink beet salad with goat cheese do die for!

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CSJ512 reads

man...you are braver then I am :) I tend to shy away from goat cheese

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BeautywithBrains755 reads

....of.  If you are looking for French, you might also try Cafe du Parc (indoor/outdoor seating) at the Willard Hotel, or Cafe Francais in Georgetown.  Citronelle is the best, if you want to dress, and truly be waited on.

  Enjoy!

Hugs and Kisses

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CSJ624 reads

thanks much...they both sound like keepers

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vamikey488 reads

a bit more moderate both in price and admittedly in culinary reach, but very good at what they do.

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CSJ513 reads

seems like all the best places are in dupont from what I am reading

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vamikey565 reads

both very good French/Belgian restaurants.

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natsfaninva474 reads

I second the vote for Hello Cupcake, pretty amazing.

And for something really different, head over to Oyamel in Penn Quarter and enjoy some amazing fresh takes on Mexican in a Day of the Dead themed place. I'm pretty sure I could live off the ceviche there, maybe throw in some of the short ribs from time to time.

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CSJ574 reads

There was a place in Chelsea ny, called suenos. I loved the place, from the outside nothing great ...the inside was cute. The menu was what I would call upscale Mexican. The only downside was the menu never changed...... Once you ate there a few times you had nothing new to try. ....They are famous for their margaritas but in all honesty, they were nothing to write hoe about. Then again I am more of a martini person anyway :)

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Sswede499 reads

I had the worst cheesecake Ive ever had at Ruth Cris in Tysons Corner. It had all the flavor of cold cardboard.
It was served at a luncheon to 30+ business types about 9 months ago. The rest of the meal was pretty average but the dessert I will remember for a long time. The luncheon sponsor changed venues after this experience and Im betting they thought from Ruth Cris, you just expect better.
Amazing how one screw up can damage the image of a very good chain in someone's mind.
Which brings to mind a presentation by a Ritz Carlton speaker on their obsession with performance I heard just after this. I remember the details they follow in providing service to their guests no matter how much they are spending(so they said anyway) They obsess over consistency and their standards in everything they attempt and just hope people appreciate it at the end of their visit and come back.
A winning stategy for Ruth Cris back in New Orleans as I remember..maybe not so much anymore now that they are public with a global enterprize..Its too bad and there is a message here for everyone I think no matter what business youre in.

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CSJ504 reads

when I ate at ruth chris in nj it ruined me for the whole chain. The steak was supermarket quality.....I was used to homestead in nyc, peter luga, strip house etc....my review would have been: should have stayed home

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Sswede617 reads

Cara,
Im so sorry to learn my experience isnt a one off experience.
That is a shame what has happened to the restaurant chain..the Brennans, who started and ran the company for years and still have other restaurants (e.g Brennans)..in New Orleans, must be very upset. It carries the woman's name who started and owned it for God's sake!

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CSJ523 reads

I hear the one in nyc is great..but honestly after the first I didnt bother trying....

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natsfaninva509 reads

The menu at Oyamel is constantly evolving, the owner also has a Spanish tapas place across the street which is tasty but not in the same league as Oyamel. The real winning key here is the gelato place a couple doors down...oh my.

Since we keep looping back to steak, I'll never understand why BLT doesn't get more play on these threads. It's hands down the best steak house in DC with Charlie Palmer's a close second. I'm a guy who grew up in the midwest so steak and BBQ are two things I don't take lightly and either of the above two establishments rate in my top 10 of anywhere.

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CSJ735 reads

I like when the steak is full flavored, tender as butter and not highly seasoned... Nothing worse then a great steak covered in black pepper :(

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jim1542618 reads

Cara, if you are a Martini person, maybe you would like some of the aged rum (and Cuban food) at Cuba Libre in DC (Corner of 9th & H Streets).  Salsa dancing after 11:00PM on Friday and Saturday (and I know with a figure like yours, you would have all eyes on you).  Award winning chef.

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CSJ817 reads

a few martinis always bring out the dancer in me :)

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Jackbenimble17497 reads

If you want to go up to Bethesda, many great restaurants and a little gem for cup cakes is "Just Cakes".  Better than Georgetown Cupcakes anyday...

Blacks, Woodmont Grill, Redwood Grill all highly recommended

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CSJ929 reads

I keep thinking maryland might be great for seafood :)

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