AUTHOR: Dave McIntyre TITLE: Washingtonian Magazine's Best 100 Restuarants 2008 DATE: 1/05/2008 11:48:00 AM ----- BODY:
Washingtonian magazine's January issue contains its annual roundup of the Best 100 restuarants in the metropolitan DC area. Having joined the magazine as its freelance wine columnist last summer, I had the pleasure of participating in this in-depth survey of capital dining, along with the magazine's full-time restaurant critics, Todd Kliman, Ann Limpert and Cynthia Hacinli. I also contributed a column about positive trends in wine service at area restaurants. There may not be a whole lot of surprises to this year's list (Michel Richard Citronelle remains #1 for the second year), but there is definitely some movement. Twenty new restaurants made the list, including several that just opened their doors in 2007. This was the year of the bistro in DC, with top chefs such as Michel Richard and Robert Weidmaier opening second restaurants themed as bistros or brasseries to give diners a chance to taste their creations without going totally luxe. Central Michel Richard debuts at #10 on the list, while Weidmaier's Brasserie Beck comes it at #36. What's fun is to see who changes from one year to the next. Ristorante Tosca surged dramatically under its new chef, Massimo Fabbri, from #85 in 2007 to #20 this year, going from 2 stars to 3. (Four stars is the highest rating, given this year only to Citronelle, CityZen and Komi.) Oval Room ascended from #49 to #13, adding half a star to climb to 3 stars. Cathal and Meshelle Armstrong were named Restaurateurs of the Year for their expanding empire that has made Old Town Alexandria a dining destination. The husband-and-wife team operate Restaurant Eve (#4, 3.5 stars), and their latest venture, The Majestic, debuts at #42 with 2.5 stars. They also own Eammon's A Dublin Chipper and the speakeasy PX. One notable newcomer: Cynthia's in Severna Park, Md., which should be a mecca for foie gras lovers. And chocolate soufflé lovers ... It opened at #25, with 3 stars. To read the entire list and the reviews, you'll need to get a copy of the January issue of Washingtonian, now on newstands. The magazine's Web site, Washingtonian.com, is counting down the top 25 restaurants and will post the entire list at the end of the month.

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----- -------- AUTHOR: Dave McIntyre TITLE: Support Your Local Wine Industry!!! DATE: 8/23/2007 09:28:00 PM ----- BODY:
Like many DC wine lovers, I eagerly awaited the opening of Proof restaurant in the Penn Quarter district, with its avowed emphasis on wines. More than 30 selections by the glass, a reserve list based on the owners personal collection of the best and most exclusive wines of the world - all this seemed too good to be true for the vinoscenti of DC. However, I was dismayed to find on my first visit that the list featured a mass-produced Viognier from California, despite the number of outstanding examples of that grape from nearby Virginia. My first impression is online at Washingtonian.com's Best Bites blog. Cheers! Dave McIntyre

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----- -------- AUTHOR: Dave McIntyre TITLE: More D.C.-Area Restaurant Reviews DATE: 2/13/2007 06:41:00 PM ----- BODY:
The Washington, D.C., suburbs continue to offer some exciting new dining opportunities. In Silver Spring, Md., across the street from the newly restored Silver Theater (home to the American Film Institute) is Ray's the Classics, which strikes a cinematic note with its black-and-white decor, champagne and cocktails, and classic steak and seafood dishes. In Old Town Alexandria, Va., D.C.'s Iron Chef Morou Outtara has opened Farrah Olivia, where he is challenging diners with sophisticated cuisine based on flavors of his native West Africa, France and the Middle East. I hope you'll enjoy my reviews from DC magazine. And if you happen to find yourself in Arlington, Va., near Fort Myer, stop by EatBar for some great bar snacks such as roast olives, mini burgers, or bacon-wrapped figs. There's a great selection of wines by the glass, beers, and cocktails. If you want a more formal dinner, dine at Tallula next door. Happy Dining! Dave

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----- -------- AUTHOR: Dave McIntyre TITLE: Michel Richard Citronelle - Decadence at the Table DATE: 11/19/2006 04:47:00 PM ----- BODY:
Decadence is the theme in the November issue of DC magazine, so we sought out the most decadent meal in the city. Join me at the chef's table at Michel Richard Citronelle, where one of the world's most acclaimed chefs flirts, cajoles and beguiles diners with whimsical, delicious food. Bon appetit! And in October, DC celebrated the city's nightlife. My review profiled Lima, a night club-cum-lounge-cum restaurant, where the food is better than expected and sommelier Daniel Mahdavian presides over a top-notch wine list.

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----- -------- AUTHOR: Dave McIntyre TITLE: Food and Art DATE: 9/18/2006 07:59:00 PM ----- BODY:
Washington, DC's Logan Circle neighborhood has become a trendy residential area the last few years as the city's renaissance continues to spread. Culture has come to the 'hood, too, along with gentrification, in the form of art dealer Giorgio Furioso, who convinced some the city's best art dealers to relocate to the area. Furioso purchased a former car dealership at 1515 14th Street NW and turned it into an art showcase. On the ground floor, he created Viridian, a restaurant that features art on the walls and an artistic sensibility on the plates. Chef Antonio Burrell offers mostly organic, vegetarian-friendly cuisine, which succeeds when he resists the temptation to fuss with the food. Here's my review of Viridian in DC magazine. [Note: Chef Burrell left the restaurant in November 2006. There is no indication my review had anything whatsoever with his departure. The new chef is Jeff Orel. I have not revisited the restaurant since the change.]

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