Last date I was here: 05/14/2010
Location: Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Total Rating: 4.75
Food: 5, Price: 4, Service: 5, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 4
Food: 5, Price: 4, Service: 5, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 4
Summary: Located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Sou'Wester offers all day dining with regional American cuisine in a bustling space boasting waterfront views and al fresco dining. Sou’Wester, meaning strong winds hailing from the southwest, captures the essence of the restaurant. Natural light streams in from tall windows and an earthy color palette creates a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Tables are cherry wood finish and set with woven place mats. The chinaware is warmly colored, evoking a farmhouse feel. The menu reads with a Southern lilt and features traditional as well as interpretive takes on American classics such as Skillet Fried Chicken with Coleslaw, Chicken and Dumplings and Sautéed Red Snapper with Old Bay Chowder. Pastry Chef Amanda Cook's menu features Banana Cream Pie, Carrot Cake and Brownie Sundae among other popular selections. An affordable wine selection and All American craft beer list is offered, as well as an original cocktail menu based around fruit, herb and spice infusions. Closest Metro is Smithsonian.
Tonight we wanted to celebrate a special night out (one year until the big day!) and although the forecast called for thunderstorms, we made the trek out for dinner. After changing our minds on the original place we wanted to go to, we decided on Sou'Wester - and I am glad we did. We were seated right away in the roomy dining space with a wonderful view of ....the 395 freeway. Ha - the other side of the restaurant had the great views of the tidal basin and Jefferson Memorial. It was still nice to have the floor to ceiling windows and we were early enough that it was not crowded. Our server was very attentive and suggested some tasty items. After ordering our drink selections, we were greeted by some lovely fresh country bread and biscuits with honey butter. Our appetizer was alright, but the real star was my entree and the dessert. The only reason I did not give a 5 for accessibility is the fact that although walkable from two different Metro stops, the hotel is located in a business district - so there is not much else around in terms of bars or restaurants and with the pouring rain, we had to take a taxi back home. All in all, it was a very pleasant evening. I would recommend this place to diners wanting a more cozy night to enjoy the views.
What I ate:
Seafood Fry
shrimp, mussels, crab cakes, and lemon slices lightly battered and deep fried
shrimp, mussels, crab cakes, and lemon slices lightly battered and deep fried
served with green goddess sauce
♥Grilled Maine Lobster♥
grilled lobster tail and claws served with Yukon gold potatoes and grilled scallions
grilled lobster tail and claws served with Yukon gold potatoes and grilled scallions
Strawberry Shortcake
sliced scone stuffed with vanilla creme fresche and served with marinated strawberries
sliced scone stuffed with vanilla creme fresche and served with marinated strawberries
Plus Keith ate:
Sou'Wester Skillet Fried Chicken
a leg, thigh and breast piece served with coleslaw
a leg, thigh and breast piece served with coleslaw
Twice Baked Potato
with pork meat
