Sunday, October 23, 2011

Todd Gray's Watershed

From the DC restaurant powerhouse couple Todd and Ellen Gray, Watershed is where NoMA residents and visitors alike can come together to connect over nationally acclaimed Chef Gray’s modern culinary interpretations of the watersheds of the East Coast.


Signature dishes include: Rappahannock Oyster Sandwich served with Butter Lettuce, Shaved Onion and Tomato Remoulade on an Artisan Baguette, Carolina Shrimp and Scallop Burger with Tomato Fondue and Watershed Aioli on a Poppy Seed Bun, an East Coast inspired Gumbo featuring Rappahannock Oysters, Surry sausage and Maryland Blue Crab, and Slow Cooked Southern Style Pork Ribs with Warm Napa Cabbage Slaw and Cola BBQ Sauce. Closest Metro is New York Ave.


As one of the Ambassadors for Take A Bite Out of Breast Cancer, a Pink Jams event that is in support of breast cancer awareness, I had the opportunity to "sponsor" Watershed tonight during their dinner service.  I invited my readers, family, and friends to join me for dinner and "take a bite" out of breast cancer!  25% of sales from tonight will go towards Pink Jams. In addition, Watershed featured two entrees: Shrimp and Grits and the Crab Cakes, where $1 from each of those sold would go towards the charity. 

We arrived at 6pm and the dining room was empty.  The decor was modern with neutral brown and aqua colors.  Located on the second floor of the Hilton Garden Inn, Watershed also offers a raw bar and lounge as well as an outdoor patio area that is perfect for their featured clam bake dinners.  Soon after, a couple colleagues of mine arrived and were seated in the table next to me. Our server did a great job mentioning the "Take a Bite" cause, pointing out the little flyers on each table, highlighting the specialty menu items, as well as mentioning the donation envelopes that would be available with our bill.  I noticed a few other people who came in and mentioned they were there for "Take a Bite".  


Other charitable events that Watershed supports include the Oyster Recovery Project.  This was also featured on the menu, and so we were delighted to try the Baked Oyster appetizer.  They were beautifully presented and extremely creamy and flavorful.  Keith's entree was very flavorful - the grits were creamy and had great texture at the same time.  The sauce on the shrimp was interesting, but got overwhelmingly sweet towards the end.  The crab cakes were made with solid meat and minimal fillers, which was very nice.  I was very full, but conceded to share the warm chocolate chip cookie dessert with Keith.  They were divine!  The table next to us shared their thoughts briefly with me as well.  They really enjoyed the macaroni and cheese and the French fries, but had had mixed reviews about their entrees and desserts.  Overall the food was very good and although in a hotel, the layout of the restaurant attempted to transport the diner.  I would come back in the warmer months to sit on the outdoor patio.  I want to especially thank my family and friends who came out in support of this great cause - and to all the readers who came out too!  I hope you enjoyed your meal as much as I did.  Make easy reservations to Watershed on CityEats.

Total Rating: 4.4
Food: 4.5,  Price: 4, Service: 5, Ambience: 4.5, Accessibility: 4
What Micky Eats...

What I ate:

Baked Oysters, NOMA Style
with Spinach, Pancetta and Gruyere

Watershed Crab Cakes
served with Crispy Fried Okra,Baby Spinach and Brandied Shrimp Cream

Semolina Hush Puppies

Watershed’s Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies
served with A Glass of Cold Local Milk



Plus Keith ate:


Carolina Style Barbequed Shrimp
with Creamy White Grits, Andouille Sausage, and Green Onion Butter


Todd Gray's Watershed on Urbanspoon
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