American Son

American Son is helmed by Chef Tim Ma and offers modern-day American cuisine as a "melting pot of immigrant culture". The menu features simple yet thoughtful presentations of American comfort food, using local and seasonal ingredients and techniques influenced by Chef Ma's own immigrant background as a second generation American. Located in the Eaton Hotel, the closest Metro is Metro Center.

We headed out just before the rain began, and were seated inside the dark dining room at a table with half booth seating.  The menu itself is pretty small with three categories: bites, plates, large.  Our server was very friendly and recited the entire menu to us, explaining how each dish was presented and the approximate size. We debated back and forth a bit, and finally decided on two appetizer-sized plates and one large dish to share. But first, we ordered a bottle of 2015 Domaine de L’Ecu, Melon de Bourgogne, from Loire Valley, France.  This muscadet grape produced a very dry white wine, with tart apple notes that paired well with our meal.

To start, we had the Yellowfin Tuna served with perfectly diced cubes of Lancaster radishes and  Asian pear, tossed in a Mapo vinaigrette and topped with nori rice puff.  The addition of the radish and pear provided extra crunch and sweetness, but overwhelmed the fish.

An item that caught my eye, and one I am so glad we ordered, was the King Trumpet Mushroom.  This French-inspired dish was decadent and also featured Burgundy white asparagus, stinging nettle hollandaise, and pickled Beech mushroom.  This vegetarian dish was hearty enough to satisfy any meat-lover.

For our main dish, we shared the Fried Whole Fish - tonight a rockfish - served with papaya salad, fried rice and various sauces.  The presentation was impressive, and the fish meat plentiful.  The papaya salad was lacking the Thai flavors I am used to, and the rice was also a bit hard and bland.  Nevertheless, we devoured this dish as evident in the photo proof above.

Lastly, we ordered a dessert titled The White Album with coconut pearl tapioca over a tropical ganache, and topped with a small scoop of coconut sorbet.  It was light and refreshing, and quite subtle in coconut flavor despite the ingredients.

Overall, we had a decent meal at American Son.  The menu is limited, but there is a nice mix to please everyone.  The prices were a bit high, but that may the trend for hotel restaurants.

UPDATE: This restaurant was awarded Bib Gourmand for 2020.

Total Rating: 3.75
Food: 4, Price: 3, Service: 4, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 5