Sfoglina

Sfoglina is a casual Italian trattoria and pasta house from Chef Fabio Trabocchi, named for the artisans and Italian cultural icons that carry on the tradition of rolling sheets of pasta by hand with a rolling pin, a technique passed through the generations. The menu features homemade pasta reflecting classics and regional specialties from throughout Italy, changing often and including daily specials.  With three locations in DC, we went to the Downtown location near Metro Center.

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.

Momofuku CCDC

Momofuku CCDC is the first Momofuku restaurant in DC, located in the new trendy City Center area. Meaning "lucky peach", the large restaurant serves a roster of dishes that change with the seasons. Momofuku has a bar, noodle bar, main dining room, and private dining room. The popular sweet shop, Milk Bar, is attached next door. Closest Metro is Metro Center.

Boss Shepherd's

Instilled with Chef Waybright’s southern inspiration, Boss Shepherd's menu boasts fresh takes on time-honored, rustic classics using farm-to-table ingredients. Offering a diverse beverage selection with distinct local whiskey and beer programs, Boss Shepherd's presents a modern take on the classic DC watering hole in the Penn Quarter neighborhood. Located just past entrance to The Warner Theatre, the closest Metro is Metro Center.

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken

I've been wanting to try the chicken and doughnuts (I usually write donuts) from Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken for a while now.  Described as "an astronomical clash of two iconic comfort food classics, exploding on the DC scene," my coworker, Jess, has walked up to the shop a couple times in attempts to obtain the coveted donuts, but has been turned away because the store was sold out.  The donuts are after all prepared daily and on-site by fry master, Chef Jason Gehring.  So when they are gone - they.are.gone. Closest Metro is Metro Center.

Elisir

Located in the heart of Penn Quarter, Elisir Restaurant is the latest incarnation of Chef Enzo Fargione’s approach to Italian fine dining featuring the chef’s distinctive hands-on approach, personalized vision and interpretation of his acclaimed modern Italian cooking. Elisir offers unique and creative multi course tasting menus nightly highlighting Fargione’s creativity and constant search for taste, presentation and concept. The restaurant also offers a very detailed a la carte menu which changes seasonally. At lunch time the restaurant offers a simpler and faster bistro concept with an a la carte menu for the main dining room and a dedicated limited bar menu inclusive of alcoholic beverages for a lower set price. Closest Metro is Federal Triangle or Metro Center.

J&G Steakhouse

Rated as a top 100 Restaurant in Washington, D.C., J&G Steakhouse is a showcase of Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's favorite dishes from his New York restaurants and an inspired selection of worldly steakhouse classics.

Ceiba

Last date I was here: 08/29/2009

Restaurant: Ceiba (http://ceibarestaurant.com/)

Location: Metro Center

Total Rating: 4.05
Food: 4, Price: 4 Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 5

Summary: The name Ceiba pays tribute to the imposing umbrella-shaped tree found throughout the new-world tropics, and not surprisingly, the food is Contemporary Latin American cuisine, specifically Yucatan (Vera Cruz and Cancun), Brazilian (Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro), Peruvian, and Cuban. Quiet, textured shades of cocoa brown, burnt red, ice blue and sage green distinguish the walls of the five distinct areas of the multi-level restaurant. Other surfaces are lined with a subtly figured limestone from a quarry in Merida, Mexico, and large expenses of ceiling are covered in natural canvas awnings, reminiscent of a tropical marketplace. The tables, chair frames, and bar area are a rich, dark wood, and the chairs are upholstered in a creamy faux leather that is cool to the touch and restful to the eyes. An abundance of seafood and meats prepared in traditional Latin American styles compete for your attention with more creatively conceived dishes, inspired by the flavors and techniques discovered by Chef Jeff Tunks on his recent tour of South America and Central America. Closest Metro is Metro Center.

We tried Ceiba for another Restaurant Week dinner and were generally pleased. The atmosphere is jovial with bright murals on the wall and Latin music playing, yet got much louder and overbearing at times as the night progressed by all the chatter. Both the hostess and our server had to lean in close or ask us to repeat when our orders were taken. The table next to us even mentioned how loud it was. We nibbled on tortilla crackers and a Latin “hummus” while we waited for our drinks. It was quite a busy night and our server did an impressive job keeping up with all the demands. My caipirihna was delicious and refreshing. Keith tried the “Dark ad Stormy” – a concoction of dark rum and ginger beer – and was shocked by how strong it was at first, but got used to it by his second one. My appetizer was just ok – the shrimp was fresh, but I did not care for the salsa and only 3 chips served with it. I am very glad I ordered the stew as my entrée dispite the $9 up charge. Overall, our experience at Ceiba was enjoyable and the food tasty and fresh.

What I ate:

Yucatan Shrimp Ceviche "Cocktail"

Pico de Gallo, Avocado, Crisp Corn Tortillas

♥ "Moqueca BaHiana" ♥

Brazilian Shellfish Stew Lobster, Shrimp, Mussels, Coconut Milk, Traditional Accompaniments

Lime & Sour Cream Pound Cake

Served with Fresh Strawberry Salad, Lemon Sorbet

Plus Keith ate:

Manuel's Bolivian Beef Empanadas Saltenas

Olives, Egg, Raisins, Spicy Rocoto Dipping Sauce

Seared Yellowfin Tuna and Crab Stuffed Aji Amarillo

Served with Shaved Asparagus Slaw, Purple Potatoes, Sweet Rocoto Soy Reduction

Traditional Flan

Served with Pineapple & Fig Compote