Marco Polo

Marco Polo is a small family restaurant within the old city walls of Dubrovnik where in summer you can dine in a beautiful courtyard on typical Dalmatian dishes presented in a modern way. 

Bota Sare

At the seaside promenade in Mali Ston, in the medieval salt storage room there is a restaurant called Bota Sare, which is an old name for arched ceiling. The restaurant offers and nourishes the original Dalmatian cuisine, and the inspiration for their dishes is drawn from the two old cookbooks found in dusty corners of this monumental building. Oyster as a symbol of this area, and then all other shells, crabs and fish are stored according to original Ston recipes from the time of the Dubrovnik Republic.

Thames Street Oyster House

Thames Street Oyster House serves inspired and traditional mid-Atlantic seafood, including Maryland classics and New England favorites, along with a spectacular a la carte raw bar, on the historic Thames Street waterfront. Chef Eric Houseknecht’s seasonal menu and daily specialty offerings are accompanied by warm, knowledgeable service in a converted historic row home, in the eclectic Fells Point neighborhood.

Dauphine's

Dauphine's is the newest restaurant concept from the team behind The Salt Line. Led by critically acclaimed Chef Kristen Essig, Dauphine’s is inspired by the playful spirit and iconic cuisine of New Orleans. Chef Essig will work closely with Chef/Partner Kyle Bailey to utilize Mid-Atlantic ingredients to prepare classic Louisiana fare while also creating original dishes inspired by the city of New Orleans. Dauphine’s is located within Washington, D.C.’s Midtown Center, a new development at the site of the former The Washington Post building at 15th and L Streets NW.  Closest Metro is McPherson Square.

The Salt Line

The Salt Line is located across the street from the Nationals Ballpark, and has been one of our favorite seafood spots in the city since it opened in June 2017. Looking through the blog archives, I noticed I've never written up a review before. How is this possible?! Well, in order to document this restaurant in my catalog, let's start today. Led by chef and partner, Kyle Bailey, this restaurant takes inspiration from the magical blend where fresh and salt water come together, allowing oysters to thrive. The other major partner is Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman, so this place is often jammed on game nights. Classic New England dishes influenced by the bounty of the Chesapeake are highlighted on the menu, along with a nice selection of local beer, wine, and frozen drinks. Closest Metro is Navy Yard.

Le Bar à Huîtres Montaparnasse

Le Bar à Huîtres Montparnasse is located in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, and offers the largest selection of oysters in France. On our last day in Paris, we stopped here for lunch after a full morning of waiting in lines to see more tourist attractions.  It was a gorgeous sunny day, so we sat outside on the patio. 

Mirabelle

Mirabelle is a contemporary celebration of the American and French table offering refined fare from James Beard Award-winning Executive Chef Frank Ruta and Pastry Chef Aggie Chin. Influenced by modern American hospitality sensibilities, Mirabelle provides an inviting and sophisticated setting perfect for dining and entertaining in the heart of DC’s bustling downtown neighborhood, just two blocks north of the White House. Closest Metro is McPherson Square.

SlowFoodVastWine™

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With a mission to support local and sustainable farmers, artisans, and vintners in the Shenandoah Valley, SlowFoodVastWine™ is a premier food and wine event that this year supports the John XXIII Montessori Children’s Center in Front Royal, VA.

The Woollen Mills

The Woollen Mills is a quintessential local Irish eating house that overlooks the Ha'penny Bridge and the River Liffey in Dublin, Ireland. The building is over four floors and is (almost) literally on top of the bridge, with double aspect windows and a roof terrace onto the ultimate Dublin cityscape. An in-house bakery and large take-out retail offers those that pass by an opportunity to buy fresh breads, pastries, cakes, sandwiches, and salads each day.  We had reservations, but the place was slammed when we arrived.  The tables were squeezed together and it was so loud that our server could barely hear us.  The vibe truly exuded a popular local favorite.

Woodward Table

Located just one block from The White House, Woodward Table presents a “table” of dining possibilities with its creative and diverse American menu that features market inspired flatbreads cooked in the restaurant’s open hearth, house made charcuterie, grilled fish, steaks and chops. Closest Metro is McPherson Square.

Whaley's

Whaley's is an oyster bar, featuring the bounty of the neighboring rivers, bays, sea and farms that was built into the Lumber Shed at Yards Park, an historic industrial building in the Washington Navy Yard. The restaurant features a 22-seat bar and a 44-seat dining room, as well as outdoor patio seating facing the riverfront and the surrounding Yards Park.  Closest Metro is Navy Yard.

Wit & Wisdom

Wit & Wisdom, located in the Four Seasons in Baltimore's Harbor East district, is a tavern by Chef Michael Mina that offers comfort food with a contemporary Eastern Seaboard twist.  My dear friend Lucinda was in Baltimore for a work conference, so Keith and I headed up for a quick visit and took her to dinner here.

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.

The Chesapeake Room

From the owners of Lola's and Molly Malone's, the Chesapeake Room on Barracks Row brings an organic, sustainable and free range dining experience while highlighting a passion for all that our beautiful Mid-Atlantic waters has to offer. Closest Metro is Eastern Market.

Siesta Key Oyster Bar

Siesta Key Oyster Bar (or as the locals call it "SKOB") is the hangout with the laidback, beachy atmosphere that will get you right into the Island Spirit. When you're at SKOB you feel like you're hanging out with good friends on your back patio (although chances are the ceiling of your patio is not covered in dollar bills). The first time visitor will see typical bar food on their menu - chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, jalapeño poppers, and burgers, but seafood such as raw oysters and crab cakes are also available.

Sequoia

Sequoia offers eclectic American cuisine in Georgetown coupled with enchanting views of nearby Kennedy Center, the Watergate Hotel and the Potomac River.  The floor to ceiling windows allow plenty of light indoors, and a large three-tier patio is also available for seating outdoors.  The atmosphere is fun and laid back with a mesquite wood fire grill, sensational drinks, and their renowned River Bar.  Closest Metro is Foggy Bottom.

Treehouse at Oyster Club

Tucked away in the trees with a view of the Mystic River, the Treehouse at Oyster Club is an outdoor bar and deck "where smoke and fire meets the ocean." In the tradition of classic Southern coastal cuisine, the menu features smoked fish, raw and grilled oysters, smoky pork burgers, local produce and tasty sweets just to name a few. The bar offers craft cocktails like a moonshine lemonade, great wines and frosty beers. Don't miss the ice cold oysters, harvested from local waters and shucked specifically for you.

Sandbar Restaurant

The Sandbar, located on the north end of Anna Maria Island, has for decades been a favorite for locals and a great place for out of town guests. With an inside dining room or outside front deck, relax on the Gulf and enjoy your meal before watching a beautiful sunset.  Serving some of the freshest seafood on the Island, the Sandbar is also popular for beach weddings and receptions.

TruOrleans

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TruOrleans Restaurant & Gallery features Cajun and Creole family recipes from Louisiana and has recently turned over with new management, a new chef, and a new menu in attempt to revitalize the restaurant. With an open veranda for you to enjoy a view of H St NE and a Mardi Gras themed bar, TruOrleans provides a charming place to indulge in fun drinks to quench your thirst. Throughout the restaurant is an art gallery with items straight from the French Quarter.  Closest Metro is Union Station.

Rappahannock Oyster Bar

Rappahannock Oyster Co. has brought to Union Market their concept of artisanal small plates and their stunning variety of world-class oysters and clams with the Rappahannock Oyster Bar. A sleek black-brown wood bar surrounds a small kitchen where anywhere from 5-6 people will be shucking, cooking, or pouring at any given time. Sitting front-and-center in the market, it's not unfair to call it the anchor and centerpiece of the renovation. For more than 100 years, the Rappahannock Oyster Co. has been owned and operated by the Croxton family. Their oysters are served at hundreds of the world’s best restaurants. The current owners, Ryan and Travis, go beyond “sustainability” growing their oysters in a restorative way.  Closest Metro is NoMA-Gallaudet University.