Ici Urban Bistro

Last date I was here: 12/31/2010

Restaurant: Ici Urban Bistro (http://www.iciurbanbistro.com/)

Location: McPherson Square
Total Rating: 4.15
Food: 4, Price: 4, Service: 5, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 5

Summary: Located in the Sofitel Hotel at Lafayette Square, Ici Urban Bistro showcases a modern approach to classic French cuisine. Closest Metro is McPherson Square.

Keith and I chose Ici Urban to celebrate New Year's Eve. With the 6 course offering including a glass of champagne for $99 and the attaching Le Bar for an after party to watch the ball drop, we thought it was a good deal. We had the later seating, but I was surprised to see the restaurant not as full as expected. Also, I felt the festive decor to be a bit lacking for the celebration. They could have added some balloons, or something to spruce up the typical hotel restaurant feel. Regardless, our service was excellent with everyone speaking a few key French phrases here and there. We were immediately greeted with our glass of champagne and a lovely varietal bread basket. The first course was an amuse bouche of an oyster on the half shell. Second was the appetizer course, and I really enjoyed my scallops. Very fresh and cooked just right. Third was a palate cleanser of blood orange and Grand Marnier granita. Fourth was our main entree and although the portion size was good, I felt my risotto was a touch bland despite the shavings of black truffle mixed in. Keith tasted it and thought it was very good, which was seconded by the couple next to us who also ordered a side portion of the risotto. Perhaps my palate was too clean - ha ha. Fifth was a cheese sampling of some very strong French cheeses with grapes and walnuts. Sixth was the dessert, again a large portion, but I enjoyed it very much. Overall, my meal was very satisfying and having the extended courses was perfect to pass the time until it was closer to midnight. Afterwards, we walked over the the attached Le Bar, where there was more of a crowd, with 30 minutes to go until the countdown. We sat on a cushioned bench near the window and waited for the count down. It was a nice subdued way to end the evening and ring in the new year!

What I ate:

Pan Seared Scallops

Grilled pineapple, Chioggia baby beets confit

Black Truffle Risotto

Parmesan and arugula

Dark Chocolate Gourmandize

Roasted pecan crust, spiced cream

Plus Keith ate:

Roasted Quail and Foie gras Terrine

Shallot chutney, fresh tarragon

Butter Poached Maine Lobster

Chestnut purée, glazed turnips, Razor clams

Vanilla and Black Current Vacherin

Crispy meringue

Bibiana

Last date I was here: 01/14/2010

Restaurant: Bibiana (http://www.bibianadc.com)

Location: Metro Center

Total Rating: 3.5

Food: 3, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 5

Summary: Bibiana, a 120-seat Italian restaurant, is award-winning Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj's newest addition to his stellar collection of elegant dining rooms in the nation's capital. Sleek Bibiana is appointed with dark wood, layers of art glass, black leather and lighting accents that speak of high-style Milano design. Serving Italian cuisine in a contemporary setting, Bibiana is a fresh restaurant in downtown DC. Closest Metro is Metro Center.

It is Restaurant Week again and Bibiana was our first stop this year. Although the decor was modern and simplistic, there was something a little bland and unorginal about the place. Our server was friendly and courteous, yet seemed pretentious and awfully nervous at times - spilling wine and dropping flatware. It was very awkward. The menu selection had more options than most places participating in RW. Although the food was fresh and hot, my agnolotti was bland, the rissoto was undercooked and over salted, and Keith's bean ragu was also undercooked. There just wasn't anything spectacular. Bibiana is a nice restaurant and the location is great, but I probably won't return any time soon as nothing stood out to me. Out of Bajaj's collection, I actually prefer 701 or Rasika to this place.

What I ate:

Agnolotti
Sheep's Milk Ricotta Agnolotti, Lemon, Marjoram, Spinach

Risotto
Carnaroli Risotto, Pesto Genovese, Diver Scallop Pine nut, Green Bean Salad

Panna Cotta
Vanilla Panna Cotta, Liquid Orange Center, Orange Streusel

Plus Keith ate:

Trippa alla Parmiggiana
Slow Braised Beef Tripe in Tomato, Parmiggiano

Razza
Plancha Seared Skate, Borlotti & Cannellini Bean Ragu', Herb Salad

Crema Fritta
Venetian Fried Pastry Cream