Bazaar by José Andrés

Set in the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, the Bazaar by José Andrés is the culmination of a 30-year dream for Chef José Andrés. Drawing inspiration from this iconic location, which first opened in 1899 and served as DC’s General Post Office until 1914, the Bazaar is a multi-level destination reinvented with avant-garde and Americana-inspired decor. The Bazaar’s signature playful dishes are infused here with new menu items, boasting an Americana flair with a nod to U.S. history. Closest Metro is Federal Triangle.

Cranes

Cranes is a one-star Michelin restaurant offering Spanish-Japanese Kaiseki from Chef Pepe Moncayo. Offering seasonal tapas, desserts and bento omakase menu, we went for Winter Restaurant Week. Closest Metro is Gallery Place.

Bodegon

Bodegon offers Spanish tapas, wine, and sangria in a warm atmosphere. Located along Barracks Row, outdoor patio seating is also available.  Closest Metro is Eastern Market.

Joselito Casa de Comidas

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Joselito Casa de Comidas is an intimate eatery reminiscent of the timeless establishments found throughout Spain at the turn of the century. Brought to us by Javier Candon and his wife Christiana Campos, who own SER Restaurant in Ballston, Joselito's menu features traditional family recipes from Spain, but prepared with the modern techniques of today.  Closest Metro is Eastern Market.

Seven Reasons

Seven Reasons is "inspired by the best Latin American culinary roots, brought to life through Chef Enrique Limardo’s bold, contemporary approach. The menu takes patrons through a sensorial encounter, allowing them to discover their very own Seven Reasons of a magic culinary experience."  Tom Sietsema recently named Seven Reasons the best restaurant in his 2019 Fall Dining Guide.  Keith jumped on reservations right away. Closest Metro is U St.

Del Mar

Del Mar from Fabio & Maria Trabocchi bring the flair and fare of coastal Spain to the District Wharf in celebration of their family traditions and tastes. The robust menu includes tapas, raw bar, charcoal grilled fish, seafood stews, and a variety of rice dishes.  The upscale casual restaurant is inviting with great food, yet lends to a more celebratory occasion with its high prices and flared cocktails.  Closest Metro is Southwest Waterfront.

Arroz

Arroz is the newest restaurant by Chef Mike Isabella serving modern Spanish/Moroccan fare. Located in the Marriott Marquis, the closest Metro is Mt. Vernon Square.

At Home: Boqueria Pan Con Tomate

Next on Restaurant Recreations...At Home, I make the versatile Spanish classic Pan Con Tomate using Boqueria's recipe.  This delicious and simple snack can be eaten all day, from breakfast into the wee hours and is a cinch to prepare, requiring only ripe, meaty tomatoes, a fresh baguette, and good-quality olive oil.  Chef Marc Vidal likes to serve his with marinated olives, such as Amanida cocktail olives, for garnish.  I decided to dress it up further with slices of cured meats like chorizo and jamón Serrano, and Spanish cheeses such as Manchego.

Amada

Amada is Chef Jose Garces' iconic first restaurant. Since opening in 2005, the gorgeous rustic-chic restaurant and bar has embraced the rich traditions of Spanish gastronomy while incorporating avant-garde cooking techniques. Amada's dining room features a six-seat chef's counter overlooking the open kitchen, a comfortable second dining room and lounge area, an intimate private event space and a spacious bar area reminiscent of a typical Spanish bodega, complete with hanging jamòns, a display of whole cheeses and shelves brimming with imported canned goods for sale. Located in Philadelphia's historic Old City neighborhood, the restaurant is steps from public transportation and easily accessible on foot or by car.

At Home: Jaleo Asparagus with Spanish Cured Ham

It's a new year and I have a new series to feature called Restaurant Recreations...At Home.  “Simple ingredients treated with respect,” is Chef Jose Andres' recipe for a perfect dish. This philosophy is seen in his Spanish tapas restaurant, Jaleo.  The simple preparation of Asparagus with Spanish Cured Ham is perfect for parties.  Be sure to use the freshest asparagus you can find and this easy tapa will surely impress your friends and family.

Boqueria

In March 2012, Boqueria, a spinoff of the popular Spanish restaurants of the same name in the Flatiron and Soho districts in Manhattan, opened in Dupont Circle.  This Boqueria is the largest to date, with 110 indoor seats and an outdoor patio. Serving lunch, dinner, and brunch on weekends, Boqueria restaurants were inspired by the best tapas bars in Barcelona.  Closest Metro is Dupont Circle or Farragut West.

Jaleo

Jaleo is a Spanish word meaning revelry, fun, and bustle and brings alive the spirit and flavors of Spain under the direction of famed chef José Andrés.  Jaleo in Penn Quarter offers an impressive assortment of tapas, the traditional small dishes of Spain, as well as savory paellas, superb sangrias and a fine selection of Spanish wines and Sherries in a festive, casual atmosphere.  Closest Metro is Archives/Naval Memorial.

PEPE

PEPE is José Andrés’ first food truck! The truck serves Spanish cuisine at the moment, but there is a thought that Andrés may change the menu (and even the truck name) at a moment’s notice! Current menu items are sandwiches ranging in price from $8 – $20 (most are $10).  This truck does not drive around as often as other DC Food Trucks, but they did make an appearance at Trucko de Mayo and I was happy to try them out.

Estadio

Estadio, which means "stadium" in Spanish, is a contemporary Spanish restaurant located in the fashionable Logan Circle neighborhood.  "The menu offers a creative take on traditional Spanish cuisine, complimented by an approachable wine list and inventive beverage program." 

Columbia Restaurant

Last date I was here: 08/09/2009

Restaurant: Columbia Restaurant (http://columbiarestaurant.com/)

Location: St. Armand’s Circle, Sarasota, FL

Total Rating: 4.55
Food: 5, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 4


Summary: The Columbia Restaurant Sarasota is located on St. Armand’s Circle in Lido Key. The Mediterranean style dining rooms and outdoor patio area are both relaxing and elegant. Serving Spanish/Cuban cuisine, Columbia Restaurant serves lunch or dinner while surrounded by the circle's paradise of lush tropical landscaping that create an international atmosphere of friendly warmth, enduring elegance, and timeless style. Columbia Sarasota opened in 1959 on St. Armand’s Circle, and is now the oldest restaurant in Sarasota.

We stopped in for a late lunch/early dinner on our drive back from Anna Maria Island. Sitting inside was a great relief from the hot summer sun and the simple ice water was so refreshing! Our server was very friendly and if we did not have such a long drive back, I would have liked to have tried the sangria that they made fresh table side and also the lovely traditional dish of paella. Since I was not in really a Spanish cuisine mood, I was relieved see a pasta entrée on the menu and it was delicious! Keith really enjoyed his meal as well. I would definitely recommend this classic place to others.

What I ate:

Pasta con Trufas “Cristalino”

Fresh pasta pockets stuffed with truffles and cheese simmered in a rich creamy sauce made with Spain’s premium Cava sparkling wine, Cristalino.

Plus Keith ate:

Filet Steak Salteado

Choice tenderloin tips are placed in a very hot sauté pan, then we combine Spanish extra virgin olive oil with a touch of fresh garlic then add sliced sweet Spanish onion, green bell pepper, fresh mushrooms, diced potatoes, Spanish sausage (chorizo) and a splash of red wine. Served with yellow rice.

Taberna del Alabardero

Last date I was here: 09/20/2008

Restaurant: Taberna del Alabardero (http://www.alaberdero.com/)

Location: Farragut West

Total Rating: 4.3
Food: 5, Price: 2, Service: 4, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 5

Summary: With its traditional Spanish cuisine and beautiful atmosphere, evocative of Old-World Spain Taberna del Alabardero has been designated as the “Best Spanish restaurant outside of Spain” by the Spanish government and has received recognition as one of the best restaurants in the country by Washingtonian magazine, Gourmet , The New York Times and Condé Nast Traveler. Though the restaurant regularly plays host to diplomats and dignitaries, General Manager Paco Pena treats all guests specially, and welcomes them as he would into his own home. Executive Chef Dani Arana continues the restaurant's mission of providing the best of Spain's cuisine by offering classical dishes, which reflect various cooking styles from the country's regions, including Basque, Andalucía, Valencia and Galicia. In addition to lunch and dinner menus, guests may choose from a tapas menu and a complete vegetarian menu. Closest Metro is Farragut West.

We decided to try this restaurant after hearing of their offering of a Paella Festival. Fifteen different varieties of paella available to try for $28 per person (each dish serves 2) for 15 days in September. The décor was bold and romantic, and we were seated right away by the friendly staff. We opted to splurge on the Lobster Paella for an extra $7 each. Figuring the dish would be large enough we passed on appetizers, which seemed to displease our waiter as we did not receive an amuse buche that we saw other tables getting. We did order a nice bottle of Spanish white wine though. Presented table-side, the paella was colorful and lovely with a large lobster split in two. After devouring my meal, I was too full to order dessert, but the options looked delicious. Several of the tapas items seemed tasty as well. Although a little overpriced for my taste, I would go back to Taberna del Alabardero for a special occasion.

What I ate:

Lobster Paella
Rice dish served with a whole lobster in the shell, scallops and calamari.