Cost - $$

Service - A-
Service has always been consistently good. Servers are very knowledgeable about the menu and quite attentive, even during the busiest of times.

Food - B+
When the basket of biscuits arrives at the table, I get this feeling that this meal is going to be good. Couple that with a traditional southern cocktail like a Sazerac or a bourbon and you are off to quite a start. The portions are pretty generous and the grillades and grits is quite good but the BBQ shrimp is even better.

Decor - B+
The little details makes this restaurant a treat. The decor isn’t necessarily novel but every time I dine here, I see a little nuance of Louisiana that humors me. Who doesn’t like alligator statues and an eclectic collection of chandeliers?

Feel - B+
Overall, Acadiana is pretty well executed and I really appreciate the lively sophistication. Definitely worth a try if you are in the mood for contemporary Cajun.

What’s the Buzz:

January 22, 2008 - Acadiana (That Guy at the Bar) - I love New Orleans cuisine, as you may have noticed from my favorite restaurants list. But, it’s really hard to find decent Cajun food in the DC area. To get my fix, I head to Acadiana in Penn Quarter, near the Washington DC Convention Center. Acadiana is run by the same team that owns DC Coast, Ceiba (another one of my favorites), and TenPenh. Full Article…

January 22, 2006 - Big Easy Moments (Washington Post) - There are moments at Acadiana that whisk me south. When my Sazerac lands on the table, I’m in New Orleans. Ignited with whiskey and pernod, the amber-colored cocktail is served with a cube of sugar steeped in bitters and threaded on a stir stick. Every sip of the drink tickles my throat. Full article…

Cost - $$$

Service - C+
I wasn’t terribly impressed with the service at Brasserie Beck.  The servers were fairly knowledgeable about the menu but seemed rushed.  The place seemed like it was full up and it took a long time to get our drinks as well as our main course.

Food - B
I think Brasserie Beck has garnered some critical acclaim however I was not terribly impressed by the food.  The striped bass was pretty solid, however the pannecota was possiby the worst I’ve tasted.  I’ve tried the salads and the croques and while tasty, there is nothing that would distinguish them from something you would get at a place like Cosi.  The selection of beers is incredible.

Decor - B
I found it almost indistinguishable from any other trendy restaurant in the area.  I defy anyone to tell me why the decor of this place is any better or worse than anywhere else.

Feel - B+
There was actually a fairly divers, eclectic crowd inside of Brasserie Beck, which is why I give it a good grade.  You do get your share of Hill Yuppies but it is not unbearable.

What’s the Buzz:

September 4, 2007 - Brasserie Beck (Washingtonian) - A few years ago, a young competitor took a shot at chef Robert Wiedmaier in an online food forum, characterizing his robust cuisine as “Flemish redneck.” Full Article…

July 6, 2007 - Brasserie Beck (DC Foodies) - I love places with beer lists, because I don’t know anything about beer and there’s always something new to learn. In my four trips to Brasserie Beck, I’ve learned a few things.  Full Article…

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Cost - $$$$

Service - A-
We knew our server so I can’t give an unbiased account of the service. The bartender however was extremely helpful and had a great knowledge of the wines behind the bar.

Food - B+
The food was quite savory at Proof. I had the grilled hanger steak served with smoked bacon and crispy potatoes. They also have a Chef’s six course tasting that I’ve heard is worthwhile.

Decor - A-
Proof has a contemporary, slick feel that allows you to focus on your company and the meal.

Feel - A
It is a great place for a group dinner or just a couple. It would also be a nice place to grab a glass of wine with a friend.

What’s the Buzz:

September 28, 2007 - Proof (DC Dining) - Proof keeps getting better and better, and Tom Sietsema’s review was well-written and paints an accurate picture of the restaurant. I don’t assign stars, but if I did (hmm, lightbulb going on…), Proof would absolutely get three. Full article…

Cost - $$

Service - B
The wait staff are usually very good at making recommendations and educating first-timers on mezze etiquette. A good waiter will bring your order out in waves to ensure food is served at the right temperature.

Food - B
The food has always been consistent and is a good value for the price. The menu is well-rounded with over 70 choices of small plates, however, the traditional desserts seem to be a little light for me. Vegetarian friendly and some very good wine by the glass (try the Malagousia).

Decor - B+
The white and blue scheme achieves its goal of a modern look with mediterranean overtones. High ceilings give the main dining area an open feel and the lighting is just right for lively parties or first dates.

Feel - A-
As one of the busiest restaurants in the city, Zaytinya attracts a diverse crowd and is a safe bet if you are looking for a happening place for dinner. Maybe not the best place for serious business but a very good starting point for a night out.

What’s the Buzz:

July 31, 2007 - Zaytinya (Bacon and Bakin’) - Friday night, I found myself walking to the Metro at about 8:15. I was on my way downtown, where I was meeting a friend, Jeremy, for dinner at Zaytinya. I’d been to Zaytinya before, but Jeremy hadn’t and had wanted to go for some time. We decided to meet at Zaytinya at 9, figuring the dinner rush would have subsided. Wroooong…Full Article…

October 15, 2006 - Zaytinya (Washington Post) - Excellence comes in many flavors. One of them is Zaytinya, the mezze specialist that manages to be beautiful, luscious and easy on the wallet (well, so long as you don’t get carried away ordering retsina cocktails).The blue-and-white palette evokes a Greek coastline; the service flows warm and efficient. Full Article…