Since launching, L2 Lounge has generally been known as a members-only establishment that caters to a limited population of internationals and DC socialites who have been willing to pay the price tag for an annual membership.  In the past few months however, the L2 brain trust has been working to shift this perception of absolute exclusivity.  They have been loosening the entrance restrictions (non-members can get in for a cover on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays) and hosting events like Art Soiree (who was hosting the event I attended this past week) and Apres Work, which is a no-cover event that takes place every Wednesday from 6PM – 2AM.

The result has been an infusion of new faces and a broadening diversity that is putting L2 back on many radars including my own.

Cost – $$$
The price points are on the higher end but certainly not outrageous.

Service – A-
Years back, the only black eye on my experience with L2 was at the door where I encountered a couple doormen who were obviously took the idea of being discerning too far.  This time around however, they were certainly far more polite and professional.  I’ve always thought the service inside the door was fantastic and that has continued.

Food – B+
L2 Lounge serves appetizers and smaller plates.  I nibbled on one of the sliders but a little piggy in my group (you know who you are) devoured the remainder before I had a chance to enjoy them.  I didn’t get to meet the mixologist at L2 but rank the cocktails I sampled highly, which one would expect at such a venue.

Decor – A
I loved the decor the first time I visited and that hasn’t changed.  The designers did a fantastic job mixing slick, modern furnishings in a Manhattan-esque loft setting complete with exposed brick walls.   Being located Cady’s Alley, L2 has high aesthetic standards to live up to and certainly meets the challenge.

Feel – A
I initially gave L2 an “A” for feel and there was nothing about my experience that would make me change that.  I actually think they have begun to meet their new mission of broadening their base of members and customers, yet have managed to maintain the ambiance of exclusivity (in a good way).  I remember thinking to myself upon first visiting L2, that it was the antithesis of an Adams Morgan bar and I think that is still a good way to think about it.  If you’re looking for a sweaty place to drink beer, be stupid and meet underage girls, then please don’t go here.  However, if you are looking for a sophisticated, sexy venue to meet interesting people or enjoy an evening out with your friends then this should be on your short list.

For an annual fee of $1500, membership comes with waived venue rental fees, table booking at no minimum, exclusive discounts to a variety of DC luxury services and products and of course the ability to enter the lounge at any time for no cost with up to five guests.  For more information on membership, visit their Web site.   For recent news and events information, follow them on Twitter.

L2 Lounge is located on Cady’s Alley in Georgetown and can be reached at (202) 965-2001.

What’s the Buzz:

March 22, 2008 – L2 Lounge, Georgetown (That Guy at the Bar) – I’m not going to be able to write this without gushing like a school girl. I LOVE L2 Lounge. That Guy at the Bar has been to L2 three times over the last couple of weeks with different groups of friends, and every time the experience has been fantastic. Full article…

[mappress]

Andrea Bocelli, Catherine Deneuve, Larry King, Mary Tyler Moore and myself. The thread that binds us all is that we have all at one point or another walked into Okyo Salon, stayed for a little while, and then left looking a little (or a lot) easier on the eyes. Okyo’s walls are adorned with the pictures of celebrities who have come through over the past several decades, a period during which Okyo has maintained a reputation as one of the top salons in Washington, DC and possibly the best color salon in DC.

Cost – $$$

Service – A
The quality of experience throughout the entire process is what one would expect from a top-tier salon in DC. From entrance, to wash, to cut, I had a great time. My stylist was Kay and she did a fantastic job. With just a bit of guidance she was able to abstract exactly what I wanted and deliver with razor sharp precision – definitely one of the better cuts I’ve had in a while. I spent a few minutes chatting with a very energetic and interesting stylist named Pejman, who shared some of his thoughts about Asian hair styles.

Décor – B+
The front of Okyo has a warm, classical feel created through soft lighting, thick curtains, and a row of columns that create visual separation between the work spaces. In general, it has a well construed aesthetic that serves the establishment well. I would say the one component that could be tweaked is the interior design in the back room, which is where the washing and color stations are located.

Feel – A-
I spent about an hour there and loved every minute of the experience. The staff is energetic and fun, they do fantastic work and the space is warm and inviting. Their litany of accolades and A-list clientele are evidence of the talent that resides within the building as well as the general experience they are able to create. To fully understand the quality of the venue, I’d probably have to know more about their ability to color but as far as my overall experience was concerned I have nothing but good things to say about Okyo.

Okyo Salon is located at 2309 M Street, Northwest.  They can be reached at (202) 342-2675.

[mappress]

For a city that contains a significant European presence, there are relatively few contemporary European-style cafés – the types of places you would go and socialize with friends for a few hours in a reserved, hip environment.  You can almost count the venues on one hand: Napoleon in Adams Morgan, Leopold’s in Georgetown, and a few others.  It was with a sense of optimism that I headed down to Georgetown to check out the recently launched Puro Café, which I had heard great things about from a close friend of mine.

Cost – $$

Food – B+
The menu contains a selection of well portioned paninis and flat breads. I tried both the prosciutto, fig & parmesan as well as the chicken breast with tomatoes and fresh basil and both were fantastic.  Rashid Hassouni, the proprietor, also brought a complimentary chocolate craquant, which was fairly light and tasty.

Service – A
I felt that the service was great.  The baristas were helpful and attentive and Hassouni himself came over on several occasions to check on us. He seemed genuinely interested in knowing about our experience at his establishment and what he can do to make it better.

Décor – A-
Simple, white furnishings, hardwood floors and nouveau classical french chandeliers culminate to create a general visual sense that can be described as “South Beach chic.”  It is the result of Hassouni’s vision and Tasty Concept’s design expertise.  The spacious patio is still in development and should prove to push Puro even further ahead once launched.

Feel – A
Hassouni’s goal is to create a contemporary, chic space where people can come to relax and socialize without feeling cramped or rushed and it is safe to say he has delivered on that vision.   The instant I walked in I immediately knew my days waiting for a worn couch at a coffee shop where I would sit in the midst of chaos and leave reeking of coffee, were over.   I went to Puro with the intention of grabbing a quick bite and doing some reading and I ended up staying there for the entire afternoon into the early evening.

Puro Café is located at 1529 Wisconsin Avenue.  They can be reached at (202) 787-1937.

Photos:

What’s the Buzz:

January 22, 2010 – Puro Cafe Opens on Wisconsin Avenue (CarolJoynt.com) – Early afternoon I stopped by the new Puro Cafe in almost upper Georgetown. Can’t tell you too much about it except very cozy, compact and pretty in shades of red and white. Very pretty red chandeliers that are familiar.  Full article…

[mappress]

“Welcome to the family,” sounds like something you would expect to hear from the proprietor of a Bed and Breakfast; not necessarily from Erwin Gomez, celebrity owner of the uber-chic Erwin Gomez Salon & Spa located in Georgetown. Yet Gomez insists this is the greeting first time clients receive when walking into his salon and I believe him.

From afar, Gomez looks the part of an eliste fashionista but this perception dissipates as soon as he starts talking. With a permanently etched smile and eyes that glitter like a kid on Christmas Eve, it becomes instantly obvious how he has managed to create such an impressive clientele that includes A-list celebrities, high powered politicians and DC residents who are willing to spend a pretty penny (although not outrageous) for an afternoon of being primped and pampered by some of the most talented beauticians in DC.

Cost – $$$

Service – A
When Gomez opened his salon (along with partner James Packard Gomez) about six years ago and started looking for talent, his main requirement was that they have “no ego,” a tall order in an industry dominated by ego on all levels. Gomez admits it wasn’t easy but over time his hand-picked staff has helped drive the success of his salon by exemplifying the culture, grace and style that is a core component of his brand. Like Gomez, who attributes his obsession with impeccable service to his Eastern heritage, his staff place a premium on the importance of making sure the customer is satisfied by both the quality of product as well as the quality of delivery.

Décor – A-
Gomez and his partner interviewed over twenty architects before finally settling on KUBE architecture. Not surprisingly, Gomez was intimately involved with the planning and design of the establishment, evident by the subtle, Eastern theme that runs through the space. From the couture vault on the top floor where Gomez sells high end labels to his clientele, through the main salon, to the patio garden (complete with Koi pond), the salon offered a dizzying display of visual experiences, like an amusement park built for the upwardly mobile, contemporary chic.

Feel – A
My freshman year roommate at Georgetown had a numeric digit in his name, wore pink pants and participated in an all-male singing group. We got along (relatively speaking) until he came back to our dorm room one day and found me ashing my cigarette in his sailing trophy. It was all downhill from there.

Maybe it is nostalgia but there is something subversive about the multi-cultural Erwin Gomez salon and it’s location in the heart of a snooty blue blood neighborhood that I dig. There is something more subversive about its undeniable success (in spite of the conservative nature of Georgetown) that I really dig and at the end of the day you can’t argue with success. Like Gomez himself, his spa finds a way to blend exclusivity and top-tier talent with humility and an appreciation for the customer – an equation that would equal success in any environment and one that has made his salon one of the top picks in DC.

[mappress]

Having attended Georgetown (many years ago) and frequented most of the Georgetown establishments ad nauseam, there was a period during which I didn’t even consider hanging out in what is probably one of the highlights of Washington, DC.  During the past several years I’ve started to rediscover the area, in large part due to the emergence of L2 and Leopold’s in the Cady’s Alley.  Cady’s Alley in particular has brought a Euro-chic vibrance to the area that it has long needed and long lacked.

Cost – $$

Service – B+
The waitstaff is friendly and professional.  They have come a long way since getting raked over the coals by Sietsema a few years back.

Food – B+
For me, the food is not the highlight of the establishment but it is an original, well-construed menu.  The skirt steak is well prepared and doesn’t disappoint.  The mussels, served in a white wine and parsley broth are also a good choice.  I’m not a dessert guy but people swear by the tortes and I’ve even talked to one person who cited Leopold’s tortes as one of the things they missed after leaving the area.

Decor – A-
The space is the real highlight of the venue.  If you sit out on the patio on a beautiful Spring or Summer day there are moments in which you can imagine yourself transported to Europe.  Beyond the space, the design aesthetics and accoutrements themselves are very Austrian – simple, clean and precise.

Feel – A
As I mentioned in the preface, Leopold’s Kafe has been a big part of the reason I’ve been spending more time in Georgetown recently.  The synthesis of the space, people and style is an ambiance like no other in the DC area.

What’s the Buzz:

May 7, 2009 – Somewhere very “us” (DC Gastronome) - S. came back to DC before embarking on her summer stint at the WHO, and I wanted to treat her to lunch to celebrate the end of her first year in graduate school. I gave her free reign over the location and cuisine – surviving Glennon is no small feat. People that have found their way back to DC often request Ethiopian food. After weeks away, I hanker for Thai. There’s something very interesting about food nostalgia, the twin aspects of the meals that you miss, coupled with the places and people that made them special. S. said she wanted to go “somewhere very us.”  Full Article…

April 21, 2009 – Leopold’s Kafe: A Nibble of Europe without the Passport (Capital Spice) – There is a beating heart of Europe slapped in the middle of Georgetown: outdoor drinking, light entrees and elegant pastries are yours for the taking if you just know when to turn off M Street and head down a stone flight of stairs.  Full Article…

A couple of weekends ago I was meeting with a few friends for brunch in Georgetown and we were debating were to eat.  It was a bit too muggy for the waterfront and none of us really wanted to deal with the crowds and parking down there so we decided on upper Georgetown.  My first choice is normally Cafe Bonaparte but the line was out the door so we decided to head over to Peacock Cafe.

Cost – $$

Service – B+
We were eating a bit later and missed the brunch rush thankfully.  Our server was extremely attentive and very friendly.

Food – B+
The food is a step above some of the more popular brunch places in DC like Open City or Kramerbooks.  The brunch menu is pretty standard although they do have a poached eggs over lump crabmeat dish that is definitely a bit unique.

Decor – B+
It’s fun and funky.  They have a good blend of outdoor seating as well as seating for couples and smaller groups.  Although they can probably accommodate a group of 6-8, anything larger than that might be pushing it.

Feel – A-
I hadn’t been to Peacock Cafe in a while but I think I’ve been missing out.  They are definitely one of the better brunch places in the DC area.

Peacock Cafe is located at 3521 Prospect Street, NW.  They can be reached at (202) 625-2740.

I was meeting a few friends in Georgetown on a Friday evening a few weeks back and suggested Cafe Bonaparte, my new favorite restaurant in DC.  Of course I forgot to make reservations and found out that the wait was going to be in excess of an hour so we decided to head down the street to Paolo’s, which is a terrific alternative in the area.

Cost – $$

Service – B+
The service is good – they are punctual, precise and professional.

Food – B+
Paolo’s vision is “traditional Italian made California fresh,” and I believe the actual product does adhere to the vision quite well.  Their culinary product is a significant reason why they have had so much staying power in Georgetown and even been able to expand into Virginia.

Decor – B
I can’t remember thinking anything in particular about the decor, which is fine.

Feel – B+
Paolo’s is a nice space that has quality food that is affordably priced.  If you are looking for a scene I would probably hit Cafe Milano or Neyla.  However, if you have a good group and are simply looking for a laid back venue where you can enjoy one another’s company, good food and good wine, then Paolo’s Ristorante is a great choice in Georgetown.

Paolo’s Ristorante in Georgetown is located at 1303 Wisconsin Ave.  They can be reached at (202) 333-7353.

What’s the Buzz:

October 26, 2008 – Paolo’s – Georgetown, DC (Lunching in the DMV) – A few months back my bf took me to Paolo’s, and Italian restaurant located in the heart of Georgetown. The closest metro stop would be Foggy Bottom-GWU on the Blue/Orange line.  Full article…

Cafe Bonaparte is my new favorite place to hang out.  I first dropped in about a month back.  I was headed back into the city from Reagan airport when a friend called and told me he was hanging out over at Bonaparte.  I had heard of the restaurant/bar before and knew it was affiliated with Napoleon in Adams Morgan but never stopped in.  I did and was immediately hooked.

Cost – $$$

Service – A
From the point at which you are greeted at the front door to the point when you settle your tab at the end of the evening, the service is top-notch.

Food – A-
I’ve just had snacks there (cheese plates, fries, etc.) and never ordered an entrée however I have been told it is quite good.

Decor – A-
It’s tightness of space creates a lively vibrance in the place that is wonderfully complimented by its modern French-chic aesthetic.

Feel – A-
As I mentioned in the preface, Bonaparte has quickly become one of my favorite spots in Northwest.  The only issue is that it is so popular that it sometimes is tough to get a table (without a prior reservation).  It is versatile, definitely a venue that can suit a broad range of clientele with the common thread being good taste in food and ambiance.

Bonaparte is located at 1522 Wisconsin Ave. in Georgetown.  Reservations are definitely recommended.  They can be reached at (202) 333-8830.

As much as I sometimes do enjoy the faux Italian restaurant with endless breadsticks and salads, there is nothing like authentic Italian cuisine that makes you appreciate the simplicity of quality ingredients mixed with heart, soul, and passion. As a hot spot for politicians and celebrities alike, this Georgetown gem is THE recommended place by Washingtonians. I came to find out why.

Cost - $$

Service – B
The wait staff was helpful and friendly and was willing to answer all my questions pertaining to the food. The only thing that bothered me was they weren’t attentive in refilling my water glass. Although seemingly insignificant, I tend to drink a lot during my meal.

Food- B
Be forewarned that the portions here are definitely generous. The arancini is a must order dish since it is so rare to find in Italian restaurants in the area. This fried Arborio rice treat is stuffed with mozzarella and Bolognese meat and then rolled in breadcrumbs producing a dish that is both creamy and crunchy. The calamari fritti is also exceptional here. Soaked in milk for 24 hours, the squid pieces are so tender that even those with chewing issues could eat it. Both dishes are served with a gravy boat of fresh marinara.

The pasta at Filomena is made fresh on-site and once you taste pasta fresh, its hard to go back to the dried stuff. The gnocchi della mama was light, airy, buttery; the perfect potato pasta I have ever tried and those of you who love gnocchi must try it here since it is rare to find it fresh. My only qualm about this dish was that there was too much meat in the Bolognese but surprisingly the meaty sauce actually enhanced the taste of the gnocchi. The scampi di Palermo was not as impressive as the gnocchi. The fettuccini was perfectly al dente but the accompanied sauce had too much brandy and garlic and tasted a bit too “seafood-y” in my opinion.

The tiramisu was disappointingly soggy in my opinion. The lady fingers were dripping with the espresso-liquor mixture and made the dessert too wet and unstructured. I wasn’t sure if I was eating or drinking my dessert. The caramel cheesecake was much better than the tiramisu and the chopped walnuts in the crust were definitely a nice surprise.

Décor- B-
Think “Godfather” circa 1970′s. The overly ornate wall décor, the café style chairs and tables do give off the feel of being in your grandmother’s house. I couldn’t really tell what the original decorations were since it looked like Christmas exploded in every corner of the restaurant.

Feel – A-
The best thing about this restaurant is the type of customers that you see in there; a mix of families, couples young and old, and teenagers. Descending from the stairs at the entrance of the restaurant, you feel as though you are transported into another place that isn’t at all the posh Georgetown outside. The Italian feel of hospitality and the energy of the room instantly hits you when going down that last step. Although the seating is cozy, the volume of chatter is noticeably loud keeping the restaurant alive while private conversations can be maintained. Great for families, large parties, or dinner dates, it is easy to why Filomena is a popular eatery for all ages.

Filomena is located at 1063 Wisconsin Avenue, NW. They can be reached at (202) 338-8800.

Cost - $$

Service – B+
The service is solid.  The place doesn’t get excessively crowded and it is normally well staffed.

Food – A
It’s killer.  I would say just a step below Sushi Taro and a step above every other place in DC.  In fact this was one of the first places I’ve eaten in a while where I ordered a second serving and left feeling comfortably full.

Decor – C
Sushi-Ko is a bit spartan.  They’ve made a clear decision to focus on the quality of food as opposed to the exterior aesthetic quality of the restaurant.  There are loads of places in DC that have a slicker design but an inferior product and it’s my suspicion that over the long haul, product always is going to outweigh design so I would anticipate Sushi-Ko to be here for a long while.

Feel – A-
Sushi-Ko is more of a ‘dinner with friends’ spot than a ‘romantic evening with a significant other’ spot, which is a pretty good fit for its location in upper Georgetown / Glover Park.  If you’re looking for a ‘scene’ it doesn’t really offer much however if you’re a sushi purist then it’s definitely worth the trip.

Sushi-Ko is located at 2309 Wisconsin Ave NW. They can be reached at (202) 333-4187.