Smith & Wollensky

Smith and Wollensky

1112 19th Street NW

Washington DC 20036

I came here for a school function expecting to be impressed. Unfortunately, the only highlight of the meal was the fact that I didn't have to pay for it.

First, we had Caesar salads. The dressing was fresh, pungent and tasty. That said, the salad was so overdressed that I felt like I was swallowing handfuls of anchovies and garlic. Not great, especially considering the salad goes for about $10 normally, but it could have been worse.

But, considering the fact that S & W is a steakhouse, I was still looking forward to the main course.

This was easily the worst filet I've ever had, and the biggest disappointment of the meal. Although the steak was nice and medium-rare to rare on the inside (just like I like it), there was no dark, flavorful sear on the meat, which was a rather unfortunate grey color on the outside. I don't like heavily treated filets, but c'mon, guys-- are salt and pepper really so much to ask for? This was served atop a bed of equally bland mashed potatoes. Even the tobacco onions were bland, as was the jus spooned around the plate.

When I got home and consulted Zagat, I was shocked to see that the filet usually goes for over $35 - what a waste of money!

Dessert was a boring apple streudal, served with a bit of creme anglaise. Not bad, but certainly not good enough to make up for the rest of the meal.

Food aside, the servers were quite attentive, and the restaurant had a welcoming, rustic atmosphere. I've seen better, though, and I've certainly eaten better. I won't be coming back.

Charlie Palmer

Charlie Palmer Steak
101 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington DC 20001

With a glorious view of the Capitol and located in the heart of DC, Charlie Palmer's is worth the price-- if your wallet can handle it.

Simple, elegant and the epitome of classy, this restaurant has good service (despite being packed), superb food, and a lovely atmosphere. J and I skipped out on appetizers, but were brought complimentary amuse-bouches, which featured asparagus, sea bass and cilantro. For the main course, J stuck with a gorgeous, aged, European-cut Filet Mignon (topped with a yummy roasted onion)-- and a side of the creamiest, most delectable Horseradish Sauce I've ever tasted. I ordered the Venison Loin, complete with sweet potatoes and bacon-- subtley gamey and extremely tender. For dessert, I ordered the Meyer Lemon Tart, J the Chocolate Peanut Terrine.

J said, "This is rich people food, Sarah!" I rolled my eyes, but it was true: this was not one, but several steps above a delicious dessert on a plate. (It's amazing what a few drops of sabayon and a tuile will do for a dessert.)

It's great for sighting politicians and think-tankers, but be warned: this is not the place to take a political junkie (like J!) if you're looking to chat.