THe Ritz is in the middle of the high rent district. The Majority of the name restaurants are within 2-3 blocks.
Vidalia, Galileo, Palm, Kinkead, Taberna, Prime Rib, Marcel, Melrose Are all within walking distance. All are among the most expensive in DC.

The Grill at RC is nicely decorated.

Malaysia Kopitiam 1827 M Is inexpensive, and interesting.

Georgetown is not that far away, and most of the storefront restaurants on M street are quite decent. I like Tahoga for lunch. All bottle wine is 1/2 off at lunch.

Near the Smithsonian, Atlantico, Jaleo and Andale are lunch places, but can get very crowded.

I LOVE Kinkead's and Vidalia!!

Also for a romantic old style restaurant in Georgetown, try 1789.


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Thanks for the reccomendations..

By a weird turn of events 2 of us had foot(feet?) problems and wanted to keep the walking to a minimum.

We ate at The Grill (the RC dining room) and it was nice. I thought the service could have had more flair, but my guests (my well-traveled mom and her very un-traveled bf) had a "Wow!" experience, which is what the RC strives for. (Ritz lingo.)The food was good, though a little heavy on the carbs. (New, French chef, huh?)

As I am A RC waiter that is 'nuff said.

p.s. There is a terrific lunch place right smack on the corner of i and 19th. Just a little cold buffet (meatballs, cold asain salads, fruit) @ $6.99/# or hot items (veggie lasagna, NOT homemade @ $4.99/serving, no sides) and sandwiches. The food was really good and just unsusual enoughg to make it interesting for an out-of-town foodie!

Thanks again for the tips. (I am saving the others for future! http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/smile.gif )

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"Waiter? May I have another latté, please?"