For the DC big bucks restaurants:

I think Galileo,Kinkead's, Taberna, & Nora were Phyllis Richmond (ex Wash Post reviewer)buddies, along with a lot of cream & butter fixer uppers. They got rave reviews from her, and are still living on those laurals.

Gerard's Place, Obelisk, & Melrose are very well respected without the raves from the Post. Seasons (in the 4 seasons)was wonderful,but hated by and to my knowledge, never reviewed by Richmond. I have not been there since the new chef has taken over, but he has been very well received. Marcel's Wiedmaier cooks great, but the place has the ambiance of a YMCA swimming pool on an overcrowded day.

I got no thrill from DC Coast, but I don't think I tried the smoked lobster thingy.