We tried out the Westend Bistro in DC, Eric Ripert's new restaurant. It opened on Thursday and I was able to get a reservation a couple of weeks ago on Open Table.

We were having a drink because our table wasn't ready yet, talking about Top Chef and Ripert's episodes when my brother turns around and there he is! Pretty cool stuff.

Once we got to our table we mentioned to the waiter that we were Ripert fans (we have been to his restaurant in New York, but never met him). Sure enough, a few minutes later he came over to our table to say hello. A very nice guy. We asked about Top Chef and he laughed, saying that what you see on tv isn't exactly the whole story.

As for the food, it was quite good and reasonably priced for the quality (entrees in the mid-20s). The beef tenderloin in green peppercorn sauce was phenomenal. My wife's halibut was quite tasty as well.

I highly recommend it. Two thumbs up. ^ ^

Thanks for the review - extrodinarily pleased that he's come to DC.

^

im so envious! that man is a cooking master!

Eric Ripert?

25 bucks for an entree is reasonably priced ?

For the quality of the restaurant and being in Washington, DC. Everything is relative, of course.

Is he a US East Coast phenomenon, on a possible starter for a LAS restaurant some day, like so many others these days?

Never heard of him, so which restaurant(s) made his rep?

Le Bernardin in NYC - some think it's the finest seafood restaurant in the world. He's also on Top Chef from time to time.

c'mon general, you are online, searching is easy^

http://www.cuisinenet.com/glossary/chfripe.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Ripert
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Eric Ripert is one of the biggest names in the culinary world, and I look forward to trying out his new restaurant in DC. I wouldn't be suprised if Ripert eventualy made it to LAS as other top notch chefs have validated the route of opening a rest. in LAS, and now its not seen as "low brow" these days.