Just a quick update on our dinner at Blue Duck Tavern the other night. The food was quite good, although not exceptional. I have had better meals elsewhere. As others have mentioned, the service was.......odd. It wasn't particularly poor, but just so understated as to be noticable. I got the sense that they (the restaurant) were trying to project that sort of image and it just came off kind of stange.

I didn't get the impression that any of the waitstaff were necesarily professionals in the sense that they have been at it a long time. I remember dinners at the Melrose (precursor to the Blue Duck) where the staff were quite good to excelent.

I think the average age of the Melrose staff was about my age.(past retirement age) I think the same people were there for many years. many more than i frequented the place. i was always recognized immediately by most.(that of course makes them very good)

a couple of years ago, the Park Hyatt shut down Melrose for a year to remodel. my guess is that the Mellrose wait staff scattered, as there is considerable demand for quality wait staff in dc, particularly with the explosion of high end restaurants. and hotels.

the staff i talked to were kids, many still in college. would not know a sauce spoon from a soup spoon.

any recent thoughts on DC? Specifically looking for a place in Georgetown for an anniversary dinner. I am thinking about Citronelle, but wondered if anyone else had any input. Thanks!

FDW

Try 1789, which is right next to The Tombs (used in "St Elmo's Fire"). 1789 is in a beautiful old 18th century colonial house with the decor and service to match it. Since it's fairly small, your dinner definitely will be an intimate affair.

Alright bumping this up.. got a night away at the Park Hyatt this weekend.. last minute Grandma/grandpa babysitting.. our last trip took us to a not terribly memorably meal at Cafe Milano. We've hit Obelisk in the past as well.. Any suggestions? Blue Duck Tavern is full...

Thanks
FDW

If you are staying at the Park Hyatt, reserve through the concierge. They may be full on OpenTable or if you call from the outside but that doesn't mean a guest can't get in.

They were able to get us a 5:30 reservation which is a bit early...

FDW

Try Rasika for wonderful and upscale Indian cuisine.

Or Brasserie Beck for contemporary Belgian.

Many possibilities -- depends what you're looking for. Some of my favorites are CityZen, Corduroy. Didn't think Komi was worth the price. Mid-price I like Zaytinya, Darlington House, Mouroyo.

This is probably too late. But if you like Blue Duck, Westend Bistro or Ris are worth a visit, and in the same neighborhood.

+1 about Ris - corner of 23rd and L Streets NW.