1789 changed chefs as of Dec. 2005 (I believe). I've heard the new chef is going to need a few months to rise to the previous caliber of 1789...

Just some food for thought.

After our less than overwhelming experience at 1789, we was told the same thing about the change in chefs

... but then we were told that by a waiter at Kinkead's. :D

1789 did change chef. ric lacoste is gone. not the world's greatest loss.

Caucus room claims that on certain nights, you call, and you bring the wine, they will cook to it. I have eaten there a couple times on weekend and enjoyed it very much as the place was close to empty.

I have never cared for Goldini, think taberna is over rated, and think Galeleio is the most over rated restaurant on the eastern seaboard. the only decent meal I have ever had in a Dona establishment was cooked by Jeff Bubin(of Viadalia then)

Have not eaten at Maestro or 2941(?). both are a bear to get to for 6:30-7pm.

I have enjoyed both 701 and oval room(lot of chef changes). Particularly, again when not busy. same person owns bombay club, which I have never made.

As is well known, my favorite is gone.................Signatures, and chef Moru.

for probably the best food and dining occurance, check "the list are you on it" for tasting dinners. most of these are all out affairs.

http://www.thelistareyouonit.com/com...nin/Itemid,53/

Galileo is one of my favorites. Last time I ate there was without a doubt the best italian dinner I have ever eaten.

I disagree with everyone in this thread except for Podroza
mrs gleff used to cook at both Maestro and Restaurant Eve, and are definitely recommended. Restaurant Eve won't be convenient to where you're staying, but is worth the trip.

We recently had dinner at minibar, my extensive review (with pictures) is here:
http://blogs.flyertalk.com//blogs/vi...ar_at_caf.html

2941 is definitely good but prices are up about 25% or more over what they were a year ago. This used to be my favorite regular spot (I'd go every month or two) but is no longer worth it. It's in Northern Virginia and not at all convenient to where you're staying.

The best meal in the city proper is without a doubt CityZen... review here:
http://blogs.flyertalk.com//blogs/vi..._at_the_m.html

Citronelle can be good but also erratic, and service is so so. Amex can sometimes get you a table when otherwise unavailable.

Indebleu is another good spot, French-Indian fusion and decor is a bit W-esque.

Not at all a fan of TenPenh, thoroughly unimpressive. Galileo is fine, but I like Tosca better. I haven't had a better than average meal at Vidalia in years. :td:

Whatever you do, avoid Poste at the Hotel Monaco.

Add me to the list of people who was disappointed in Citronelle. The prices were certainly first-class, but neither the food nor service was.

And as I live in northern Virginia, I still find 2941 to be outstanding. Who would have thought you could have that view in Falls Church?!

Something neat that 2941 did over this past summer was to use their patio for 'tapas on the terrace'. mrs. gleff and I went one Sunday afternoon... we were the only ones out there with a waiter to ourselves on a perfectly clear, sunny day. We ordered several portions and the bill was reasonable. Some things from the main menu, other things the chef was experimenting with for possible inclusion on the menu, all excellent.

It is a great spot. And the food is consistently very good. It's just that it seems to have become somewhat overpriced, with most of the appetizers in the $20s and most of the entrees just north of $30. At that price, might as well do the 4 course mix-and-match menu of an appetizer, 2 entrees, and a dessert for $85pp... (Of course CityZen will cost you that for 3 courses during the week...)

thanks just signed up for the list
 

The list is cool, thanks for the recommendation!

Thank you all for the suggestions!
 

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed going through many of the reviews and menus. We also signed up for the website that slawecki suggested.

Now that we have some good ideas for dinner, I have a few other questions...

What about lunch? Any lunches near the main tourist areas that are worth noting? We don't care about the cuisine, but if we are going to splurge for dinner, we want to keep it rather cheap for lunch.

Also, where is the best place to see celebrities?

Cieba is great, too.

DC Coast at 14th & K Streets

If by celebrities, you mean "celebs for DC," try Cafe Milano in Georgetown. You'll see Cabinet members, Senators and any actors who may be filming in town.

I've mentioned this board on other threads here, but I think the best place for food info, recommendations and reviews of DC Metro Area restaurants is Don Rockwell's board. Staff from the front and back of house for dozens of restaurants regularly participate as well as diners. For me, what FlyerTalk is to travel, DR.com is to DC dining.

If you're going to be on the Mall during the day, a great place for lunch would be the food court (I forgot the name) at the new American Indian museum. I know, I know how it sounds, but the quality of the food is surprisingly good and it's set up in little "sections" of American Indian trbies around the country.

And don't forget -- Smithsonian museums are free, which makes it a double bonus!

For inside the beltway celebs, check the Monicle & la coline (both at lunch in particular), and Cacus room and the palm on week nights. also sam & harry's

Unless you know these people, they are tough to recognize. they just look like normal elderly people.

Until Jack A closed, Signatures was best, but they were usually in one of the private dining rooms in the back.