Went to the Source last night, the new Wolfgang Puck restaurant attached to the new Newseum in Penn Quarter, across the street from Capital Grill.

I don't think it's even been reviewed in the Post yet?

But it's outstanding. Not quite in the league of Cityzen, either in terms of service or quite the same heights of cuisine. But really excellent nonetheless, especially with so many good trendy places having fallen recently (IndeBleu and Zengo are classic examples of the phenomenon).

There really is something to the idea that the best places seem to burn out quickly, perhaps after six months or a year, so it's best to go to good new places early. Don't know whether the excellence here will last, but the food was definitely worthwhile.

Price point is probably a little bit higher than the median fine dining restaurant in DC, appetizers are $14 - $20 and entrees $30 - $60. Desserts are $10.

The lamb stir fry appetizer was outstanding, mrs. gleff had it but I tried a bit. The Maryland crab two ways was quite good, but my wife had the better selection.

Underlying idea is mostly Asian-influenced (I know, I know, like nobody has ever done Asian fusion before). Incorporates Indian flavors as well, such as in the short ribs I had last night.

Definite ^^

As I say, somewhat behind CityZen, but not sure anything else in DC is quite as good. Northern Virginia doesn't really compete anymore since the chef at Maestro left (though Eve is pretty good in Old Town)...

My one poor experience at Maestro soured me on the place, but I have to wonder why you automatically discount 2941?

Thanks for the review, though. I've enjoyed Puck's other places and it's nice to hear that his introduction to DC is a good one.

Re 2941, three and four years ago this was my favorite restaurant. Started going downhill late 2005 IMHO. Then Jonathan Krinn left. It can still be very good, pricey for what it is, though I admit I haven't been lately.

Have you eaten in Stardust?

http://www.stardustrestaurant.com/

Chef Pat was cooking Franco-Aisian-Fusion over 30 years ago. He still cooks very well. my complaint is Stardust, half of which is a noisy sports bar.

We were regulars at Stardust when it first opened. Our waiters from RTs had moved over there and tipped us about the place. It was very good but then we had a few not great meals and have not been back for about three or four years now. It must be time to give it another go.

Coupla' months ago there was a celebrity chef forum in DC. (They were pitching a book.) An audience member asked where the top toques were going after? Rasika was the answer. Mrs. scubadiver took note. We tried it and were absolutely charmed. And close to the Shakespeare theater, my main reason for eating in DC.

You're going to have to wait for this one for a few months, but wait until Ris Lacoste (who put 1789 REstaurant in Georgetown on the culinary map a decade ago) opens her eponymous restaurant at 22nd & L Streets NW. Unfortunately, it probably won't open until late summer...

The WP weekend magazine contained a review of the Source on Sunday, December 30.

Maestro is closed. I didn't much care for it either.

Don't bother. It is not bad, but does not come up to the price level of the menu.

hadn't heard about Puck's new restaurant - will definitely check it out soon. also interesting to hear that it's potentially the #2 restaurant in town. agree totally about CityZen being #1, but I had an incredible couple of meals at West End Bistro lately - can't wait to see how this stacks up (sounds far more expensive off the bat).

cheers.

It closed? I ate there once, and although it was interesting, the food was not all that incredible. Granted, maybe i shouldn't have tried the pigeon!

I ate at 2941 a few years ago and felt like it was a very charming restaurant, but overpriced for the portions. One thing that you could say about Maestro was that they definitely served you a good amount of food through the 7 courses (or however many there were), but I left 2941 hungry. Really beautiful modern restaurant though.

Stardust is still good, but it's in Alexandria, not dc itself.

Has anyone here tried Minibar at the Cafe Atlantico (IIRC)? Opinions?

My review with photos:
http://boardingarea.com/blogs/viewfr...afe-atlantico/

You'll have to scroll down a bit to see it.