Washington, DC: Jaleo

Clara

estrella damm, house-made lemonade, regans’ orange bitters

#1 Aceitunas Ferrán Adrià

ferrán adrià‘ liquid olives

#2 Cono De Salmón Crudo Con Huevas De Trucha

salmon tartare and trout roe cone

Cono De La Serena Con Membrillo

la serena cheese and quince paste cone

#3 Selección De Ibéricos

a selection of all cured ibérico meat

(Jamón Ibérico De Bellota Fermín, Jamón Ibérico Fermín, Jamón Serrano Fermín)

#4 Pan De Cristal Con Tomate

toasted slices of uniquely crispy and ethereal bread brushed with fresh tomato

#5 Ostras Gin & Tonic

five oysters with lemon, gin and tonic

#6 Salpicón De Cangrejo

jumbo lump crabmeat with cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, cauliflower and brandy sauce

#7 Cebolla Asada Con Queso Valdeón

roasted sweet onions, pinenuts, and valdeón blue cheese

#8 Endibias Con Queso De Cabra Y Naranjas

endives, goat cheese, oranges and almonds

#9 Ensaladilla Rusa

the ultimate spanish tapa, a salad of potatoes, imported conserved tuna and mayonnaise with spanish trout roe

#10 Coca Con Erizos De Mar

warm and crusty cristal bread topped with butter and sea urchin

#11 Croquetas De Pollo

traditional chicken fritters

#12 Huevo Frito Con Caviar

a fried organic egg topped with white sturgeon caviar with crusty cristal bread topped with olive oil

#13 Buñuelos De Bacalao

salt codfish deep-fried with honey alioli

#14 Espinacas A La Catalana

sautéed spinach, pine nuts, raisins and apples

#15 Solomillo De Ibérico De Bellota Con Manzanas

fresh tenderloin from the legendary, acorn-fed, black-footed ibérico pigs of spain, served with roasted apples

#16 Escalivada Catalana

roasted red peppers, eggplant and sweet onions with sherry dressing served with toasted bread

#17 Coliflor Salteada Con Aceitunas Y Dátiles

sautéed cauliflower with dates and olives

#18 Arroz Mediterraneo

made with porcini mushrooms, mixed vegetables, green and black olives and thyme

#19 Caña De Cabra

(murcia) a soft, semi-sweet goat‘s milk cheese paired with raisin walnut bread and fig jam

Queso Mahón

Aged cow’s milk cheese from Menorca served with Apricot marmalade

Rey Silo Rojo

(d.o. asturias) intensely flavored cow‘s milk cheese with pimentón, paired with almonds and bitter orange jam

#20 Pan Con Chocolate

chocolate flan with caramelized bread, olive oil and brioche ice cream

José's Way Chef's Tasting

A 20-course tasting for $90. Some of the portions could be shared with two people. I almost passed out after course #16. This was definitely a marathon meal.

Jaleo

480 7th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20004

202-628-7949

http://www.jaleo.com/

Washington, DC: The Tourist

Capital Hill

Ulysses Grant Memorial

National Mall

Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum

Lincoln Memorial

Washington Memorial

The White House

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Metro Station

Being a tourist for a day. I recommend renting a bike through Capital Bikeshare. Some of the memorials are 15-20 minutes away from the nearest Metro station.

What's Next: Washington, DC

I'm leaving to Washington, DC for a very short business trip. A 6 hour flight to only stay in DC for less than 24 hours. Luckily I have a client dinner at Corduroy. I wish I had enough time to stop by Central Michel Richards for a lobster burger or the fry plate at Palena.

Video: miniBar at Jose Andres

miniBar by Jose Andres - Washington, DC from foodiefinder on Vimeo.

Here's another video from the FoodieFinder archive on miniBar by Jose Andres in Washington, DC. I was combing through photos the other day and found this video that I took. It's much better than my weird video from Alinea. The cocktails were pretty strong at miniBar so I that's my excuse for forgetting about this video. Yes, I'll blame it on the alcohol Mr. Jamie Foxx. Enjoy!

Oh before I forget, the chefs were making this dish: Fizzy Ball

No Reservations: Washington, DC

A trip to DC isn't complete without a "no reservation" adventure. The theme for this outing was gourmet burgers. I'm a burger fanatic. I'm that person who would order a burger if it was on the menu at a world-class, fine dining establishment. You better believe I will order it. I don't care if it costs over $20+. The burger is my ultimate comfort food, even above the grilled cheese sandwich. Besides, if it's on the menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant, it must be good.

My first burger stop was Central. I love the fact that this place was accessible by the Metro. Near the Federal Triangle station, I walked an additional three blocks to Michel Richard's bistro-like resto. I had a reservation here but I hate eating late so I arrived about a half and hour early hoping to get an earlier seating. Again, I was told I will be seated near my reservation time, so I cancelled my late seating and ate at the lounge.

When I was walking to Central, it about 50 something degrees outside. That's cold for this Cali girl. Instead of ordering my to-go cocktail, I opted for a pot of tea.

The item I ordered right away was the Cheese Puffs ($7). These were fluffy, round pastry puffs made with gougeres cheese. The puffs are very light and can literally melt in your mouth. Sorry, no photos because I devoured them before I even had the chance to take out my camera. Beware, these are highly addictive.

I was at a crossroads with my entree selection. I came for the burger but there was so many items to choose from that I had second thoughts. The item that sealed the deal was the Lobster Burger. What caught my eye was the $29 price tag. I was thinking, "This burger has to be good to be priced at $29. It's $10 more than the second most expensive burger on the menu." I came to Central before dining at Citronelle so I had no clue what I was in for.

When the Lobster Burger arrived, I was in awe. The burger was made of lobster tail with scallop mousse and sandwiched together in a buttered brioche bun. Oh lord, this burger was outrageously delicious. It was juicy, decadent and oh so good. This is my kind of burger, no vegetables getting in the way. ha! Remember, I'm a non-vegetable eater (will eat if needed).

(left) Lobster Burger - $29

(right) Michel's Chocolate Bar - $9

I ended the evening with Michel's Chocolate Bar. Basically this dessert is Michel's take on an American chocolate bar (aka Kit Kat bar). The chocolate was luscious, creamy with a bit of crunch from crispy wafers. I also loved the vanilla ice cream that had specks of vanilla bean.

Central Michel Richard

1001 Pennsylvania Ave
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 626-0015

Good food means big tummy. I had to take a walk around our nation's capital before I headed back to the hotel. On the left, a shot from Pennslyvania Avenue in front of the White House. On the right, the Washington Monument from President's Park. I was a bit hesitant to walk around the city after 9pm but I felt safe since there was security everywhere near the White House and tourists were still walking around taking pictures.

Next stop, Palena

The next evening I headed to my last burger stop, Palena. Again, easily accessible by the Metro at Cleveland Park. This cafe is literally across the street from the Metro station. Once you get out of the station, look to the right and it's right there across the street next to a gas station.

I arrived a few minutes after opening at 5:30pm. Again, DC was chilly so I ordered another pot of tea.

When it came to my order, I knew I wanted the famous Palena cheeseburger and fry plate. I did contemplate getting the half roasted chicken but I didn't have 45 minutes to spare and I was hungry (skipped lunch altogether to dine here).

About two pieces into the bread basket (not pictured) and one pot of tea, my burger and fry plate arrived.

Palena Cheeseburger - $12

The burger is seven ounces with trimmings of kobe beef in a house-ground mix and topped with a northern Italian cheese with hints of truffle. The bun, also house-made is smeared with garlic-scented mayonnaise. Pickles and mushrooms are served on the side. For once I added some type of vegetable (mushrooms) to my burger. Tasty!

I loved the texture and composition of the burger but it was a wee bit on the salty side. After reading more into the burger, that unexpected splash of saltiness was intended. I won't rule this burger out because I literally ate the entire thing plus the vegetables. For $12 this is a steal when it comes to gourmet burgers. I ate the vegetables, people! That says a lot.

Fry Plate - $11

A fried assortment of french fries, onion rings, dauphine potatoes and marinated lemon rings. Wait? Lemon rings? Yes, lemon rings. At first I thought it was a citrus flavored potato but I took another bite and peeled back the batter which revealed the lemon rind.

? Semifreddo - $10

A lot going on in this semi frozen delight. According to epicurious.com, semifreddo is Italian for "half cold", and culinarily refers to any of various chilled or partially frozen desserts including cake, ice cream, fruit and custard. The chocolate quenelle was very rich in flavor and the cake portion had a spongy texture but not in an angel fruit cake kind of way. It was different, especially with the contrasting orange and raspberry fruit garnishes.

Afterthoughts: This burger outing was interesting because both burgers offered something new to my burger repertoire. Did I find my ultimate burger? Close, but not quite. The Lobster Burger is up there in the exotic category. DC has some mighty fine gourmet burgers but we all know Five Guys has nothing on the west coast In-N-Out Double Double. That's the only burger I will have with all of the fixings, except the onions.

Palena

3529 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 537-9250

Washington, DC: Citronelle

Citronelle, located in the Georgetown suburb of Washington, DC is considered one of the finest in French cuisine. In 2007, Citronelle was a recipent of a James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef, Michel Richard, and Outstanding Wine Service, Sommelier Mark Slater. At present, the kitchen is manned by Chef de Cuisine, David Deshaies, and wine service by Sommelier Kathryn Morgan.

During my week stay in DC a month ago, Citronelle was one of the places I wanted to visit since there was speculation that Citronelle may close. Given this may be my last DC trip, a visit to Citronelle was warrented. Booking a reservation here is not as difficult as minibar by Jose Andres. You can book an online reservation on OpenTable but prime dinner times tend to book quickly, such as 7pm. My reservation time was at 8:30pm which is not my ideal time to have dinner, especially since I wanted to conquer the Promenade Gourmande, a dining experience that would last three hours.

The atmosphere at Citronelle was relaxed and inviting. I dined here on a Friday evening and the place was PACKED. It seemed like the place to be on a Friday night. Even at 9:30-10pm, there were still people coming in. I saw near the back of the room were small intimate rooms used for private dining.

From one side of the dining room you can see the main attraction, the exhibition kitchen. Enclosed behind glass-windows, you can see the action of the kitchen. Within the kitchen, a chef's table with a seating of eight is available. But that night, it too was occupied by the luckiest to have landed the front row kitchen seats.

I arrived at the restaurant by cab at 8:15pm. I was told I will be seated near my dinner reservation at 8:30pm so I hung out at the bar lounge in the meantime. I like the fact that the bar is completely separated from the dining room. I hate it when the noise from the bar distracts me from my dining experience. I pay big bucks to dine here, I don't need people hoving over me while I eat.

While I waited, here is what I ordered. No surprises here.

Bubbly Mojito: rum, champagne, mint & lime - $13

Cheese sticks - complimentary

As 8:30pm rolls around, still no table. At 8:45pm, I go to the hostess desk and ask if I can still do the Promenade Gourmande since the website stated it was only served until 9pm. The hostess reassured me the timing was fine and I will be seated shortly. Finally at 9pm, I was seated. My rather long wait was rewarded with a unexpected surprise later in the evening.

As I was seated, my server knew what I was there for, the Promenade Gourmande, a 9-course tasting. I didn't bother looking at the menu because I wanted this entire experience to be a surprise to my palate and senses.

Table scape: Large white plates with Michel's signature on them.

Bread service: Sourdough with salted and unsalted butters.

Loved the bread. I actually had a few of them which I normally don't do. I can't help it when it's just sitting there on a plate. Funny thing that happen was the bread was so warm that the butter ended up sliding off the bread onto my lap. Luckily I had a dinner cloth over my lap.

1. Amuse Bouche

From top to bottom: Ratatouille Taco, Mini Crab Cake, Smoked Salmon with Basil Oil and Jicama Crepe with Potato and Procuitto

2. Chestnut Soup

3. Nantucket Bay Scallops, celery

4. Halibut, lobster saffron-broth

(left) Raspberry Caipirinha: cachaca, raspberry vodka, berries - $16

I've started to order caipirinhas as a beverage of choice ever since my first introduction to it at Saam at The Bazaar in Los Angeles. I'm becoming more accustom to vodka than rum and perhaps one day I may take mojitos off my cocktail list as with the cosmo. I treat cocktails like handbags. You use the same one for a few seasons until you find another that's more exciting and appealing. Caipirinha is my Balenciaga while Mojitos are my classic Gucci that I throw around. Cosmos are like Prada that sits in my closet collecting dust and a shot of Patron is a Coach bag (every college girl has one and owns tons of them). I digress.

5. Lobster Burger (right)

Arguable the best seafood burger I've had. I had a preview of this at Central, Michel Richard's bistro-like establishment in DC. Move over Salmon Burger, you have nothing on this lobster burger.

Get this, after I was done with the fifth course, guess who arrives to the restaurant? Chef Michel Richard! I saw him in the kitchen wearing a black chef's coat greeting the folks sitting at the Chef's Table, but I didn't think he would actually show up to my table. When he arrived at my table, I wasn't facing him, instead he gently pushed back my shoulders and when I thought he was sniffing my hair, he landed a kiss on my forehead! He then came around and introduced himself as the owner of the restaurant and we chatted for a minute. He was concerned that I was eating alone but I replied that I was in town on business. I enjoyed our brief encounter and his demeanor is classically French. His passion for food and making his guests happy is larger than life. Ok back to the food.

6. Lamb, rack, jalapeno-cumin sauce

To be honest, I'm not a lamb person. It's always a site to see when others order it but it is a bit gamey for me. This lamb preparation was simply palate-changing. It's probably because of "the sauce" but hey it's enough to get me to give lamb a second chance.

7. Short Rib, prime, braised 72 hours, raisin-peppercorn sauce

Cheese cart of domestic and imported cheeses

Four types of cheeses served with raisin-pistachio bread.

9. Eggs-Ceptional Lemon Meringue

10. Pear Chocolate Tart

11. Petits Fours

Raisin madeleine, chocolate cookies, chocolate-hazelnut bar and chocolate covered grape

At the end of the meal, I was given a copy of the menu.

As well as a book, Les Grande Tables Du Monde, 2010.

Afterthoughts: Michel Richard's interpretation of French cuisine is sumptuously playful and palate-changing. The staff maintained a very high level of service while being unpretentious and friendly. My server kept me on my toes the whole time. I was pretty lucky to have met Michel Richard and his pursuit to perfection can be seen by the smiles of satisfied guests that keep returning to this establishment day in and day out.

Things to know:

• Citronelle is located in Georgetown which means it's not accessible by the Metro. Valet parking is available on-site and the attendants can flag you a cab.
• Price Range: $$$$. 3-course menu is $105 and the Promenade Gourmande is $190, with wine pairing $280.
• Reservations can be booked online or by calling the restaurant at 202.625.2150.
• If you can't get into the dining room, the bar lounge area serves both the lounge and dining room menu. You must order the Lobster Burger!
• Dress Code: Business chic or dressy, no jeans.
• A signed copy of Chef Michel Richard's book, Happy in the Kitchen is available for $50.

Citronelle

3000 M St NW

Washington, DC 20007

202.625.2150

Website: http://www.citronelledc.com