PamNC

Our upcoming trip to DC this Dec. will be our fourth visit, and we are looking to try some new restaurants. Both of these are a bit out of town, but I would appreciate your opinions on Hook DC, just outside of the Foggy-Bottom area, and Palena in the Cleveland Park area. Also, about 3 years ago, my husband was attending a meeting and dined one night at Corduroy, which is very near the convention center. He was not the least bit impressed and wasn't interested in returning. However, I have read a couple of good reviews on the restaurant. A lot can happen in 3 years, and I'm wondering whether or not they have improved, and should we give it a try or just forget it all together.

Thanking you all in advance.....

PamNC

topping

yestravel

Hook is in Georgetown and gets very good reviews. It uses only sustainable seafood. I've never been, but friends love it. Also great desserts.

Palena is good. It has the more formal restaurant in the back which is good, but what I really like is the cafe portion in the front and outside -- for $10-11 u can order off a cafe menu and they have killer hamburgers and great fried lemon rinds and again fabulous desserts. BTW its about a 10 minute ride on the RedLine from metro center to Cleveland Park.

Haven't been to Corduroy in its "new location" but always had good meals at the old one.

If you're looking for a unique dining experience try Komi's which is currently considered one of the best restaurants in DC. http://komirestaurant.com/

All of these are usually on the Washintonian top 100 restaurants. Check out Washingtonian for their list and reviews
http://www.washingtonian.com/section...nts/index.html

kmbp

As visitors to DC, we've been only to the outdoor cafe section of Palena for a very enjoyable meal from the same kitchen, of course, that serves the dining room. Friends who live in the DC area have dined there in the more formal room and raved about the food and wine.

Palena is steps away from the Cleveland Park metro station.

i'd love to return for their dinner menu.

PamNC

Thank you very much yestravel and kmbp for your comments. Since I'm a big fish eater, Hook DC sounds just perfect.

Fried lemon rinds??? ANYTHING with the word lemon in it catches my eye. I've never had them before, but I'm going to make a point of trying them. We enjoy using the very convenient Metro system, and we made note of how close Palena is to the metro stop. Thanks for pointing that out as well. As for Komi, I think that we are going to return to one of its competetors, Obelisk. We had an absolutely marvelous meal there last year, and we are still salivating, especially for their delish burrata cheese with olive oil and freshly ground black pepper. What a yummy way to start the evening.

Thanks again!

As for Corduroy, I spoke to my husband and he is willing to give it another try. Maybe he was there on a REALLY off night. Fingers crossed.

yestravel

Good choice, Obelisk is excellent. I feel the same about lemons and thinking about the ones at Palena Cafe, they may be sliced lemons, whatever they're good!. Be interested to hear about your meal at Corduroy--hope it's good. Enjoy DC.

Birdie

Pam, I'd question a return trip to Corduroy. I had been to the old location and had a very enjoyable meal so I decided to bring a friend last week and try the new location. The food was good and the interior beautiful but I found the service and the atmosphere to be very cold and not at all welcoming. My favorite DC restaurant continues to be one that isn't often talked about, Urbana.

GeorgeW

Tom Sietsema, the Washington Post critic, has recommended all of them in the past. I believe you can download his reviews by typing in his name and then the restaurant in question.