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Home Destinations USA Washington, D.C. Restaurants Palena

Palena

$$-$$$, New American, Cleveland Park

User Rating: ***** 5.0

Fodor's Review:

Chef Frank Ruta and pastry chef Ann Amernick met while working in the White House kitchens. At their contemporary American restaurant, the French- and Italian-influenced menu changes seasonally. Sometimes Ruta and Amernick team up, as for an appetizer of crisp puff pastry with fresh sardines and greens. Ruta goes it alone with chervil-and-morel soup, a veal chop with a barley-stuffed pepper, and a pork chop with flavorful baked beans. Comforting desserts such as a sprightly lemon-caramel tart or a chocolate torte are a perfect match for the earthy cooking. Reservations are not accepted for the equally fabulous lounge, where the inexpensive menu includes a cheeseburger with truffles, a hot dog made in-house, and an extravagant platter of fries, onion rings, and paper-thin fried Meyer lemon slices.

User Reviews & Ratings:

Outstanding Multi-Course Dinner

Posted by jay from Chicago USA on 7/26/06

We had a terrific dinner at the upscale back room. The courses were creative, delicious, and appropriately portioned. The desserts were amazing. And the wine list was well-chosen and reasonably priced. The room is pleasant and not too stuffy. All in all, an outstanding dining experienced.

FOOD: 5.0

ATMOSPHERE: 5.0

SERVICE: 5.0

VALUE: 5.0

RATING: 5.0