I will be in DC (with about 10,000 other teachers) over the 4th of July week. I'm interested in restaurant advice for several occasions -
My husband's birthday is on the 30th, and we are staying near the National Zoo. We are within walking distance of Adams-Morgan and have been to Ardeo, which we enjoyed, so that is a possibility. We will also have a car, and are on the metro line. He comes to DC on business several times a year, and usually stays near the Capitol. Any suggestions of someplace new, fun, wonderful that we shouldn't miss? Seafood, tapas, steaks - something along the line of fine dining.

We will then be at the Convention Center for several days. Any suggestions for a place to take a group of 8-10 either at lunch or dinner near the Convention Center?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

I know that the sweetheart who rights restaurant reviews for the Washington Post raves about Komi's on 17th Street in Dupont Circle.

My favorite D.C. restaurant is TenPenh (10th and Pennsylvania). Also excellent are Oyamel and Jaleo.

For convention center night, you might want to try Brasserie Beck.

www.beckdc.com

The food - and the beer - are excellent...style is Belgian/French. Very cool interior, too. About 0.3 mi from the Convention Center.

Check out restaurant reviewer Tom Seitsema's stuff on WashingtonPost.com. Also you might post on the DC boards at Chowhound.com (or just browse over there).

Michel Richard's Citronelle makes everyone's lists, and he has a sister restaurant, Central Michel Richard. Also check out Restaurant Nora and Asia Nora.

Raymond - I LOVE TenPenh! I, too, would suggest it as a great place for a birthday dinner.

dhack - Have drinks at 701 Restaurant nearby -they have a piano player and a good wine list - it's a nice atmosphere.

Tapas/mezzas - try Jaleo's or Zaytinya's, both near the Verizon Center. Proof is a new wine bar near there also. Cafe Atlantico is also very good (good steaks in the South American style).

Chef Geoff's might be good for the group (it's big and I love their food). I'd definitely make reservations for that many over the long weekend. When my sister was in town for a meeting I sent her and her coworkers there, and they loved it.

Taberna del Alabardero for tapas. They have a happy hour 50% off special in the bar during the week. The atmosphere is more upscale than Jaleo. They also have a regular dining room but it would be more expensive. The chowhound board recommends not ordering the paella, though.

Todd Gray's Equinox is one of my favorites, as is i Ricchi.

For a splurge on your husband's birthday, the tasting room at Restaurant Eve in Alexandria would be really special. The chef was named one of Food & Wine's "Best New Chefs" a year or so ago, and the food (tasting menu) and service are fantastic. You would want to make reservations sooner rather than later.

If you like molecular gastronomy, you could try to get a reservation at Jose Andres' Minibar at Cafe Atlantico. The Latin Dim Sum Brunch at Cafe Atlantico is less expensive, and also something fun and unique.

Sister restaurants to TenPehn are DC Coast http://www.dccoast.com/
and Ceiba http://tinyurl.com/4ewpw5
-- both also very good. We had a good meal at Proof recently. Also Corduroy on 9th St.
http://www.corduroydc.com/
just reopened in its new digs and has great food. Down the street from Ardeo's is Palena
http://www.palenarestaurant.com/
which is good. They have a cafe in the front where everything on the menu is $10.
Have fun in DC

For a southern accent, Vidalia's at 20th and M.

Hey, I am a teacher in nearby northern VA. What conference is going on at the convention center?

If you go to the convention center website, you can search the events scheduled.

In this case, it's for National Education Assocation. www.nea.org

I agree with GeorgeW, Vidalia is very good. We always enjoy our meals there. The food is good, the staff is friendly and they have a fantastic sommelier.

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I'll start looking at maps, restaurant reviews and websites to begin making reservations.

Yes, it's the National Education Association Convention, which is held during the 4th of July week each year. Virginia is always represented!