My brother & his wife live within walking distance of the mall. They like to eat out but don't eat red meat or pork. Any suggestions for a restaurant for a gift certificate? Something popular and contemporary but not elegant (preferably a place with a lively atmospher). Thanks!

I would suggest Kinkead's. It is right on Pennsylvania Ave, at 20th St. I am sure your brother would be familiar with it. It is not a lively atmosphere, but is also not stuffy. The food is excellent, with an emphasis on seafood.

Another suggestion is Ten Pehn, also on Penn Ave at 10th St. The food is Pan-Asian, with a huge variety of styles.

Any other suggestions? I tried to buy a gift certificate for Ten Pehn but they won't do it over the phone or online!

I know Legal Seafood sells gift certificates. i was there thought the food was pretty good.

Zaytinya: http://www.zaytinya.com/

Jaleo, Zola, Zengo, Rasika

On Capitol Hill, there is a relatively new wine bar restaurant called Sonoma that would fit the bill.

Moving toward downtown, on Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 701 Restaurant has contemporary decor, yummy food, and jazz every night.

I certainly second (and third) the recommendations for Jaleo and Zatinya, both of which specialize in "small plates" that offer a lot of vegetarian options. One downside to these restaurants though is that they rarely take reservations for small parties.

Zola which is next to the Spy Museum, is quite chic without being fussy.

Rasika, which I would describe as Indian fusion, is one of the hottest 'new' restuarants in town, and definitely lively.

All of these have websites that you can find through Google. Good luck, what a nice sister!

And also meant to mention Cafe Atlantico, down the street from Rasika.

I also want to chime in for Jaleo.

It is STILL a favorite of mine after all these years. The amazing thing is that even with the years of hype, press, word of mouth, and waits - one almost wants it to go downhill, even a little. If any place could rest on its laurels, Jaleo could. But it doesn't.

It is as fresh and wonderful today as when it first opened. Here's the link for a gift card:

http://www.jaleo.com/giftCard.html

Hey snowrooster!

Hope that even though you live in the Cincy area, you're cheering on my beloved Bucks as we get ready to win the National Championship!

In regard to your question, while I haven't eaten there myself, I have heard & read many good things about DC Coast (on K st.). It's supposedly one of the better seafood restaurants in town.

On a different subject, PLEASE get your Bengals to beat the crap out of the Ravens in the playoffs . . . PLEASE!!!

And, enjoy a big scoop of Graeters for me! The ice cream here on the east coast is crap!

LT - I will be rooting for the Buckeyes, but my heart is with the Bengals! I went to the Thursday night game and cheered them on to victory over the Ravens. Hopefully we will beat the crap out of everybody - I'll be planning a trip to the SuperBowl if we do!!

I tried Jaleo, but their gift cards are only available in person, through fax, or snail mail. I don't have a fax at home & would have to dry to Kinkos (which I may just end up doing - this seems to be a trend w/restaurants?).

Capital Grille or Oceanaire. Both have great ambiance, seafood that's incredible and a quick walk from the Mall.

Steve R

Good suggestions so far. My favs in the area are Cafe Atlantico, Zaytinya and Zola. I know my vegetarian friend loves Zaytinya, which is Greek tapas. All three are popular and contemporary. Another new and popular place in the area is Rosa Mexicana, where you can get the most delicious pomegrante margaritas and guacamole made right at your table.