I'm going to DC the end of this month and am looking for a great restaurant to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. I had planned on Cashions but then read something that they weren't open on Mondays. Any advise on another great restaurant-wonderful food and wine, price isn't really an issue, just don't want a "stuffy" atmosphere. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

There is a great new restaurant called Timothy Deane's. It has only been open about a month but the reviews have been outstanding. Beautiful veal chops; succulent soft shell crabs.

Happy Anniversary!

I hit the return too quickly on my last post.

Also, the top three in DC, which is a city not particularly noteworthy for it's culinary are:

1. I Ricchi on 19th Street NW;
2. Galileo on 21st Street NW; and
3. Citronelle at 3000 M Street NW.

The first two are Italian, and the third is continental.

Not sure what Crabcake means by "Top 3," but my picks for an anniversary dinner would be 1789 (Georgetown), Citronelle (also in Georgetown), maybe Taberna del Alabardero (downtown). I think the new chef at Lespinasse used to work for (Jean-Louis?) Palladin, which sounds promising. I like Galileo, too; the one time I went to I Ricchi the food was fine but the service was terrible.
Cashion's is great, but I think it's a little too crowded and noisy for a romantic anniverary dinner.
Congratulations on the big 1-0!

Well, I say "top three" because as a former protocol chief who was responsible for escorting foreign dignitaries around the Washington, DC area, I found that these restaurants were requested over and over again.

Cindy: The restaurants I mentioned are considered the best in Washington area for quality of food and service. Since this is such a special anniversary for you, I would recommend of the top three I Ricchi.

Best of luck and let us know about your celebration.

Sincerely,

Elliana

Vidalia on M St is also wonderful and would be a great spot for an anniversary dinner. We had an anniversary dinner at Citronelle a number of years ago and will never go back--felt rushed and didn't feel we got good value for our money. The dining room at the Henely Park hotel, Couer d'Lion, is very beautiful but I can't comment on the food as the chef we knew left there a couple of years ago. If you like prime rib, the Prime Rib on K St. is a fabulous old-line restaurant with elegant atmosphere.

I ate at Coeur de Lion about a year ago and the food was very good. Pretty good wine selection, too, although the real draw was the dancing afterwards (but not on Monday).
How is the wine list at Vidalia?

PS Sorry you had a bad time at Citronelle--we got pampered and stuffed.

I had a wonderful dinner at Olives 2 weeks ago. Pricey but very good and a great atmosphere.