My husband and I are planning a weekend away in Washington D.C. in a couple of weeks. Where are the great places to eat? We love great food but can't stand snobbish restaurants. Also where can we find great martinis? Any great bars for 40 somethings to hang out in?

I personally have never been, but for good Martinis, there is a place called Ozios...I want to say it is on Connecticut Ave, but I am not sure. I am not a very big food person, but there is a great place I went to called Cafe Nora. My best friend is a chef at a place called the Circle Bistro...which is supposed to be very good. There is also an awesome place at the Mandarin Oriental called CITY ZEN. Or, you can just walk around and pop into whichever place suits you!!!!

Just three suggestions (out of hundreds of possibilites) for casual, delicious dining. All have fantastic food in a casual setting. The first has the best food, the second is the most comfortable, the third has the best bar.

http://www.komirestaurant.com

http://www.cashionseatplace.com

http://www.saint-ex.com/home.html

There are too many great bars for 40 somethings to mention. What location/neighborhood/ambience/vibe are you looking for? Here's a guide to get you started - click on locations "U Stree", Adams Morgan", "Logan Circle", and "Dupont"
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv...lubs-bars.html

I rarely drink martinis.

For something different ...
We went to a Korean BBQ restaurant just outside of DC. It was fantastic - and kind of weird. There is a mini hibatchi in the center of your table, and you cook the meal yourself. They bring you all sorts of crazy sidedishes, like strange vegetables, beans and other delicious but mysterious stuff. It was so fun, delicious and a really unique experience.

On the Washingtonpost.com website, check out Tom Sietsema's Live Online session (Ask Tom)--there's one coming up tomorrow (Wednesday). He's the Post's restaurant reviewer and his advice has been right on the money, in my experience. I think there are links to his reviews and restaurant ratings. You can check the archives--he's answered questions on bars. City Zen is great. You might check out Restaurant Eve (great drinks and great food; they have a fancier restaurant, which we love, as well as a bistro and a new pub).

Georgia Brown is a fantastic soulfood restaurant wtih food from the North Carolina low country. I had a peach martini there that was to die for. It's very sophisticated and and the menu is unusual. I know they have a website so check it out -- it's truly not to be missed. They have jazz on Sat night and a jazz brunch on Sunday am.

You all have some really great suggestions, thank you. I will check them all out before we go. This is to be a special weekend away from the 4 kids,who we love but need a break from, so we are really looking forward to it. Thanks again.