Firefly -- Caught in a Bottle

Walk southwest from Dupont Circle along New Hampshire Avenue, and you will find a small restaurant on your right called Firefly. The décor is comparable to that of a high school theatre set. As you enter, an overly large tree trunk greets you, serving as a centerpiece for the dining floor. It is large and unwieldy. Seemingly, its sole purpose is to accommodate the lanterns that hang from its branches, from which Firefly derives its name.

The forest theme is consistent, as the back wall is adorned with large imitation stones—clearly fake. The bar is polished wood, and less of an eyesore, but inconveniently placed near the encroaching tree. The entire room feels cramped, and dark. The lighting is a plaque-like yellow, complemented by the kitchen window, which is also tinted. There is a distinct lack of crispness. They are trying to create a refreshing sensation of a Summer evening, but they fall short. The theme is overly contrived and a bit suffocating. I felt more like I was in an amateur rehearsal of A Midsummer Night’s Dream than an upscale restaurant.

The food is decent but way overpriced. The hamburger I ordered was fine, but 17 dollars is a bit much. My friends tried the seared sea scallops and the roasted organic chicken (both dishes cost more than 25$) and while there were no complaints, I didn’t sense any substantial enthusiasm. Their beer menu is rather limited as well--although I did try a Troegs Dreamweaver Wheat and thoroughly enjoyed this Pennsylvanian ale.

All in all, Firefly just doesn't live up to the upscale experience that it markets itself as. The ambiance is confined but not intimate, and sometimes claustrophobic. And the food, while good, is not worth the price tag. I have to acknowledge, despite my grievances, that there is frequently a wait to be seated; perhaps evidencing that there is a multitude that will take exception with my critique.