BRABO Tasting Room -- Bravo for BRABO

From the man who brought you Brasserie Beck and Marcel’s, Robert Wiedmaier now presents BRABO in Old Town Alexandria, and he delivers once again. Specifically BRABO Tasting Room, adjacent to main dining room, is a perfect place for congregating with friends.

As you enter the tasting room you cannot help but notice that everything is brand new. A pristine stainless steel and brick oven greets you upon entering. The walls are painted pure white, contrasted by the black nautical decorations—simple yet sleek. There is nothing superfluous about BRABO. It’s brick flooring combined with the unadorned décor create the perfect balance of contemporary and rustic. I felt as though I was being entertained in a magnificent Tribeca loft as the ambiance and service are that personal.

Situated in the middle of the tasting room is an elongated table at which patrons stand, eat, imbibe and socialize with friends. Private booths offer a bit more seclusion and look out onto King Street. But don’t visit the tasting room if you are seeking quiet conversation. The atmosphere here is electric, and at times a bit noisy. But this only accentuates the tasting room’s purpose--a casual and lively dining experience with friends. Those looking for a more romantic evening can visit the main dining floor next door.

The service is impeccable; formal and considerate but also friendly and engaging. Our meal was brought out in a timely fashion and we actually enjoyed our dialogue with the waiter. It is a rare experience to be served not only a delicious meal, but meaningful discourse. For an appetizer we split the signature mussels, steamed in a classic white wine garlic, shallots, and parsley sauce. It was a meal in itself, and the perfect social food for those who are just as interested in conversing as eating. For my entrée I had the Five Onion soup and the Oven Roasted Chicken sandwich. Both were amazing, and so filling that I opted out of desert. To drink I had a Westmalle Trapist Tripel, a thick-headed Belgian beer. I must have enjoyed it, as I ordered three.

I look forward to dining at BRABO, in their main dining room. But for a social get-together with friends, the atmosphere, the service, and the food at BRABO Tasting Room are all A+. It is a must visit.

Café Bonaparte - a little a lot

In the heart of historic Georgetown, amidst the antique shops, lies a diminutive and cozy European café—Café Bonaparte. Small in stature, it has a surprisingly extensive repertoire of food and drink. What appears from the street as nothing more than a coffee shop, also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.

The ambiance is personal and romantic. The façade of the café is completely paned windows infusing the dining room with light--coalescing historic Georgetown with a taste of Europe. The walls are adorned with a series of art deco pieces--all of which are for sale. The pastels give added color to an already sunlit room. The tables are tiny and close in proximity, however, amazingly, I have never felt cramped. Meanwhile, the waitresses do an exceptional job of navigating the tight quarters. The size and popularity of the cafe do lend themselves to weekend morning lines. Just leave your name and take a twenty minute jaunt around the corner to the many antique shops—it is worth the wait.

I have yet to try any of their dinner entrees, but their Elba sandwich--smoked turkey with apples, brie, and honey Dijon--was excellent. Their brunch is even more inspiring, as their Renoir—scrambled eggs, Italian sausage, green peppers, and onions rolled in a crepe & topped with cheddar and Swiss cheese—is heavy on the taste buds but not on the stomach. It is light not greasy. The food prices are reasonable, but the drinks can be a bit pricey. Mimosa’s and Bloody Mary’s run around ten dollars and a couple can add up quickly. Nevertheless, they are both excellent. And finally, the small unassuming bar is a great setting for a nightcap, appealing to the night owl craving something sweet. I hear their deserts are excellent.

Café Bonaparte, as small as it is, somehow manages to offer a little of everything for everyone, at anytime.

Café Milano – Where you have to pay to play

Located on Prospect Street, just west of Wisconsin Avenue, is the small but elegant Café Milano. It offers all that you would expect at an Italian café, good food, wine and friendly service. But what Café Milano really offers, is a chance to flaunt one’s social status, which is why it has become my second favorite DC establishment for people watching (the first is Kramerbooks Afterwords Café).

Café Milano markets itself to the “movers and shakers” of DC—businessmen, politicians, diplomats and of course, socialites. I have been there on two occasions, and on both, I would be lying if I said that I saw anyone of any considerable fame. But you sure wouldn’t know it judging from the designer suits, fashionable dresses, and air of self importance. It is a rare occasion (Halloween) that you can observe someone wearing sunglasses after dark, which certainly speaks to the heightened sense of self that abounds among the patrons of Café Milano. Fortunately for the perpetrator, the bar and dining room were well lit enough to reveal that they were, in fact, designer. And if the moon glasses didn’t tell the entire story, the designer three piece, cufflinks and all, did.

The bar is a scene from the Great Gatsby. There is an obvious dichotomy of company here. The women—young and attractive--have a manner about them that says, “I am not looking for just a husband, but a way of life.” The men, twenty years older on average, have a complementary look that declares, “I can provide that lifestyle. Do you see my suit?” There is nothing that would indicate their message to be false—they really ARE well dressed. I’ll leave the judgment regarding the marital success rate of such matches to the experts.

If you want to ingratiate yourself into this crowd, you are going to have to pay up. There is a premium to dine here. Entrees are in the forty dollar range, and you can get a small pizza for 17 bucks. A glass of wine will run you in the vicinity of fifteen dollars. If you are looking for food, walk south to Filomena’s, it is a better value. But if you are looking to people watch, for next season fashion ideas, or for a husband, come to Café Milano.

Cafe La Ruche - Simply Charming

Café La Ruche is just far enough removed from M Street to escape the Georgetown shopping hustle-and-bustle, but close enough to make it easily accessible. It is a conveniently intimate Parisian style café, aptly named (La Ruche is French for beehive) as it is abuzz with energy.

Part of La Ruche’s appeal lies in its simplicity. You will not find the extraneous bells and whistles so common to the modern coffee shop. A booth stretches the length of the left side of the café providing half of the seating for the row of couples tables that flank it. On the right hand side of the café are three dining tables for larger groups. You can also dine outside on their garden patio when the weather is nice. The décor is simple, not ornate. A French flag hangs in the rafters, and there are a series of rural Parisian pictures on the wall.

As you enter you are greeted by an adorable older man and shown to your table. The service is great, and the attitude and ambiance are cheerful. La Ruche’s typical patrons range from couples, old and young, to friends and co-workers. It is as common to hear French as it is English, further augmenting the Parisian flavor.

The food is excellent. The L’Assiette de Brie (brie and apple) is a fresh and an ample appetizer, while the Poulet Cordon Bleu was one of the best I have had. They offer a small selection of imported beer and have a limited list of wines, but it is sufficient unless you are actively seeking something more exotic.

Café La Ruche is at its core, charming. It is energetic yet relaxing--convenient yet quaint. It is a great place for a date or a quick rendezvous with an old friend. Whether you seek dinner, weekend brunch, or just a cup of espresso, I highly recommend Café La Ruche.

Landini Brother's

Situated off of King Street, one block from the waterfront, Landini’s is a good lunchtime reprieve from Old Town shopping. The exposed brick walls, flagstone floor and dark mahogany trim produce a quaint Tuscan experience. There is a sense of family--it seems all of the waiters know each other, and all have a similar, and sometimes difficult to understand, accent.

Downstairs provides a spirited atmosphere, catering to larger groups. Upon entry, there is a perceptible smell of cigar smoke, lingering from the night before. The non-smoking area to the left is set-apart from the main floor. And, the noticeable red ductwork hanging from the ceiling provides the necessary ventilation, alleviating the smell for its non-smoking patrons. If you are looking for a quieter or more romantic venue, you can sit upstairs adjacent to the wine room, containing a host of Italian favorites.

The food is good. For lunch I had the “Pollo alla Griglia”—a grilled chicken panini that was tender and tasty. I washed it down with a couple of Peroni’s, nothing fancy. On a dinner occasion, I had the “Suprema di Pollo alla Bolognese”—a chicken breast sautéed in butter and white wine, topped with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce—for my entrée. It was excellent, but the portion was a bit small for what I have come to expect from a family Italian Restaurant. Perhaps I was spoiled from my visit to Filomena’s in Georgetown only days prior.

All in all, I cannot complain about my experiences at Landini Brother’s—the food and service are good, it is not overly-expensive, they have an ample selection, and the atmosphere is vibrant. I will go there again without hesitation, but for a really special dinner or celebration, I will probably search elsewhere as it lacks that extra “wow” factor.

Kramerbooks Afterwords Cafe -- Seductive Intelligence

As I stand in front of the bookshelves of Kramerbooks, off Dupont Circle, I can't help but think, "what is going on?" There is a plethora of young professionals, all wearing their weekend best, fully groomed, and smelling of their favorite cologne. Something isn't right. They are holding books. But they are not studying--at least not the words on the pages in front of them. They glance up periodically scanning the floor for looks of approval. The expression on their faces read, "I am a man of culture and intellect. I am the Renaissance Man for whom you search." I realize I am in the midst of a scholarly meat market with no shame.

And how convenient.......the bookstore just happens to be situated ajacent to the "Afterwords Cafe." The transition from academia to social mingling has never been easier. Gentlemen, if your studiousness was not seductive enough, the cafe has an abundance of ploys to get her in the mood. Perhaps she will notice the risque advertisements on the wall--one of which pictures a man on his back wearing a dog collar while a woman tugs at it as she pins him down with her stiletto heel. It reads, "satisfying all appetites."

If the surroundings don't immediately entice her, the food and drink will. Offer her a "Loosey Goosey Cosmo" or if she has just escaped from an unhealthy relationship, woo her with a "Clean Slate Riesling." She will love it! After she feels secure with her tabula rasa indulge her with a "Menage A Trois Rose"--a blend of zinfadel, merlot and cabernet. You can reveal your intentions by ordering an "Original Sin Cider" from the waiter. And after a few drinks she will surely have worked up an appetite for the "French-Cut Hanging Tenderloin of Beef." Bon-Appetite. No pun intended--well, sort of.

Despite the not-so-subtle atmosphere I have to admit the "Peanut Chicken w/ Asian Noodle Stir-Fry" was excellent. And at the very least, Kramerbooks Afterwords Cafe is the greatest venue for people watching I have ever experienced.

Filomena - A Great Value In Georgetown

Perched off of Wisconsin Avenue, Filomena's in the heart of Georgetown. My experience with Georgetown Restaurants has been that they are usually good but overpriced. The food at Filomena's is excellent, and although the price tag is comparable to other local restaurants, the portions are massive making it an exceptional value.

Filomena's has an array of appetizers. I can personally vouch for the "Bruschette Con Pomodoro" and the "Scampi alla Zia Katie" both of which were excellent. For an entree, the "Pollo alla Parmigiana" is outstanding. The chicken is tender, served breaded and piping hot under a salty tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. The serving is so large, I could only try the side of penne pasta--also very good.

They have a relatively extensive list of Italian wines--especially red. Personally, I enjoy their Chianti and Sangiovese based selections. And after dinner, you can look forward to a complementary carafe of Sambuca and Amaretto complete with coffee beans. And if you have any room left in your stomach their desert list looks amazing. I have yet to try one.

The atmosphere at Filomena's is quite festive. The small unassuming entryway belies the open and grandiose interior. Situated to the right of the entrance is a small room where their "Pasta Mama's" handmake the pasta--adding to the Italian flavor. Their dining floor decor borders on intrusive but adheres to the current Holiday theme and is jovial. Currently they are decked out for Valentines Day. My only complaint, politics aside, is that the stuffed donkey at the entrance overshadows the hospitable maitre de. But I suspect they will take it down after the novelty of the new administration diminishes.

Overall, Filomena's is an excellent venue for a date, a business meeting, or a get-together with friends. Your experience will justify why it has been voted DC's best Italian restaurant three years running.

Bookbinder's - Steak Heaven

5. Wolfgang's 4. Bobby Van's 3. Smith & Wollensky's 2. Peter Luger's and the number one place to order a filet mignon, medium rare.........Bookbinder's. That's right, I still can't believe I am ranking an Alexandria Steakhouse above the Mighty New York Four--but I am. Bookbinders' filet is the best I have ever had; crispy and sweet on the outside, tender and succulent on the inside--cooked to perfection.

Bookbinder's of Old Town delivers in all aspects. Their steaks and lobster are top notch, and their steamed asparagus, al dente, with Hollandaise, is excellent. And as good as the food is, the ambiance is even better. The exposed brick, spiral staircase, and iron chandeliers are all charming. A small outside alcove is perfectly romantic. Shaded by a large tree and saturated with potted ivy, there is a distinctive garden feel. It peeks out onto St. Asaph Street, one of the quaintest streets in Old Town, famous for its colonial flavor.

Bookbinder's is a great place to take family, friends, or that special someone.

Proof - For Whom?

From the exposed brick to the wide-plank floors to the pewter bar, Proof does not lack character. As you make your way through the double glass doors you are transplanted into an interesting combination of a rural wine tasting room and chic lounge--elegant yet rustic. Here, Sonoma Valley meets New York, and it does so in a most unexpected place--Penn Quarter, Washington DC.

There is a little of everything for everyone at Proof. Wine connoisseurs can indulge in an extensive wine selection, kept fresh with the Enomatic wine machine. A vast selection of cheeses complements their collection of over 1,000 wines. If you are not a wine afficianado there is a bar and a selection of beer. And although they are not nearly as extensive as their wine list, beer drinkers can indulge in a high glass of Delirium Tremens, a Belgian strong ale that I highly recommend.

Above the bar is a series of plasma televisions that transmit images from the American Art Museum--it's neighbor. It is an odd form of entertainment, perhaps catering to it's "cultured" crowd. Personally, I feel like it offers an unecessary distraction from the Enomatic wine machine below which is far more interesting.

If you carry an appetite for more than just wine and cheese, their dinner menu includes an array of meat entrees--seafood, pork, duck, steak, and chicken, complemented by a number of appetizing sides.

The result? Proof offers a great venue for a couple with diverse tastes. Chic and elegant, it appeals to those looking for a "cultural" experience, but it is balanced with a menu offering substance for the hungry patron. Make no mistake about it--this dichotomy has been meticulously planned, and for better or worse, Proof's marketing is along gender lines. You need to look no further than the risque posters hanging at eye level in the men's bathroom. Even the restroom sign illustrates this--as a mischievous male character looks over the stall next to him where a female is perched.

The message is NOT so subtle. Men, you can bring your girl to Proof and give her the cultured and elegant evening she desires, and yet leave satiated, in stomach and spirit.