Pre-wedding dinner

M

Mark Criden

Mark Criden
I know I'm practically a stranger around these parts, having spent most of the past year and a half wine-less because of dramatically changed eating routine which resulted in a much smaller me. I'm sliding back into the pool slowly, but before I'm back posting notes, I need some advice, and know many of you well enough to ask.

My daughter (no stranger to some of you) is getting married June 5 in DC, and because of the phenomenon the the multi- and recently divorced parents, there will be no actual rehearsal dinner. So I need to take my posse (12-15 folks) to dinner in DC the night before. We're all staying near Dupont Circle, and need some place that will be accommodating. Suggestions?
 
originally posted by Mark Criden:
Pre-wedding dinnerI know I'm practically a stranger around these parts, having spent most of the past year and a half wine-less because of dramatically changed eating routine which resulted in a much smaller me. I'm sliding back into the pool slowly, but before I'm back posting notes, I need some advice, and know many of you well enough to ask.

My daughter (no stranger to some of you) is getting married June 5 in DC, and because of the phenomenon the the multi- and recently divorced parents, there will be no actual rehearsal dinner. So I need to take my posse (12-15 folks) to dinner in DC the night before. We're all staying near Dupont Circle, and need some place that will be accommodating. Suggestions?
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I'm not sure the range you are looking for. At the Cleveland Park Metro, a couple of stops north of Dupont, for high end, you have Palena, which I like very much. A couple of blocks down from that Lavandou, is a nice Provencal place and Dino's, which is even less and quite wine friendly, is very good too. There is a block of restaurants at the Woodley stop, one block north of Dupont. I like Petit Plats and there is a nice Indian place there too. For high end, I'm sure others will chime in. One of my favorites is Obelisk, which is also around Dupont.
 
Fifteen years ago City Lights of China in Dupont Circle was Da Bomb in the Washington food scene. I have no idea if it still is. The size of your group eliminates a couple of other choices in that area. It was pretty good food, especially the Hunan dishes.
City Lights of China
1731 Connecticut Ave N
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 265-6688
www.citylightsofchina.com
 
Pesce isn't bad and is rarely crowded so they should be able to accommodate your party. It is on P Street right next to Dupont Circle.

Vidalia on M Street is pretty good if you are wheeling to hoof it down there. New American cuisine with a Southern twist. German riesling selection is pretty good.

Bibiana (near Metro Center) is good Italian. So is Siroc (near McPherson Square), but I would give the edge to Bibiana.
 
The Tabard Inn is in walking distance of Dupont (aka the fruit loop) and can be a pleasant atmosphere - not too stuffy. They aren't especially economical. There are a number of easy-going places walking north on Connecticut, if you are on a budget.
 
I'll second Pesce which Theresa Iverson recommended to me. However, it's not a particularly large space so I would check to see if they can take a party of that size.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. This is basically a non-adventurous group, and given the mortgages I've had to assume to subvent the wedding itself I'm not looking to exceed $30/head plus booze, tax and tips. Change anyone's mind?
 
originally posted by Larry Stein:
I'll second Pesce which Theresa Iverson recommended to me. However, it's not a particularly large space so I would check to see if they can take a party of that size.
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Pesce has moved into a new space the past couple of months and it looks big enough to accommodate a party of 12-15 (the old Montsouris space). Entrees all under $30, though with starter and dessert it might go north of there.
 
I would suggest that Bistrot du Coin; it's pretty cheap and a huge place in Dupont that could probably fit you in just fine. There is good French bistro food much of which that does not threaten the unadventurous.

Cafe du Parc (at the Willard) probably has the space and is reasonably moderately priced (but possibly a bit more than you want to pay).

I have not been to City Lights in 10 years (when I lived around the corner) and have not regretted the absence.

Cole
 
originally posted by Mark Criden:
I'm not looking to exceed $30/head plus booze, tax and tips.
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I was going to suggest Obelisk or Komi but they're much too expensive. You might consider Lauriol Plaza (on 18th Street, a five minute walk from Dupont Circle), which is a large Mexican and Latin American place in a new, airy, modern building that could easily accommodate 12 and entree prices are around $15. Not earth-shattering food or a great wine list (mostly South American and some Spanish), but decent, fun and might fit the bill.
 
originally posted by Cole Kendall:
I would suggest that Bistrot du Coin; it's pretty cheap and a huge place in Dupont that could probably fit you in just fine. There is good French bistro food much of which that does not threaten the unadventurous.
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My thought too. You can have a lot of fun here with a large group. Drink pichets of edzelwicker and eat steamed mussels in various sauces.
 
Congratulations and please convey my congratulations to her as well (IIRC she was at the Il Corso dinner some years ago at the old location?).
 
Hi Jay,

Yes that was when I moved her to NYC for her 6 month cooking school stint. It was great!

Right now, we're leaning to Bistrot du Coin, but they won't take a June rez until after May 15, so thanks for all the other suggestions.
 
originally posted by John McIlwain:
Not related to the dinner...Not much help on D.C. info, but congratulations. Hope the day them both much happiness.

Best,
John
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Thanks, although her mother might make the day into an adventure, and there's still the prenup to finalize.
 
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