Val's Dining Guide - Washington, DC 2006

What ever your taste buds have a yen for is available in Washington, DC area restaurants. The nation's capital is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. It is home to immigrants from every country drawn here in search of a better life. Thankfully for everyone concerned, they bring their customs and native recipes with them. Following are some of the favorites of NAHC staff members.

ADDIS ABABA If you are looking for the best in Ethiopian food this is for you. This trendy bistro in the Adams Morgan area, has been a local favorite for almost 20 years. Live entertainment is featured on the weekend. 2106 18th Street, NW. 202-232-6092. Moderate.

ADITI INDIAN CUISINE This cozy spot located in George-town is a frequent winner of Washingtonian Magazine's Blue Ribbon Award for best Indian food. 3229 M Street, NW. 202-625-6825. Moderate.

B SMITH'S AT UNION STATION This restaurant is located in Washington's train depot called Union Station. It is located only two blocks north of the Senate Office Buildings. It is a fine place to go if you are in the vicinity and like good old American food. 50 Massachusetts Ave, NE. 202-298-6188. Moderate.

CAPITOL GRILL This is the "in" spot on Capitol Hill, located just six blocks west of the US Capitol. The menu features the best of steaks and chops. It is also one of the best places in town to watch the rich and the powerful raise a glass. Reservations are a must. 601 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. 202-737-6200. Expensive.

DUBLINER RESTAURANT AND PUB This fine Irish pub also serves pretty good food. It is a favorite of many NAHC members who go there for a late night toddy. 520 North Capitol Street, NW. 202-737-3773. Moderate.

FILOMENA RISTORANTE OF GEORGETOWN Many people think this is the best restaurant in town. Your first view of the eatery is of charming middle aged women making fresh pasta, dressed in authentic Italian peasant costumes. It gets better and better. The food is wonderful and desserts are to die for. 1063 Wisconsin Avenue, NW. 202-337-2782. Moderately expensive.

GEORGIA BROWN'S If you like Southern fried chicken, black-eyed peas, biscuits and gravy, this is the place for you. 950 15th Street, NW. 202-393-4499. Moderate.

KINKEAD'S Located in Foggy Bottom, an area around George Washington University, west of the White House but east of Georgetown, Kinkead's is one of the top rated fish restaurants in the city. They are also famous for their jazz pianist named Hilton, who has played there for years. Reservations required. 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. 202-296-7700. Expensive.

L'AUBERGE CHEZ FRANCOIS Great Falls, Virginia is famous for three things: first, the magnificent falls created by the Potomac River which inexplicably drops several feet successively; second, it is the place where the CIA headquarters is located; and third, this restaurant. It is the finest French restaurant in the area. Reservations are almost as hard to get as Washington Redskins tickets. 332 Springvale Road; Great Falls, Virginia. 703-759-3800. Expensive.

LEBANESE TAVERNA* "I never met a small dish here I didn't like" say those digging into meze at this family-owned, "family-friendly", casual local chainlet; the "fail-safe" menu encourages group dining with "authentic" Middle Eastern ingredients. 2641 Connecticut Ave., NW (bet. Calvert St. & Woodley Rd.) 202-265-8681 Moderate to expensive.

MARKET INN RESTAURANT This restaurant is located three blocks SW of the Capitol, tucked up against the railroad tracks, but the restaurant and its food are legendary. Lobster is the specialty of the house but you can get other things, even steaks if you like. 300 E Street, SW. 202-554-2100. Moderate.

MCCORMICK AND SCHMICK'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT This chain has four restaurants in the DC area. The most famous is the one located on K Street which is as famous as Law Street Row. Reservations are a good idea. The fish is as fresh as it gets, always well prepared, and the service is great. 1625 K Street, NW. 202-861-2233. Moderate to expensive.

THE MONOCLE This restaurant is the closest restaurant and watering hole to the US Senate. Here your chances of running into a Senator and important government officials are excellent. The walls are lined with photos of the rich and the powerful who have dined here. This is also a favorite spot for political fundraisers. The food is good old fashioned American cuisine. 107 D Street, NW. 202-546-4888. Moderate.

MR. K'S RESTAURANT Many consider this the best upscale Chinese food in Washington. Try the orange/mimosa beef. 2121 K Street, NW. 202-331-8868. Moderate to expensive.

MORTON'S OF CHICAGO - THE STEAKHOUSE This chain featuring ample portions of aged beef and lamb has been such a hit that it has popped up in almost every major US City. You get your money's worth that's for sure-just check out the doggie bags that follow most diners home. 1050 Connecticut Avenue, NW. 202-342-6258. Expensive.

NEW HEIGHTS* "Year in, year out" this Woodley Park New American takes diners to "cutting-edge" heights with "seasonal" ingredients in "original combinations"; "gracious" service and "gorgeous" views over Rock Creek Park from a "serene" second-story Arts and Crafts dining room give it the feel of an "ethereal" "getaway"; still, despite high marks for "creative cuisine", dissenters wonder if it hasn't "plateaued." 2317 Calvert St., NW (Connecticut Ave.) 202-234-4110 Moderate.

PHILLIPS FLAGSHIP OF WASHINGTON This restaurant located on Washington's waterfront overlooking Washington's Ronald Reagan Airport, is famous for an all you can eat seafood buffet. Just follow the trail of buses full of tourists. 900 Water Street, SW. 202-488-8515.
Moderate.

PIZZA PARADISIO A tiny restaurant featuring the best thin-crust pizza you'll ever put in your mouth. Of course, they don't take reservations. Please be prepared to wait. There is usually a line out the door and down the steps but it moves very fast and is worth the wait. 2029 P Street, NW. 202-223-1245. Inexpensive.

PRIME RIB RESTAURANT Voted best steakhouse in Washington, according to the Zagat Guide, this place is perpetually full of contented customers. Please be aware they require gentlemen to wear jackets for dinner. 2020 K Street, NW. 202-466-8111. Expensive.

RED SAGE RESTAURANT This eatery describes itself as a border cafŽ, featuring the unique taste of the West on the sophisticated elegance of the grill. Located two blocks east of the White House, Red Sage was a favorite hang out for Clinton White House staff members. If you are after southwest cuisine, this is one of the best DC has to offer. 605 14th Street, NW. 202-638-4444. Moderate to expensive.

SAKE CLUB* Go for "high-class, innovative Japanese . . . from Koreans"  at this sleek "oasis for the soul" near the National Zoo; a  mix of Asian antiques and modern flourishes (like concrete tabletops) combine for a "relaxed, dark" vibe that might help the place "turn into a hipster" hang; "unusual offerings alongside old standards", plus a long list of the namesake rice wine, are "expensive but worth it." 2635 Connecticut Ave., NW (bet. Calvert St. & Woodley Rd.) NW 202-332-2711 Expensive.

SEA CATCH RESTAURANT AND RAW BAR Many people say this restaurant offers the finest seafood, steaks and chicken in DC. Located in an 1842 historic landmark overlooking the C and O Canal, this facility provides a romantic setting along with great food. It is located in Georgetown adjoining the Georgetown Square, an indoor mall. 1054 31st Street, NW. 202-337-8855. Expensive.

SUSHI KAPPO KAWASAKI This is one of the most recommended sushi restaurants in downtown Washington. 1140 19th Street, NW. 202-466-3798. Moderate.

TABARD INN This place is described as a country inn in downtown Washington, DC. Diners are invited to partake of their cozy Victorian settings, seats by the fireplace or in the garden. It is picture perfect, and the food is pretty good as well. 1739 N Street, NW. 202-785-1277.
Moderate to expensive.

TAVERNA, THE GREEK ISLANDS This unpretentious place located two blocks east of the House office buildings provides authentic Greek food and lots of it for a very reasonable price. It is the favorite of many Congressmen and staff members. 305 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. 202-547-8360. Inexpensive.

TORTILLA COAST This Tex-Mex inspired restaurant is one of the closest eateries to the House office buildings. Understandably, it is a very popular spot for lunch and for dinner. Look for many House staff members trying different kinds of tequila drinks. 400 First Street, SE. 202-546-6768. Moderate.

WINDOWS OVER WASHINGTON This restaurant is located in Washington's only revolving rooftop restaurant on the top of the Doubletree Hotel. It is located just minutes from Washington's Ronald Reagan Airport. It offers reasonably good food, and a great view of Washington, providing you don't have any problems with motion sickness. 300 Army Navy Drive; Arlington, Virginia. 703-416-3894. Moderate.