Many of you know I just returned from a fantastic trip to Paris in December. I ate and drank my way through the city, and have been longing for the days of leisurely lunches with rosé champagne. Now I have a little taste of Paris just one block from my apartment. Le Diplomate is absolutely stunning at first glance, and it’s unlike anything else we have in Washington. The restaurant is massive, yet provides so many opportunities for the diner: indoor seating with a classic brasserie feel, the glass covered enclosed terrace which evokes a conservatory, and the expansive outdoor patio along Q Street which is already packed to the brim in April, and is sure to be one of the most sought after dining locations all summer long.
As soon as I entered Le Diplomate I checked in with the hostess and then moved closer to the bar area as my friends and I waited for our table. Without even stepping up to the bar counter, a waiter approached us and asked if we would like to order drinks, and quickly presented us with menus. I was impressed with how attentive the staff was, and within minutes we were toasting to a great night out at D.C.’s newest restaurant. Shortly after we were seated, we got serious. My friends don’t mess around with food and we quickly ordered the tuna carpaccio, macaroni au gratin, mushroom tart, the frisee salad, and the warm shrimp salad.
I hereby declare the warm shrimp salad as my new “go-to” dish. The light lemon and butter sauce is divine, the greens were topped with a lovely dressing, and the dish had slices of avocado which added a creamy mix to each bite. The crust on the mushroom tart was so flaky, I had pieces of crust all over my hands as I was eating the dish (exactly what you want, similar to the crust of a croissant). The macaroni was rich and delicious, and the frisee salad with duck confit, potatoes, and a poached egg was decadent and the perfect start to a delicious French meal.
We were already feeling fat and happy, but I wanted to go classic for my main course so I ordered the steak frites. The steak was cooked just right at medium rare, served with a butter sauce, and a plentiful serving of crispy frites. Just perfect. I also tried bites of the beef bourguignon and the trout almondine which with are now on my list for my upcoming meals at Le Diplomate.
Think we’re done? Not even close. For dessert we ordered the milk chocolate pot de crème and the apple tart tatin with vanilla ice cream. The chocolate dessert was smooth and silky with crunchy bits and topped with whipped cream. While I enjoyed the apple tart, I expected it to be quite thin and flaky similar to what I have had in France, instead it was thick with huge chunks of apple. Still very good, just not what I had envisioned.
I must say I am pretty thrilled to have Le Diplomate just steps away from my home. It’s definitely going to become one of my staple spots, and there is so much more to try considering they are open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. In fact, I am heading there for brunch this Sunday and am already eyeing the croque madame, quiche lorraine, and the array of egg dishes to choose from. I find myself longing for Paris regularly, and the atmosphere and food at Le Diplomate allows you to feel in that element, even if just for a few hours while enjoying a great meal.
Le Diplomate
www.lediplomatedc.com
1601 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
@StarrRestaurant
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Weekend Eats
by Jenna on April 22, 2013
The gnocchi with hazelnut pesto was also tasty, and I loved the touch of breadcrumbs sprinkled atop of the black linguini with clams. The cacio e pepe was very good, but I wanted it to be a bit saucier. I also prefer that preparation with a spaghetti or longer noodle rather than the fusilli pasta it was served with. We also indulged in the pine nut tart for dessert which I highly recommend. All in all, a nice meal. The Red Hen is located at 1822 1st Street NW, Washington, DC 20001. On Twitter: @RedHenDC.
Many of you have noticed I’ve been to Le Diplomate more times than one can count in the two weeks that it has been open. After a delicious dinner and lunch, I also got the chance to check out the brunch dishes this weekend which did not disappoint in the least! The Quiche Lorraine was divine- a huge chunk of egg pie with onions, bacon, and cheese with an incredibly flaky crust. The french toast made of brioche was served with apples and hazelnut butter. The dish was really wonderful, and was just sweet enough to not need the syrup. Finally, we tried the spinach omelette with goat cheese which was light and fluffy served with crispy Lyonnaise potatoes. Another home run for Le Diplomate. Le Diplomate is located at 1601 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005. On Twitter: @StarrRestaurant.
Last but not least, I indulged in an excellent new dish at my favorite neighborhood restaurant Posto. It’s ramps season, and I really love those little spring onions so I ordered the gnocchi with stinging nettles, ramps, and sundried tomatoes. It was fantastic and I highly recommend you go check it out. Posto is located at 1515 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005. On Twitter: @RistorantePOSTO.
I’m off to San Francisco and Portland this week and I’m looking forward to meals at Frances, Pok Pok, and Le Pigeon. More food tales to come soon, have a great week!
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