I’ve been dating for 20 years.
12 of them have been in The District and bordering Montgomery and Arlington counties.
10 of them have been with my now-husband, Chris, the datiest date night guy you’ll ever find.
Now, I’m not saying he’s The Super Cheese with oppressive cologne, cellophane-wrapped 7-11 roses and secret dealings with waiters to hide jewelry in my dessert. (True fact: we got engaged completely unplanned, ringless and while tipsy at a party.) But the guy reads newspapers and pays attention. He’s somehow able to tune in to my constant chatter about bands and films and exhibits, and then researches when they’re coming into town.
And Chris is always up on the latest restaurant reviews, not just the super-with-it places on the hot lists, but also the old school and ethnic foodie gems. Back in 2000 he totally should have set up a blog titled A Boyfriend in Washington or something.
But there’s only one blogger in this family, so I think it’s time I shared with you guys some of the fruits of his labors.
Unfortunately I can’t share with you the super-secret phone numbers of the wonderful teenaged girls that agree to babysit our kids with just a few hours notice on a Saturday night via extremely efficient text message. But at least I can give you some restaurant recs, right?
APISS-Recommended Restaurants for Dates - Winter Edition
Mannequin Pis – Incredible mussels infused with decadent flavors, Belgian beers, piles of pommes frites and once you’re thoroughly beer-buzzed, crazy rich Belgian chocolate desserts. The European bistro feel is warm and great for dates. If you go on a Tues, Wed, or Thurs for dinner before 7:30pm, you’ll receive a glass of wine or dessert on the house. 18064 Georgia Avenue, Olney, MD 301-570-4800.
Black Market Bistro – Modern American dishes that are simple, full of locally grown ingredients and everything I’ve ever ordered here has been excellent. And although you eat dinner in your own house every night, there is something about eating by candlelight in a restaurant that’s a converted house. On Mondays, selected wines are half price. 4600 Waverly Ave., Garrett Park, MD 20896 301-933-3000.
Café Atlántico – This is our favorite restaurant in “the city,” hands down. It has great food (specifically “Nuevo Latino” cuisine – which just means it’s a foodie restaurant with fabulous starters and entrees made with Latin flair) and a special-night-out atmosphere. We also love to show up reservationless and make a meal out of guacamole and mojitos at the bar. (I’ve never done the minibar thing, though I’ve heard it’s awesome.) 405 8th Street NW 202-393-0812.
Ray’s the Classics – I’m not a big meat eater, but even I can’t resist a petite filet smothered in bleu cheese and mushroom sauces, with a perfect glass of cab and a dish of creamed spinach on the side. These steaks are better than most of the big name steak houses in the area, and the prices are cut in half. 8606 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 301-588-7297.
Makoto – Go here for a very special occasion or when you start to lament that there are no good sushi or Japanese restaurants in DC. Guys should wear a jacket, and socks without holes – you’ll be removing your shoes. 4822 MacArthur Boulevard NW, 202-298-6866.
Crystal Thai - I love Nava Thai, really I do, but though delicious, the place doesn’t feel like a date destination (and when you’re in the toddler trenches, ambiance when you’re out all of a sudden does count.) Crystal Thai is beautiful, and the Thai food is, dare I say, even better. Besides, I have to give some Virginian recs. 4819 1st Street North, Arlington, VA 703-522-1311.
Tabard Inn – Great winter date locale with a roaring fire that’s full of history. Great nostalgia place for couples married at St. Matthew’s. (Holla!) Don’t skip dessert. Or bar hopping on 18th Street/Connecticut after. 1739 N Street NW 202-331-8528?.
Evo Bistro – Love lots of little plates of tapas? At Evo, Spanish, French, Italian and Moroccan style tapas are all paired with perfectly complementary wines. 1313 Old Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA 703-288-4422.
Previous Date Destination Reviews
Good Stuff Eatery on Capitol Hill
