Russia House - Dupont Circle, DC

I've driven past this "building with the stairs" for years on my way down Connecticut Ave into Dupont Circle and now I know that it is Russia House. My cousin bought the Living Social deal (even my family members are addicted) and took me to dinner! This was our first time trying Russian food and we didn't know what to expect.
Good luck find parking around this part of town. I suggest taking the metro like we did to Dupont Circle on the red line.

Well hello there Mr. Presidents...

This DC rowhouse is made of small, cozy rooms.  The top floor is where the entrance and techno-blasting bar is along with some tables. Then you walk downstairs to the floor we were on. You will find traditional decor from the wallpaper to the paintings, etc. You can pretty much hear everybody's conversations because the tables are close together.

I love carbs! We killed this whole basket of bread and butter.

My cousin ordered a Russian beer recommended by our server. I believe it is the Baltika Porter #6 (A classic porter beer brewed according to traditional English recipes. This dark beer possesses a full flavor, as well as high density and strength. Hints of wine can felt in the aroma. 7.0% ABV) She really liked it!

The menu is small with about 10 entrees. There is a wide variety of meats like lamb, rabbit, duck, beef, pork, chicken and seafood. Their vodka list is MASSIVE, like 200 different kinds as well as a nice caviar selection.

My cousin ordered the Beef Stroganoff (Beef Tenderloin, Mushrooms and Root Vegetables in a Red Wine Cream served with Potato Puree) for $26. The only other time I've had this dish was at Noodles & Company, and there was no comparison. So rich and creamy with a ton of flavor. We were both pleasantly surprised. I'm getting this next time.

I ordered the Pan Seared Duck Breast (Confit Parsnip and Carrot Galette, Sour Cream Perogies stuffed with Cabbage and Salt Pork, Riesling Butter Sauce and Duck Jus) for $30. The duck was very tender and had the right ratio of fat to meat. The carrot galette was sweet and the perogies were good.

Our server was super nice and helpful. I liked the intimate space, and the food was tasty and more refined than I anticipated. I can now say I am a fan of Russian cuisine. Wednesday & Thursday nights include classical musicians.

1800 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 234-9433
www.russiahouselounge.com

Willow - Arlington, VA

The bf and I used another Groupon for this meal...I can't pass up a deal! I've heard great things about Willow's modern American menu, not to mention it was on Washingtonian Magazine's Top 100 in 2010 so I was looking forward to this meal.

There are two entrances, and this picture is of the back entrance next to the validating parking garage located in the same building. If you decide to take the metro, Ballston-MU metro station on the orange line a block away. Outdoor seating is available weather permitting.

This place is huge. We sat in the main dining room, which was semi-sectioned off with furniture but still felt open. There are other smaller rooms around the restaurant too. Decor is simple but upscale.

The menu is small with around 12 entrees offering a variety of seafood, steak, pork, chicken and vegetables.

We started off with their signature item - Grilled Flatbread. We went with The Willow (Wild Mushrooms, Lemon, Thyme, Fontina, Parmesan & White Truffle Essence) for $10.50. This was the appetizer size, but you can order the standard size for $19.50. It was delicious! All of the ingredients blended went together, and you can never go wrong with truffle oil. This was the thinnest flat bread I've ever had, so it's really not a lot of food.

The bf ordered the Petite Filet Medallions (Pepper-Crusted Cast-Iron Seared Steak, Creamy Spinach Tart, Portobello “Fries” and Red Wine-Shallot Sauce) for $30.50. He thought it was good, but wished it packed more a flavor punch with it being encrusted with pepper. It was also a bit overcooked.

I ordered the Crispy Tempura Fried Soft Shell Crab (Corn Pancake, English Peas, Fresh Corn, Snap Peas, Radish & Corn Sauce) for $34.50. I enjoyed the large portion and crispy but not greasy crabs. The corn was sweet and the asparagus was cooked perfectly. I believe the ingredients tasted best together, but individually they were soft of plain.

The service was attentive to us and I liked the food presentation. The atmosphere wasn't as cozy/romantic as I prefer, and I would characterize it as noisy. The entrees range from mid 20's to mid 30's. Overall, a good restaurant that can hold large groups of people.

4301 Fairfax Dr
Arlington, VA 22203
(703) 465-8800
www.willowva.com