ANALYSIS/OPINION:
With the warm season upon us, perhaps it’s little wonder that The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. is opening up the doors — literally — of its Westend Bistro. The power spot in Northwest is welcoming afterwork crowds to experience its Rose Garden, which extends outwards from the Westend Bistro’s bar on the ground floor of the prestigious hotel.
Every Friday, the Rose Garden offers flights of rose, with samples rotating each week to complement the small plates on offer from Chef Alvin de la Cruz.
On a recent Friday, the rose flight consisted of the slightly acidic Lioco Mendocino County from California, the crisp and delightful Mas de Daumas Gassac of France and a special Ritz varietal, made especially for the hotel chain, which is fruit-forward and slightly dry on the tongue.
To go along with the rose sparkling wines, Chef de la Cruz is keeping his culinary arts constantly rolling with an outstanding menu of choice small plates. The oysters cucumber granite is a taste sensation of sea and land tastes together in one special sensational plate. Ostera caviar Chesapeake must also be tried, and the pork belly is wonderful. And in the biggest surprise of this food tourist’s evening, the grilled watermelon is a rather special treat, which is actually far more a savory than sweet speciality.
And while you’re on the property, don’t forget to pop over to the Quadrant Bar & Lounge, with an outstanding cocktail menu of its own, and some rare — and I do mean rare — spirits in their collection that will set you back a pretty penny.
As mentioned, the Rose Garden rose samples, custom cocktails and appetizers rotate, so be sure to check out WestendBistroDC.com.
• Eric Althoff can be reached at twt@washingtontimes.com.
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