Relais & Chateaux Morrison House
116 South Alfred Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Tel: 800-367-0800
Fax: 703-684-6283

Housed in a federal style red brick building set back from the main street, the Morrison House is one of the premier properties in the DC area. Located in the heart of historic Alexandria, the hotel provides an elegant respite from the bustle of the city, yet it is a mere metro ride to downtown DC. As guests arrive, they are greeted by name and whisked upstairs to their room without having to check in—way more relaxing than the usual arrival ordeal. The no check-in policy is indicative of the Morrison House’s style. Service is extremely attentive and every staff person seems truly committed to making the guests happy. The guest rooms are luxurious and comfortable. They are filled with antique and reproduction furniture, and most have king beds and little sitting areas. The luxury continues with a meal downstairs at Elysium.

• Rooms: 45
• Rates: $150-$299
• Other Amenities: Restaurants, dining room, room service, in-room data ports, cable TV, in-room VCRs, bar, piano bar, business services, parking (fee)
• Credit Cards: AE, DC, MC, V

Hotel Monaco
700 “F” Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20002
Tel: 202-628-7177
Fax: 202-628-7277

A jewel of the Kimpton Group’s collection of luxury boutiques, the Monaco D.C is the result of an ambitious renovation of the long abandoned and run-down, historic Tarriff Building, built in 1839. The elegant, all-marble neoclassical building, with its tall ceilings, long hallways and grand detail, gives guests a feeling of monumental, historic D.C. – a perfect compliment to Kimpton’s signature, hip, off-beat “contemporary deco” designs, with its bold colors and geometric patterns. Service is smart and accomodating. The hotel is conveniently located near the MCI Center and a short walking distance from the Mall. The large Gallery Place Metro stop across the street, with its multiple lines (Red, Green, and Yellow), provides excellent access to the rest of the city. Even the standard rooms are spacious. Notable amenities include Aveda products, 90” king size beds, a full stereo system with CD player, wireless web, and a complimentary wine reception each evening. As with all Monaco’s, the hotel is pet friendly, with pet services ranging from delivering food and water bowls to your room to providing an information card with local veterinarians and pet sitting services listed, as well as a map of great dog walks in the neighborhood.

• Rooms: 184
• Rates: $265-595 (Lower rates may be found on the Internet. The Hotel Monaco will match any of those rates, except for those quoted on opaque sites, such as Priceline.com and Hotwire.com)
• Other Amenities: Complimentary morning coffee, Valet / laundry service, Concierge service, 24-hour room service, Valet parking, Complimentary newspaper, In-room safety deposit boxes (can hold laptops), Complimentary on-site 24-hour fitness center, including cardio equipment and free weights, Four-story YMCA with swimming pool less than two blocks away
• Credit Cards: AE, DC, DISC, MC, V

The Hotel George
15 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Telephone: 202-347-4200
Fax: 202-347-4213

Hidden behind an original 1928 façade, the Hotel George is a cool, modern hotel located in the midst of historic Washington, D.C. Kid-friendly and full of colorful accents, the Hotel George is convenient to both Union Station and the Mall. The staff is pleasant and will promptly take care of any need. For business or pleasure, you will find comfort in the Hotel George's spacious rooms, which include sleek, italian-style furniture and 300 thread count Egyptian cotton linens. Visit the Bistro Bis restaurant to enjoy a great meal.

• Rooms: 139, 3 suites
• Rates: $149 weekends to $350 mid-week
• Other Amenities: Restaurant, 24/7 fitness center with ladies and men’s steam rooms, billiards room, room service, mini-bar, on demand movies, Nintendo, coffee maker, in-room safe, stereo cd/clock radio with nature sounds, spa robes, oversized executive desks, cordless two-line telephone, data/fax modem ports, voice mail and high-speed Internet access, valet parking service ($15/day or $24/overnight)
• Credit Cards: AE, DC, DISC, MC, V

Hotel Lombardy
2019 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington DC, District of Columbia 20006
Tel: 800-424-5486
Fax: 202-872-0503

The Hotel Lombardy is conveniently located in the heart of the Capital, just blocks from the White House. The hotel has character to spare with manually operated elevators manned by a charming and welcoming crew. The hotel has a British Empire kind of feel with Asian wall hangings and louvered outer doors topped with ornate moldings outside each guest room. Rooms are not fancy, but they are more than comfortable with small kitchens and renovated bathrooms.

• Rooms: 130
• Rates: $89-$189
• Other Amenities: Restaurant (American); lounge (shares a menu with the restaurant, as well as offering an appetizer menu); concierge; room service (6:30am-10pm); same-day laundry/dry cleaning A/C, TV w/pay movies, 2-line phone w/dataport, kitchens (in some rooms), minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, robes, self-parking $17
• Credit Cards: AE, DC, DISC, MC, V

One Washington Circle Hotel
One Washington Circle, NW
Washington, D.C. 20037
Tel: 202-872-1680
Fax: 202-223-3961

This well-located, affordable “all suite” hotel just underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, adding refinement and style to what has always been a convenient business traveler’s standby. The proud staff will not hesitate in helping you with even the smallest of things. Stay at the hotel to eat. The Circle Bistro features excellent, creative American and Mediterranean food from esteemed Swiss-born chef, George Vetch. The Circle is within walking distance of both Georgetown and the Mall. All rooms have kitchens. There’s an outdoor pool and many rooms have walk-out balconies with city views.

• Rooms: 151
• Rates: $99-$249
• Other amenities: High-speed Internet access, two-line cordless telephones, complimentary daily newspaper, and in-suite video checkout
• Credit Cards: AE, DC, DISC, MC, V

RESTAURANTS

Zaytinya
701 Ninth St. NW
Washington, DC 20001
Tel: 202-638-0800

Chic young Washingtonians inhabit every corner of Zaytinya - from the 30 foot long marble topped bar, to the vast, minimalist, bi-level dining room, not to mention the attractive, black-outfitted wait staff. The restaurant is the third from DC wunderkind Jose Andres, who is responsible what is unquestionably some of the most innovative cuisine served in the Capital. The menu consists of small plates, or mezze, from the Mediterranean, specifically Greece, Turkey and Lebanon all prepared in Andres’ experimental style. Don’t miss pastry Chefs Steve Klc’s innovative and delicious desserts, especially the Medjool dates roasted in Greek Vin Santo with orange shortbread, olive oil ice cream and pistachio.

• Recommended dishes:
  Avgotaraho (the pressed mullet roe)
  
  Apanakopita (the spinach pie)
  
  Havuç Köftesi (carrot, apricot and pinenut fritters with pistachio sauce)
• Hours:
  Monday & Sunday: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
  Tuesday-Thursday: 11:30 AM - 11:30 PM
  Friday & Saturday: 11:30 AM - 12:00 AM

Elysium at Relais & Chateau Morrison House
116 South Alfred Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Tel: 800-367-0800

If you ever longed for a personal chef who wanted nothing more than to satisfy your every culinary desire than Elysium at the Relais & Chateau Morrison House is for you. Housed in series of intimate, elegantly appointed dining rooms, the restaurant is serene and formal. Classically trained chef Robert Ulrich orders premium products and personally consults with each guest before creating a multi-course menu just for them. No two menus are alike, but count on attractive presentations and top-notch ingredients.

• Recommended dishes:
  Coconut Sorbet with a Vodka-Infused Mango Salad
  
  Pan Roasted Soft Shell Crab with an Asparagus Salad and Celery Root Purée
  
  Hungarian Smoked Paprika-Scented Muscovy Duck Breast with Herbed Gnocchi
• Breakfast:
  Monday - Friday: 7:00am to 10:00am
  Saturday & Sunday: 8:00am to 10:00am
  Dinner:
  Tuesday - Saturday: 6:00pm to 10:00pm
  Sunday Brunch:
  12:00pm to 2:00pm

Taberna del Alabardero
1776 Eye St. NW
Washington, DC 20006
Te: 202-429-2200

Old world civility reigns at this DC mainstay, which is considered by many to be one of the preeminent Spanish dining rooms in America. The tables are placed far apart and the décor is in a formal, European style. Much of the menu is traditional, but the new chef Enrique “Quike” Sanchez throws in a few creative twists. Consult the eager and extremely knowledgeable sommelier to choose the perfect bottle, or let him surprise you with a selection of unusual wines and sherries available by the glass. For those interested in a light meal, a selection of tapas is available at the bar.

• Recommended dishes:
  Cienhojas de Mariscos (Puff Pasty Napoleon of Shrimp, Crab and Scallops Over Mache Greens)
  
  Paella Arroz Negro
  
  Salteado de Solomillo (Sautéed Beef Tenderloin Tips with Mushrooms and Shoestring Potatoes)
• Lunch:
  Monday - Friday: 11:30 am- 2:30 pm
  Dinner:
  Monday - Saturday: 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm

DC Coast
1401 K St. NW
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: 202-216-5988

A soaring 20-foot high mermaid greets guests as they enter this popular restaurant. The room is light and airy with 40-foot high ceilings and large plate glass windows. The service is knowledgeable and attentive. Chef Jeff Tunks, who came to DC from the Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans, has created a tri-coastal menu featuring upscale versions of food from the mid-Atlantic, West and Gulf coasts.

• Recommended dishes:
  Pan Seared Jumbo Lump Crabcake with Corn, Pickled Okra Relish and Spring Onion Remoulade
  
  "Buffalo" Crispy Fried Oysters with Shaved Fennel Slaw, Maytag Blue Cheese and Hot Sauce Butter
  
  Chili Sage-rubbed Sea Scallops with Fingerling Potatoes, Baby Frisee and Blood Orange Jus
  
  Warm Buttermilk Beignets with Café au Lait Crème Brulee
• Lunch:
  Monday - Friday: 11:30 – 2:30pm
  Dinner:
  Monday - Thursday: 5:30pm – 10:30pm
  Friday - Saturday: 5:30pm – 11:00pm

15 Ria
The Washington Terrace Hotel
1515 Rhode Island Ave. NW
Washington DC
202-742-0015

Extremely stylish yet still comforting perfectly describes both the atmosphere and the food at 15 Ria. The modern dining room is outfitted in gold hues with a stone fireplace in the corner. Chef Jamie Leeds prepares American food that is, in her words, “fresh and honest,” which is accurate, but modest considering the sophistication of her dishes. Each night there is a featured dish called “meat and two” consisting of a special dish and a choice of sides.

• Recommended dishes:
  Popcorn Shrimp and Calamari with Cayenne Remoulade
  
  Marinated Cherries and Aged Goat Cheese with Soft Lettuces, Crispy Pecans and Sherry Vinaigrette
  
  Pan Roasted Halibut with Spring Cabbage Stew, Andouille and Shallot Butter
  
  Molasses Braised Short Ribs “Not Just on Tuesdays Anymore”
• Hours:
  Monday - Thursday: 10:30 AM - 1:00 AM
  Friday - Saturday: 10:30 AM - 2:00 AM
  Sunday: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Equinox Restaurant
818 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: 202-331-8118

Chef Todd Gray pampers your palate with outstanding ingredients and creative details. Staying true to his Virginia heritage, Chef Gray’s menu is pure, mid-Atlantic, American cuisine utilizing mostly local, organic produce. It's D.C. fine dining at its best.

• Recommended dishes:
  Pan-roasted Norwegian Cod with Bok Choy, Roasted Shallots, and Black Olive Butter
  
  Roasted Rack of Aussie Lamb with Sugar Snap Peas and Spring Garlic
• Lunch:
  Monday - Friday: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
  Dinner:
  Monday - Thursday: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
  Friday & Saturday: 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM
  Sunday: 5:00 PM - 9:00

Sushi-Ko Restaurant
Glover Park
2309 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20007
Tel: 202-333-4187

In D.C.’s oldest sushi restaurant, young Chef Koji Terano is experimenting with the future of Japanese cuisine. Chef Terano stretches his four-course omakase or tasting menu to all corners of the world. He combines traditional ingredients with new discoveries such as Wild Blue Fin Tuna from Italy, Oregon truffles, and Australian “Kobe” beef.

• Hours:
  Monday: 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM
  Tuesday - Friday: 12:00 PM - 10:30 PM
  Saturday: 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM
  Sunday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

New Heights Restaurant
2317 Calvert St. NW
Washington D.C. 20008
Tel: 202-234-4110

Chef Arthur Rivaldo uses his South American heritage to give classic French ingredients a new twist. The restaurant’s stylish interior features a view of D.C.’s Rock Creek Park.

• Recommended dishes:
  Rabbit Roll with Apricot and Date Chutney
  
  Grilled Bison Hanger Steak with Mushrooms and Gruyere Cheese
  
  Seared Diver Sea Scallops
• Hours:
  Sunday – Thursday: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
  Friday – Saturday: 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM
  Sunday Brunch: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Poste Moderne Brasserie
555 8th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
Tel: (202) 783-6060

After three years at Bistro 39 in Fredericksburg, VA, Chef Jay Comfort brings his innovative style back to Washington, D.C. at Poste Moderne Brasserie located next to the Hotel Monaco. Poste’s dramatic, 16-foot high, main dining room has two distinct views; one of the exhibition kitchen and the other of the quaint outdoor courtyard. The menu features modern, interpretations of simple, comfort-food favorites.

• Recommended dishes:
  Chilled Honeydew Melon Soup
  
  Mushroom Tumeric Soup
  
  Salmon Brulee with Fennel Ribbons
  
  Pan Seared Rockfish with Braised Artichoke-Leek Relish and Oil Cured Olive Tapenade
• Breakfast: Daily 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
  Dinner: Nightly 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Signatures Restaurant
801 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
Washington, DC 20004
Tel: 202-628-5900

The posh setting of Signatures restaurant is a terrific backdrop for Chef Morou's African-influenced, American cuisine. Sample Signature’s extensive wine list and peruse the dining room’s historic, political memorabilia, while the knowledgeable staff provides top-notch service. Having grown up in Ivory Coast, Chef Morou is able to twist the flavor of traditional entrees for the better through the use of African, French, and Middle East spices.

• Recommended dishes:
  Caramelized Maine Lobster Basted with Madagascar Vanilla
  
  Roasted Artichoke Bisque
  
  Grilled Kobe Short Ribs with African Cabbage Confit
• Monday through Friday
  Breakfast: 7:30 am to 10:00 am
  Lunch: 11:30 am to 3:00 pm
  Dinner: 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
  (10:30 on Friday and Saturday)

HAPPY HOUR

On a lazy summer afternoon, when the day feels never-ending there’s nothing quite like whiling away the hours at the local watering hole. Three DC hotel lounges, all owned by Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, have created some unique happy hour themes which will entice daytime drinkers of every style. Innovative fare for all three lounges is the creation of the talented young chef, Stafford Mather.

Topaz Bar is a slick Asian-themed lounge, housed within the Hotel Topaz, with plush blue-black banquettes and moody lighting. At night the scenesters happily pay $10 for one of the creative martinis on the bar menu. During Topaz’s happy hour or “liquid therarpy,” drinks like the Ruby Red—a tangy concoction of gin, grapefruit juice, citrronge and grenadine—and the Blue Nirvana—a sparkling mélange of Champagne, citrus vodka and blue curacao—are yours for a mere $4. Also available are $4 “therapy plates,” which are sharable appetizers with an Asian accent. Try crispy jumbo shrimp and vegetable tempura, fresh ahi tuna tartare and an ethereal plate of seared sea scallops with gingered grits, shiitakes and smoky bacon vinaigrette.

• 1733 N Street NW
  Washington, DC 20036
  Tel: 202-393-3000
• Café style breakfast served Monday-Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; Sundays 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Takeaway coffee and breakfast items available.
• Lunch bar menu available daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Evening bar menu from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Beverage service offered all day. Full bar, wine list and cocktail service available from lunch until closing. "Last Call" is 11:30 p.m.; Sunday-Wednesday, and 1:30 a.m. Thursday-Saturday evenings.

Ooh la la. Bar Rouge is the luxurious watering hole in the Hotel Rouge. The intimate space is outfitted with white leather, dark banquetts, and low tables. Their 5 and 5 at 5 (five dollar drinks and appetizers from 5-7pm) is a great way to sample Bar Rouge’s French flavors. Try dinks such as the Brigette Bardot Martini—a blend of Orange Vodka, Citronage, Grand Marnier and Orange Juice—and the Mephisto Martini— a potent combination of Tequila, Crème de Cassis, limejuice, ginger ale and a splash of Champagne—and dishes such as Crab and Red Pepper Beignets with Tarragon Aioli, and Grilled Portobello Bruschetta with Chevre and Virgin Olive Oil.

• 1315 16th Street NW
  Washington, DC 20036
  Tel: 202.939.6422
• Continental Breakfast from 7am to 10:30am
• Dinner and Late Night Cocktails from 5pm - 1am
• Open early morning through late night

Helix, the bar at the Helix Hotel, is the perfect venue for a summer afternoon, especially around the festivities of our nation’s birthday. The All American Happy Hour features half price burgers and Pabst Blue Ribbon, in cans of course, as well as a sno-cone machine for those especially hot days. This may sound downscale, but Helix is a far cry from your local honky-tonk with its white patent leather alcove, ottomans that become illuminated when you sit on them and a lighting system that changes from warm gold to romantic blue as the evening progresses.

• 1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW
  Washington, DC 20006
  Tel: 202-462-9001
• Sun-Thurs 5 p.m. - midnight
  Fri-Sat 5 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.