The second year's list is set and is packed with a lot of power players from the DC/Metro area. With big names Michel Richard and Wolfgang Puck, the restaurants are poised to impress. But big names alone will not affect the discerning palate of the typical MDC member. Following last year's disappointment from the big names like David Craig (good sides/apps, weak entrees), the important factors taste, presentation, complement, selection, and atmosphere and ambience will have to work hard to earn the respect of the dining patron. After a solid first year of fantastic restaurants, the veteran dining club members seek both a good time and an excellent menu from the second year's list.
The list has more than mere power hitters, though, and also contains possible underdog champions in never-before-seen rookies like Raaz. Also, little known favorites like La Ferme (dessert souffle, anyone?), Mannequin Pis, and Il Pizzico will give the big boys a run for their money. Furthermore, there are technically more than just the 12 contenders in this year's line-up. Side session trips outside the regularly scheduled dozen restaurants will include a casual beer tasting at Quarry House Tavern (great juke box), a wine tasting at Ironbridge Wine Company (awesome duck paté), and a possible tour of Virginia's wine country booze-cruise style via bus.
The year is set to kick off in September as the government fiscal year winds down. Restaurant one on the list is Del Merei Grille of Alexandria, VA. A hop, skip, and a jump from the Braddock Road Metro Station, this underdog is not well known to most Beltway insiders focusing their concentration toward the Capitol and the city-center. However, with Southern classics like frickles and entrée selections consisting of your choice of meat (or portabella 'shroom) grilled then a selection of eight sauces (blue cheese reduction, horseradish cream, dmg steak sauce, peppercorn brandy, dill créme fraiche, lemon caper butter, teriyaki bacon, and béarnaise), this is no chihuahua of an underdog.
Without further ado, MDC presents its second year list below:
MARYLAND
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
VIRGINIA
Exact date of the first dining meet is TBD, but stay posted for updates and reviews.
