You might think the Capitol, the Supreme Court and White House are Washington’s powerhouses, but the city’s influencers parlay power at these venerable dining spots as well.
| TODAY’S SPECIAL |
BLT STEAK |
CAFE MILANO |
CHARLIE PALMER STEAK HOUSE |
HAY ADAMS |
IL MULINO NEW YORK |
THE PALM |
| A place where you can unbutton your collar and loosen your tie while enjoying one of the best steaks in the district. This import from New York is quickly gaining a steady clientele. |
After 15 years, no one draws a Hollywood crowd like this Prospect Street powerhouse. Owner Franco Nuschese has a direct line to many celebrities, including Brangelina, who stop by when in they’re here. |
Even if the restaurant is empty, the views of the Capitol alone exude power. This American steak house is where the Hill wines and dines. |
A stone’s throw from the White House (the ultimate power dining location), the Lafayette Room at the Hay Adams could easily rival the guest list that its neighbor attracts. This is the breakfast location par excellence. |
This new entrant on the city’s power dining scence comes with a Big Apple pedigree. The menu draws its inspiration from the Abruzzi region in Italy, charaterized by a rustic and hearty blend of seasonal fish, lamb, fresh pastas and cured meats. An upscale coat and tie crowd. |
There’s a saying on Capitol Hill – if it’s lunch time and your congressmen can’t be found, go to The Palm. After 28 years, it’s still true. The secret remains its executive director Tommy Jacomo, who counts Tim Russert, James Carville and Vernon Jordan as personal friends. |
| POWER TABLE |
Any of the corner booths with a double banquet. |
Some prefer to be front and center for rubbernecking, others prefer the private Domingo room. |
Any of the tables near the floor-toceiling glass that have postcard views of the monuments. Table 23 is the most requested. |
Window banquets with views of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. |
For couples, Table 14 in the corner by the window. For power dining, the 4-top Table 21 is your best bet. |
Any of the booths in the back where it’s a bit quieter. |
| ORDER OF BUSINESS |
Kobe beef ($26 per ounce and probably the best in the city) |
Lobster risotto |
Truffle-basted porterhouse for two |
Eggs bendict |
Rack of lamb |
The chopped salad (it’s their biggest seller) |
| SEE AND BE SEEN |
Dinner |
Dinner is prime time and reservations are a must. |
Lunch and Dinner |
Breakfast |
Dinner (although becoming lobbyist haunt for lunch as well) |
Lunch |
| WHO’S WHO |
Being only blocks away from K Street, power lobbyists call weeks ahead for reservations. Tucker Carlson has become a big fan. |
Clintons celebrate birthdays here. Stevie Wonder has been spotted singing in the corner. George Stevens Jr., Chris Buckley and Dominick Dunne hosted book releases. |
In addition to senators and representatives, celebrities such as Donald Trump and Sheryl Crow have stopped by. |
Cabinet secretaries, senators, former senators, and most recently Nicholas Cage (who’s staying there while filming National Treasure: Book of Secrets). |
Sen. Harry Reid, Tom Daschle, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, Larry King, Wayne and Catherine Reynolds, and Tony and Karril Kornheiser |
Just look at the walls – everyone – politicos, lawyers, media types and diplomats – has dined here. |
| MAITRE’ D |
Dann Warrilow |
Laurent Menoud |
P.J. Kern |
Claire Wethrell |
David Shan |
Tommy Jacomo |
| CHECK AND BALANCES |
With a decent bottle of wine, $150 for two. |
Entrees start around $30 per plate. With antipasti it adds up quickly. |
The tab starts at about $50 per person. |
Don’t be surprised if you’re handed a $50 check, even for breakfast. |
Steep.... Appetizers $7-$20; entrees $27 - $36. With decent wine, about $200 for two. |
$80 for two for lunch. |
| LOCATION |
1625 I Street, N.W., (202) 689 -8999 |
3521 Prospect Street, N.W., (202) 333-6183 |
101 Constitution Avenue, N.W., (202) 547-8100 |
800 16th Street N.W., (202) 638-2570 |
1110 Vermont Avenue N.W., (202) 293-1001 |
1225 19th Street, N.W., (202) 293-9091 |
