Last night we attended a spectacularly funny performance of the BOSTON MARRIAGE given by the Actors Theatre of Washington at the SOURCE THEATRE on 14th & S Streets, NW. Sadly, this may be the final production in the almost 30 years of this theater space's existance, as last week Source announced it was selling the building to a company that plans to open a billiards parlor. There is a billiard parlor already around the corner, and frankly, this fabulous, intimate black box theater space is really needed in DC. Hopefully you will contact your councilmen and mayor if you reside in DC and join the crusade to stop the sale and keep Source as an integral part of the Washington Theater community. This will also save the present home of the Actors Theatre, the In Series and the League of Washington Theaters! Just send your name, address, fone and email to SOURCE ARTS CENTER COLLABORATIVE, 1835 14th St, NW, Washington DC 20009 if you can volunteer your help!
Before this wonderful performance we enjoyed a spectacular three course dinner next door at CAFE SAINT-EX (corner of 14th & T Sts, NW) where the pre-theater three course dinner costs a mere $26.00!! We ordered a fruity, yet medium bodied red 2003 BROUILLY Cru de Beaujolais from Jacky Piret that worked well with both fish and pasta (it would be fine with most anything on the menu save the steak). Will started with the WARM BEET SALAD with GOAT CHEESE CROUTON, Parsley-Lemon Vinaigrette and I had to have those magnificent MUSSELS with WHITE WINE, CHORIZO and SPICES. If I had to find one thing to complain about at Cafe Saint-Ex, it would be the fact that the mussels only come with two pieces of grilled bread and not three or four. I always have to ask for extra,
which is readily provided! One MUST mop up every last drip of this spectacular dish.
We split our entrees of PAPARDELLE PASTA with BRAISED PORT & ROOT VEGETABLES which was made from delicious homemade pasta and needed only a sprinkle of pepper for flavor. The WOOD GRILLED WALU with SMOKY LENTILS and SHRIMP BUTTER is another revelation in itself. The succulent, yet meaty white fish is similar to tuna, but not as firm, and the preparation was perfect and oh so moist it melted in your mouth.
Desserts are always a treat here and we tried all new ones this visit: HONEY GOAT CHEESECAKE on ALMOND GRAHAM COOKIE with Creme Anglaise and Fresh Fruit was really a creamy scoop of rich smooth goat cheesecake on the cookie in a presentation that would end any meal beautifully. My APPLE CRISP a la Mode with CANDIED GINGER and Maker's Mark Ice Cream was also a treat, with an intense spicy ginger bite, yet modified by the rich creamy ice cream.
It seems one can't go wrong at Cafe Saint-Ex, but I pray you will all assist to keep Source Theatre alive, so we can go to Cafe Saint-Ex before and after the theater there for many years to come!
