Tuesday, June 29, 2010

coming back to KINKEAD's for the creme de la creme (6-29-10)

Yes I am biased since Will works at Kinkead's, but if you look at my
reviews, you don't see us eating there very often. I honestly should
be ashamed of that, since the other night Samuel said to us both,
"when are we going to eat at Daddy's restaurant again?" Well, we
headed right out the next day and had, as we always do, one of the
best meals in DC.
As we walked in Samuel mentioned how "snazzy" Kinkead's is compared to
other dining spots, and he has indeed got a point! The crystal,
plates, linens and are truly elegant, and the service is always top
notch, especially our sever, Stephanie.
We ordered a bottle of Gruner Veltliner which was sold out so settled
for the crisp Verdicchio dei Castelli de Jesi "Ca'Ruptae" 2008 from
Mancaro in the Marche region of Italy; it's great with oysters and
Kinkead's always has the best of those too:
Will liked the Hurricane Harbour from prince Edwards Is, while I
preferred the same locale's Salutation Cover, but we both agreed the
Little Skookums from Washington State were the tastiest of the
evening.
Samuel had the tasty FISH & CHIPS with battered flaky cod and yummy
seasoned fries (each time he looked away I munched one!).
Will started with the always pleasing SOFT SHEEL CREAB TEMPURA with
Green Papaya Salad, Thai Herbs and Lime Dipping Sauce while I went for
the House Made CUTTARA PASTA with huge chunks of LOBSTER MEDALLIONS in
a light, but slightly spicy Tomato, Clam, Fava Bean & Basil Broth. It
was divine.
We switched to the house Chardonnay 2005 JT Cellars from Alexander
Valley which is quite oaky and intense, especially due to its age,
then moved on to a divine "La Neblina" PINOT NOIR 2007 from Radio-
Coteau in Sonoma with our main courses.
Will had the Cumin Cocoa Nib Pepper & Sea Salt Crusted RARE TUNA on
Tortilla with Mole, Chayote, Chile Relish & Guacamole which has to be
one of the more inventive approaches and especially perfect in summer.
The new GRILLED WHOLE SNAPPER is rum marinated and prepared Jamaican
style with a Banana Habanero "ketchup," Mango-Lime Salasa and Red
Beans and Rice all on the side. The ketchup is tasty, but a bit too
banana-intense, although with the fish it is a great foil. The salsa
is a great change for every third bite or so as well. It makes for a
fun dish.
Don't forget the homemade Parker house rolls crusted with coarse salt,
which Sam now loves (the salt, I mean) as well as the tasty soda
cracker and peasant breads.
For dessert we split the Local PEACH TARTE TATIN with Tahitian Honey
Ice Cream & Caramel, and thie fruit tart is still one of the best
around as well. Indeed, Kinkead's always seems to wear well with time
and the quality of everything does still stand up even after all these
years.We always love going back, because it IS FAMILY and everyone is
always treated that way!