If you are looking for fine French Bistro food in downtown DC, look no further than L'HOMAGE which opened this past fall at 450 K St, NW and is head up by Chef Joshua Perkins in a truly elegant bistro setting.
It was Saturday night with the Auto Show two blocks away at the Convention Center, so parking was a challenge, but not impossible. We arrived on time and loved the very French décor from a split-level area with bar up front and steps down to a roomy and quieter, but quite large, dining room. There are smoked mirrors, globe lights, old photos, posters and everything that makes up a French bistro, but it is the food that wins you over.
For Restaurant Week(extended now!) they have only two/three choices of starter/entrée/dessert but what excellent dishes. I chose the French Onion Soup with gooey cheese on top and a peppery broth loaded with caramelized onions.
Samuel ordered off the special menu and had (naturally) the Steak tartare which was truly French with mustard and spice., then went on to the Steak Frites which was Blank Angus Hangar with Maitre D' Butter, Pommes Frites and Watercress Salad, which I ended up eating much of and adored the perfect Dijonnaise Vinaigrette.
Will also had the soup and then chose the Pan Roasted Skate Wing with Lemon Brown Butter & Baby Spinach which he declared very good. My Coq au Vin was simply perfect with Oyster Mushrooms, Lardons and Pearl Onions. Perhaps the best chicken around. Later Chef explained it was Amish Farm raised. Our wine was a yummy Savigny Les Baunes Domaine Pierre Guillermot "Les Grands Picotins" which wasquite ight for Will's fish and very fruit forward; a yummy Pinot for sure.
We both had Creme Brulee for Dessert and it was top notch with a crunchy caramelized top and lots of vanilla bean in the perfect custard.
We look forward to returning on a weekday when parking is easier and enjoying the excellent and huge menu!
BRAVO a L'HOMAGE!
