make your meal stop at the new MICHELE's in DC for good eating at the Eaton Hotel (3-6-21)

 We needed a place to take Same for his last meal out before he heads to LA and chose the newly opened MICHELE's in the Hotel Eaton on K Street since wonder-Chef Matt Baker(of Michelin-star Gravitas fame) now has a second dining spot in DC. It was dead on Sunday for sure, but the service from our server Tyler was superb and helpful and we loved the setting with the whole walls open to the street and sidewalk tables in the front and the open kitchen in the back. It is several rooms and looks small upn entering, but there are different places to enjoy different ambiances. My only complaint all night was that the music went from okay background to loud rap or funk every now and then; not what I really want when trying to relax. We were welcomed with a glass of Louis Roederer Champagne on arrival which was a nice tilt of the hat to Gravitas and settled into our comfy cadet green booth(Sam's color choice). The decor is snazzy and upbeat but not overwhelming, just a nice place to dine across the board.

The amuse that came was an Artichoke Velouté we had read about in the Washington Post review and it was divine with Balck truffle shavings; but Mr. Sietsema must have been drunk as he said it had a spicy kick!? Will tried an "Into the Cosmo" of Absolut Citron, Cranberry, Saffron Combier, Pink Salt & Clarified Lime which he loved and I started our bottle of 2018 David Reynaud Rhone Blend made of Marsanne, Rousanne & Aux Betises. Tyler said the wine was not typical Rhone and boy was he right. I can only describe it as funky and earthy, but we loved it, alas it really needed food which came soon.

We tried two of the breads and they are not to be skipped: Olive-Caper Sourdough are huge thick slices and come with two spreads: Tuna Rillettes and Eggplant-Pepper Caponata--both divine. The Scallion-Cilantro Brioche is yummy too and comes with a Hoisin Butter that melted on the warm bread.

Will & I Split the superb Razor Clam Ceviche with Piquillo Peppers, White Grapes, White Verjus and Marcona Almonds; it's a ceviche that you will remember and ask for again and again. Sam started with the Crispy White Sweet Potatoes which are roasted to a super crunch with olive caramel sage & Shio kombu(a fermented kelp that is dehydrated?).

For mains Sam had the Potato & Black Truffle Tarte Flambee with Caramelized Onion, Creme Fraiche, Gruyere and Chives and as a pizza-lover, he approved.  Will loved the Duo of Duck with Roasted Breast, Pave, Ancho Jus, Dirty Rice & Charred Onion and I loved my Pork Crepinette which is really a classy meat loaf made with sage, prunes, roasted apples served with Pommes Puree, Wilted Escarole and Trotter Jus. 

Well we had fights over which desserts to order as Will had heard the rice pudding was on the menu from the review, and Tyler said he could make that happen as the menu had changed. Will got that indeed and I am glad it was shifted off as the coconut and pineapple were a tad too sweet for me. We all adored the Malted Milk Chocolate Cake with Malted Mascarpone, Devil's Food and Milk Chocolate Ice Cream. Catch all the photos on FB and get here quick before it is discovered and full every night!!!