Monday, November 5, 2012

Restaurant Review: Le Grenier

Upon seeing news of a new French restaurant on H St. NE, I was eager to check it out. Le Grenier, at 502 was a good experience but they may need some tweeks. 

First off, the space is a little shabby-chic and reminded me of Granville Moore's but with more 'artistic' use of picture frames and mirrors. The front door opens into the main dining room and looking straight up, you see all the way the the ceiling rafters. Kind of a cool effect but it's gonna be a bitch to heat this place. 

Our party of four was promptly seated and one of the 'booths' along the wall. It wasn't exactly a booth in that the bench that made the wall-side part of the table was made from an old headboard, another nice touch. However, instead of cushions, pillows are piled up between the table and the headboard which made for a more involved seating than desired. 

We shared a bottle of wine and after a short view of the menu placed an order for escargot. When i think French I think escargot and foie gras so I had to get one of the two. The escargot arrived already shelled and  was seasoned to an overpowering degree.The garlic and pesto flavor stayed on our palate until well into the main course; I would have preferred it be a bit more subtle.

For the main, I ordered the veal roast with barley and got to taste the duck breast with risotto. The veal was tender and juicy and very flavorful. The al dente barley provided a good contrast to the meat and they complimented each other well and certainly fit the season. The duck was succulent but the risotto was a bit rich. The rest of the table ordered the hangar steak and a not-quite bouillabaise that they both enjoyed. 

In addition, the service was excellent. They need to finish building out their website as it states very little and the menu there does not match what was available in the restaurant. I'm certainly willing to give it another go.

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