Inspired

I had a dinner tonight that inspired me to start blogging again.

.....the refreshing crispness of a cool California Vermentino.

.....the sweet mousse of chicken liver toast and pickled ramps, impeccably finished off with the most tender of braised lamb shoulders and pappardelle pasta.

Firefly, my muse, thank you.

Firefly at Hotel Madera
1310 New Hampshire Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036

Dupont Circle neighborhood

Details:

Vermentino, Uvaggio, Lodi, CA, 2009
Chicken Liver Toast- grilled baguette, chopped organic chicken liver, pickled ramps
Braised lamb shoulder and fresh pappardelle pasta- warm olives, sorrel, mascarpone


Reflections:

Standouts included:

Recycled wine bottles used as water glasses
Menus made from cork (!!!) and bamboo
Large tree in center of restaurant full of hanging lanterns and firefly ornaments
Gluten-free menu with a wide selection of items
Supporting local farmers and purveyors (especially happy about Cowgirl Creamery)
20% Kimpton employee discount
Sous-chef, Shane Graybeal, jovially greeted us after our meal, and chatting with Jeremy for a good 5 minutes all things Poste, Firefly, Kimpton, and delicious braised lamb shoulder.
(It is not every day that you receive such specialized treatment from a sous-chef of a fine dining restaurant in DC.)

Very impressive experience overall. No stuffiness. Great ambience. Natural decor. Love the trees.

Oh, and the check came wrapped up in the bottom of a lit-up Mason jar. Firefly, indeed!