Date Night: Central Michel Richard
After three years of hamburgers and fries for Valentine’s Day, Alix and I decided it was finally time to up our game. Central Michel Richard has been on our list of must-try restaurants, and after reading Washingtonian’s Top 100 list, we made our reservation.
Located along Pennsylvania Ave in the Penn Quarter – area, Central has long been among the top restaurants Washington, DC has to offer. Upon our arrival we were escorted back to a table-for-two right next to the open kitchen. For some, this might be seen as a slightly more hectic seating option that’s less than desirable, but for us, this was Cloud 9. We immediately noticed the activity in the kitchen making it almost impossible to focus on our menu. 
However, thanks to several of your recommendations on Twitter, the menu was easy for us to maneuver. For starters, the Bacon Onion Tart was ideal for the two of us. It’s very thin and savory, and perfect to split. The creme fraiche drizzle was not only pleasing to the aesthetic of the dish, but helped balance the other powerful flavors. Hands down, one of our newest favorite starters in the city.
After receiving several recommendations to order the Fried Chicken, Al won the battle of who would order the it, while I decided to go off menu and take the waitress’ recommendation of the steak special. I rarely decide against French Fries and Brussels Sprouts while we are out, and this time was no different. Al also convinced me to try the Sauteed Mushrooms (Al loves fungus, I do not…). All sides complemented the the larger dishes on the table, and the serving size was generous.
No meal is complete without dessert…or two. How can anyone expect me to decide between an item called Celebration Cake and another that mirrors a large Kit Kat bar (Michel Richard Chocolate Bar)? Our next visit might only include one dessert, but if you haven’t been the Celebration Cake is an experience. Of course we asked them to light the torch, and the sparks flew high into the air that night. Needless to say, we became a 30-second spectacle at Central. 
Only now do we fully understand the fuss about Central Michel Richard. Have you been? Thoughts?
