Chris.Derecola

Not the one in Herndon, but rather the one in the Dupont area of NW DC. I’ve been interested in going for some time and finally managed to make it there. Below is the review I wrote on Yelp, which I’ve taken a liking to in recent months. I’d definitely recommend the restaurant to anyone.

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Russia House is one of those places where you can’t help but feel like you’re in a spy movie. The bar just inside the front door is very tiny, jam packed with people and the list of martinis available is nearly endless. That feeling is reinforced as you walk through the restaurant, with its crimson wallpaper and dark wood, winding down wooden staircases with a martini in your hand. Considering the lack of signage on the building and the heavy wooden double-doors (guarded outside by Russian bouncers and inside by a Russian hostess) that greet you, it being a private social club isn’t much of a stretch.

The service was exemplary. The waitstaff was attentive, without being pushy, and despite ordering our four courses over the span of several hours, they never pressed us to make the next selection or asked for the menus back. They were quick to ask if we had any questions and even offered to serve two separate smaller plates when we decided to share the entree (large plate) so we wouldn’t be two guys eating off the same dish.

~~ Food Disclaimer: I spent a few days in St. Petersburg a couple years ago and have a Russian-born friend who is an accomplished cook, so I’m kinda biased about Russian fare. ~~

The Moscow Borsch was very good. It was reminiscent of what I had in Russia, with its taste of fresh beets, but it wasn’t as good as homemade (is anything ever?). I certainly can’t hold that against it and I’d definitely order it again.

The Wild Game Sausage Sampler  was excellent. Each sausage had its own distinct flavor and each was some of the better sausage I’ve had. They really made pork sausage seem… boring.

Salmon Two Ways was an obvious choice and of it, the Cured Vodka Dill Salmon was the better of the two.

The Beef Stroganoff was disappointing. I really wanted to like it, but the tough, chewy beef made it something I wouldn’t order again. It had good flavor, but I had far better.

I think the prices are a little high but the food is good and there’s a great ambiance that you’re undoubtedly paying for. Despite the Stroganoff, I’m looking forward to going back. They have quite a few Russian beers, their vodka list is ridiculously long and much of their menu seems worth sampling. I also wouldn’t mind tasting all the caviar… on someone else’s dime.

Editor’s Note: I miss writing, I really do. Well, I have been writing plenty as of late, but I miss writing for the sake of writing and  not because a professor wants me to do a research paper on enterprise architecture. The truth is I’m just plain worn out these days. I have several half written posts and another list of things that I’ve been meaning to write about, but I haven’t been able to focus on the things I like much. School is over for good in 9 days; lets hope the writing bug comes back after a bit of r&r.

In lieu of actually writing something that requires thought, I wanted to jot down some notes about the beers I’ve had over the last few months. I’ve been keeping tabs in my phone, mostly so I can compile my beer list at some point. This ain’t gonna be pretty, but it’ll serve its purpose.

• Ayinger Brau Weisse – a great, crisp wheat that is very drinkable
• Brasserie DuPont Biere de Miel – my first saison ale and I liked it, I’m a sucker for honey
• Dogfish Head Black & Blue – fairly fruity, but not in a bad way, not great but I dig the blueberry thing
• Dogfish Head Festina Peche – absolutely disgusting, smells like vomit
• Dogfish Head Fort – pretty wicked, 18% ABV is extremely noticeable ’cause it’s like drinking liquor, good once but I can’t say I’d buy again
• Dogfish Head Midas Touch – very complex, definitely has a honey and saffron tinge to it, good every once in awhile
• Dogfish Head Pangaea – this beer seems more like a gimmick than anything, it’s not bad but pours very flat and the ginger is very obvious
• Dogfish Head Punkin – a solid pumpkin ale, but I tend to think the category is a bit overrated
• Gouden Carolus Cuvee Van De Keizer – all I really remember is raisin because I had a buzz when I drank it (3 months ago)
• Leffe Blonde – Belgians are good, but they still can’t make me drink pale ales, hops and I do not get along
• Southampton Double White – a pretty typical witbier, but it’s too dry for my taste, much better to be had
• Tripel Karmeliet – floral, slightly spicy and plain fantastic

Went to Inox a few months back but am just now getting around to writing the review. It’s interesting what you choose to write about a restaurant when the tastes are long gone; I suppose you end up with more of a macro view of what the place has to offer. I think I have a habit of getting bogged down in the details and restaurants should really be about how well they work and not whether your toast points were grilled perfectly. Moving on…

The chef at Inox is the same guy that was at 2941 when we went there a few years ago. I was told not to expect much, because the food was on par with what 2941 used to be. My source apparently thinks the new chef at 2941 is much better than the old, but since I enjoyed myself when I was there I wasn’t that concerned. I would, in fact, rate the food on par and given my prior review, that’s a good thing. The decor was of similar quality, although the fine dining nature was less airy contemporary and more warm lounge. The service was what you would expect of a restaurant of this quality.

The menu leaned towards seafood and higher end ingredients but there is probably going to be something for everyone who isn’t a vegetarian. The prices weren’t as ridiculous as I would have expected given the location and the portions, while appearing small, ended up perfect for a three course meal. The courses presented well, had balanced flavors and were generally pleasing. Not every dish was a home run but none were a disappointment. My courses were very rich, although that’s what I expected from ordering foie gras and duck. The seafood dishes appeared lighter, but I didn’t try any to be able to say with certainty. If you’re looking for a recommendation, I highly suggest the Duck Breast with Duck Confit-Pistachio-English Pea Agnolotti [ravioli], Heirloom Beets and Foie Gras Emulsion. It’s probably the best duck dish I’ve ever had.

All in all, it was a pleasant experience. I’d have a hard time not recommending it to someone looking for a good meal. I wouldn’t suggest large groups or going in without your shirt tucked in, but it’s a good place to sit down and enjoy your dinner.