105 replies to this topic

[ktmoomau]

I forgot CityZen was closed Sunday and Mondays, but that meant we had a lovely dinner at Sou'Wester last night. We had impeccable service, although the place wasn't packed. I had the light and bright wine pairing which I thought was good and good value. I started with steamed clams in a white wine sauce, the sauce was a touch salty, but the flavors were nice, except for that, and the clams themselves were beautiful, large and very flavorful. Overall I really liked it, although I think someone just had a little heavy hand with the salt.

For an entree I got the shrimp and grits. I really liked it. It wasn't fancied up, it was good Southern shrimp and grits made with really good ingredients. I loved how the tomato sauce perfectly complimented the crunch of the okra and spice of the shrimp with the creamy grits. We also had a side of hush puppies because well Hubby is a connoisseur. Sorry Bluegrass Tavern you have been quickly dethroned, these were astonishingly good, sweet and crisp, but so tender and warm on the inside, I wished I hadn't eaten so much food that I could have had more than I did.

I also wished we had room for dessert the menu looked fantastic, full of stuff my husband actually wanted! It was a really nice evening which we really enjoyed.

[kirite]

Exceptional dinner again tonight. An imaginative autumn salad with seriously shaved pear, parsnip, carrot, and pumpkin garnished with walnuts, black raisins, and dried cranberries. Blackened bluefish with carmelized kohlrabi, okra, tomato, and puffs of bacon fat (I think). This is another place that turns out excellent food but flies under the radar. Living in the shadow of CityZen doesn't help its visibility. Staff was welcoming and very professional as usual. We dine here every three months or so.

[ktmoomau]

We wanted some brunch Sunday around lunchtime before we met up with some people at the Museum of National History. Driving around Penn Quarter not finding a parking spot, a realization came to my mind, Sou'Wester was actually very close to the Museum and would have good brunch and we would be able to find a parking spot in that area.

We easily found parking and wandered in out of the cold. The room so light and airy, live jazz being played it was a perfect way to wake up to the day after a night of drinking. I ordered the "Snout to Tail" pork shoat, greens and pork jus with a side of potatoes. Hubby had the Croque. Looking around the room though ordering was a hard decision. The bread basket had their normal cornbread and rolls, which are really good.

The food came out, I loved the balance of mine, crispy and tender with nicely cooked greens. Hubby enjoyed his too. The potatoes were a tad oily, but had a good flavor. All in all it was a really nice brunch. Service was a bit slow, but we were pretty slow at that point so it was fine. And the food more than made up for it.

[RWBooneJr.]

I went to Sou'Wester for Restaurant Week in January, which was my second time dinning at the restaurant. They not only had the entire menu available, but it did not appear that the portions, ingredients, or preparation were any different than I would have encountered on a "normal" night. And the food, which is similar to Vidalia but with a bit more of a regional feel (they do great things with local bluefish), is as good as any place in the city at its price point. I left curious as to why you don't hear more about Sou'Wester. It is obviously somewhat overshadowed by its more famous sister restaurant and it is not really near anything (not to mention its terrible name, I'm sorry to say). But you'd think, at a minimum, it would get more of a nod here.

[mdt]

I went to Sou'Wester for Restaurant Week in January, which was my second time dinning at the restaurant. They not only had the entire menu available, but it did not appear that the portions, ingredients, or preparation were any different than I would have encountered on a "normal" night. And the food, which is similar to Vidalia but with a bit more of a regional feel (they do great things with local bluefish), is as good as any place in the city at its price point. I left curious as to why you don't hear more about Sou'Wester. It is obviously somewhat overshadowed by its more famous sister restaurant and it is not really near anything (not to mention its terrible name, I'm sorry to say). But you'd think, at a minimum, it would get more of a nod here.

I have enjoyed several meals there and have wondered the same thing. It might have to do with its slight inaccessibility, which is a sorry excuse IMHO.

[Pat]

It's a shame that when they had the problem over the name they wanted to use (which was the same name as the music festival) that they didn't just go to something totally different that was catchy instead of trying to keep the Southwest in it. That name is just really bad.

[mdt]

PS Sit on the patio at Ashby Inn and Sou'Wester sometime and have another good chuckle at how I overrate restaurants (and by all means use Savored.com and save 30%). Then go have Logan Cox's food at Ripple where he magically became a great chef.

Sou'wester has a patio?

[DonRocks]

Sou'wester has a patio?

The most beautiful patio in DC. Mike, have dinner here with your honey on a beautiful spring day (move quickly). If you don't think it's absolutely a glorious, mega-rich experience at bargain-basement prices, write me, and I'll take care of you somehow. I'm that confident you'll rave about it. Stunning, absolutely stunning. Get a cocktail or glass of aromatic white, or sparkling wine to sip for 15 minutes before even looking at the menu. Talk with each other. Live life to the fullest. It's just unbelievable. Hell get a Miller in a Champagne bucket if you must. And yes, Ashby at Sunset, overlooking the stunning mountains in the background, too.

Either of these could be last-meal locales. Please, readers, do yourselves a favor, and book these (yes, through Savored) on the cheap. Just do it, and post about it here. If you love life, you're going to really, really love it at the end of these evenings. I cannot rave about these enough.

Above all, do not write Celia Laurent-Ziebold, GM of Sou-Wester, or Neal Wavra, proprietor of Ashby Inn, and mention my name. That would be entirely unethical. (And with the 30% off discount from Savored, why would you bother?) Do tell them I said hello, however, and absolutely ask them for their recommendations that evening for both food and wines. Or is that wrong, too?

These two fine people love donrockwell.com members and want to help you. They want you as repeat customers. They want to make you happy. God I'm a terrible person for wanting to make people happy.

[Kibbee Nayee]

For lunch yesterday I had the Oyster and Shrimp Po' Boy, which was about as perfectly executed a rendition as I've had. However, the $20 price tag seemed on the high side, and not really Po'....a companion tried the lamb sausage burger and thought it to be salty but OK. I also came away thinking the menu opyions were a bit limited.

Awesome. Say hi next time!

Well, had I seen you, I would have! I was at a 4-top on the elevated side overlooking the water....

[Kibbee Nayee]

Lunch at Sou'Wester today was nice. The ham and cheddar panini hit the spot. Neighboring tables with the softshell crab po' boy caught my eye as well.

I'm really in love with the club sandwich at the Empress Lounge, but when I asked if Sou'Wester could prepare it for me, the waitress pointed out to me that Empress has a separate kitchen. So, there will be no club sandwiches to be had at Sou'Wester. Too bad....that fried egg adds a certain something addictive to the Empress's club sandwich....

[DonRocks]

Pre-movie, had-to-be quick dinner plans in Georgetown were shaping up, and all signs were pointing to Chipotle. I have nothing against Chipotle, but as I hadn't yet been to Tackle Box, I thought it would be good to branch out a bit and steered our group there. Overall, it was the right decision--everyone seemed happy with his or her choices (grilled zucchini, fried shrimp, rainbow trout, fried calamari among the positive notes), but we left baffled about the hush puppies. As porcupine noted upthread, "Like little oily sawdusty bricks of compressed corn-like substance."

As usual, my feelings on this topic are best expressed in haiku:

A sad day it is
When Captain D's is better
Fried bread CAN be bad

It's too bad you didn't have the corn muffins I had last night at Sou'Wester. I defy anyone to try the corn muffins (gratis) and Fried Oysters at Sou'Wester and say that both aren't the Best Of Type ever (and for corn muffins, that's a gutsy claim). Usual disclaimer of personal friendship, but I'm tired of this restaurant not being recognized for the fantastic place that it is. Sou'Wester should be crowded seven days a week. No, make that *packed*. Last night I drove there from Arlington in 15 minutes, and parked for free on the street.

[porcupine]

It's too bad you didn't have the corn muffins I had last night at Sou'Wester. I defy anyone to try the corn muffins (gratis) and Fried Oysters at Sou'Wester and say that both aren't the Best Of Type ever. Usual disclaimer of personal friendship, but I'm tired of this restaurant not being recognized for the fantastic place that it is. Sou'Wester should be crowded seven days a week. No, make that *packed*. Last night I drove there from Arlington in 15 minutes, and parked for free on the street.

Funny, I too had just finished reading Laura's post and was going to post about the excellent hush puppies (with honey butter) that we had at Sou'Wester a few weeks ago.

[mdt]

It's too bad you didn't have the corn muffins I had last night at Sou'Wester. I defy anyone to try the corn muffins (gratis) and Fried Oysters at Sou'Wester and say that both aren't the Best Of Type ever (and for corn muffins, that's a gutsy claim). Usual disclaimer of personal friendship, but I'm tired of this restaurant not being recognized for the fantastic place that it is. Sou'Wester should be crowded seven days a week. No, make that *packed*. Last night I drove there from Arlington in 15 minutes, and parked for free on the street.

This place is easily one of, if not the, best not talked about places in the city.

[DonRocks]

This place is easily one of, if not the, best not talked about places in the city.

What people don't seem to pick up on is that Sou'Wester is essentially a Virginia restaurant - it is literally two minutes from the 14th Street Bridge. Barring a clog on the bridge, I can drive there from Falls Church just as quickly as someone can from Cleveland Park (I-66, Route 110, I-395, 14th-to-C-to-12th, park on 12th, one stoplight total), and I think the fact that Virginia residents don't pick up on this is why it's always empty. It isn't the critics' reviews; it's the public's perception of location that have left it a bastard child, forgotten by DC because it's in SW; overlooked by VA because it's in DC. It's also mistakenly assumed to be formal and expensive because it's inside the Mandarin Oriental, but it's not - appetizers average about $13, entrees about $26, and the fried oysters ($14) and corn muffins (free) are worth killing for.

[Kibbee Nayee]

This place is easily one of, if not the, best not talked about places in the city.

I would have to agree, with the added comment that Empress Lounge is even less talked about.

It's too bad you didn't have the corn muffins I had last night at Sou'Wester. I defy anyone to try the corn muffins (gratis) and Fried Oysters at Sou'Wester and say that both aren't the Best Of Type ever (and for corn muffins, that's a gutsy claim). Usual disclaimer of personal friendship, but I'm tired of this restaurant not being recognized for the fantastic place that it is. Sou'Wester should be crowded seven days a week. No, make that *packed*. Last night I drove there from Arlington in 15 minutes, and parked for free on the street.

I could live off the corn muffins with a cup of that incredible Illy coffee.

[ktmoomau]

What people don't seem to pick up on is that Sou'Wester is essentially a Virginia restaurant - it is literally two minutes from the 14th Street Bridge. Barring a clog on the bridge, I can drive there from Falls Church just as quickly as someone can from Cleveland Park (I-66, Route 110, I-395, 14th-to-C-to-12th, park on 12th, one stoplight total), and I think the fact that Virginia residents don't pick up on this is why it's always empty. It isn't the critics' reviews; it's the public's perception of location that have left it a bastard child, forgotten by DC because it's in SW; overlooked by VA because it's in DC. It's also mistakenly assumed to be formal and expensive because it's inside the Mandarin Oriental, but it's not - appetizers average about $13, entrees about $26, and the fried oysters ($14) and corn muffins (free) are worth killing for.

And to add there is normally street parking to be had AND it isn't a hassle to get a reservation. And they have gluten free bread that is really good. It really is some of the best Southern food in the city right now. It's like being in Charleston for a meal.

I can feel myself slowly getting mad about people's lack of knowledge about Sou'Wester and am about to go get on a high horse over on Chowhound...

[saf]

forgotten by DC because it's in SW

I spend a good bit of time in SW (my church is there, and I am working on a large project there at the moment).

I have been to Sou'Wester once. And my reason is that for many years I did assume it was too expensive. It is a bit expensive for a regular place, but not for an occasional place.

Also, we are much more likely to sit at a bar than at a table, unless we're having a fancy dinner. So, the no bar thing works against them.

But we liked it a lot when we went, and will go back.

[jandres374]

Based on the recent postings here my wife and I have decided to head here next Saturday for a joint birthday celebration - our first visit and very much looking forward to it.

[Matthew Petersen]

I wanted to let you all know about my new dessert menu at Sou'Wester.
I am very excited about it because it brings back things I grew up with; who doesn't love a great sundae???

So come on down and sit outside on our patio, have some oysters and cocktails then finish it off with a stellar sundae.

Yes we have a patio and it is GORGEOUS.

I have posted the menu for you below.

Best,
Matthew

DESSERTS

8.

CLASSICS

Fried Apple Pie Caramel, Vanilla Ice Cream

Rhubarb Clafoutis Toasted Meringue, Rhubarb Sorbet

Chocolate Ganache Tart Mint Sugar, Sweet Whipped Cream

COMPOSED SUNDAES

Banana Pudding Nilla Wafer, Peanut Caramel, Vanilla Ice Cream

Strawberry Shortcake Strawberry Compote, Yellow Cake Ice Cream, Strawberry Ice Cream

Lemon-Berry Ginger Cookie, Lemon Frozen Yogurt, Raspberry Swirl Ice Cream

Rocky Road Walnuts, Marshmallows, Chocolate Ice Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream

BY THE SCOOP

Choose Any 3

Ice Cream Vanilla, Strawberry, Raspberry Swirl, Sweet Coffee, Chocolate
Sorbet Rhubarb, Lemon Frozen Yogurt

[ktmoomau]

I wanted to let you all know about my new dessert menu at Sou'Wester.
I am very excited about it because it brings back things I grew up with; who doesn't love a great sundae???

So come on down and sit outside on our patio, have some oysters and cocktails then finish it off with a stellar sundae.

Yes we have a patio and it is GORGEOUS.

So when is the cocktail party with passed sundaes? That would be fantastic!

[Rovers2000]

Talk about great timing! I'm heading here this Friday for a date night with my fiance and I'm 99% sure one of those sundaes will end up being split

[DonRocks]

Talk about great timing! I'm heading here this Friday for a date night with my fiance and I'm 99% sure one of those sundaes will end up being split

Make it the banana, because then it will be a banana split.

[DrXmus]

Make it the banana, because then it will be a banana split.

Actually, it'll be a split banana split.

Hopefully the two of them don't knock over the dessert because then it'll be a spilt split banana split.

/I'll be here all week
//Don't forget to tip your servers

[jandres374]

Looks like perfect timing for our first visit here this Saturday.

[Matthew Petersen]

Talk about great timing! I'm heading here this Friday for a date night with my fiance and I'm 99% sure one of those sundaes will end up being split

You're gonna want to order your own...

[Rovers2000]

You're gonna want to order your own...

We couldn't resist and split two deserts: the fried apple pie with caramel & vanilla ice cream as well as the banana nilla wafer, peanut caramel, and vanilla ice cream. What a perfect cap to a nice evening out on the patio. The fried apple pie (I only got a small bite as my fiance ate it before I could try more) was delicious, nice and crisp. The sundae was incredible...I could've eaten that peanut carmel over vanilla ice cream by itself.

For the rest of the meal, we basically repeated what we both had at the picnic - she had the chicken under a brick (with its delicious lemon marmalade) and I had the blackened red drum. Both were as good as they were a few weeks back.

To start we had the "carpetbaggers" - oysters with steak carpaccio on top along with an order of the addictive hush puppies.

As everyone has mentioned, the patio is really the way to go...particularly now that it has not reached the typical DC levels of humidity. Many thanks to the lovely team at Sou'Wester for the great experience once again!

[jandres374]

We were here this past Saturday night for a joint birthday dinner and lucked into just a perfect night to sit out on the patio. We took Don's advice and ordered a bottle of wine and sat back and relaxed for a good 30 minutes before ordering - wait staff was awesome as they could tell we were here to relax and take our time.

We enjoyed the following:
Shucked oysters, pan fried oysters, rockfish and the red drum. Everything was fresh with the only slight disappointment being the red drum. When ordered I was asked if I liked spicy because this dish was very spicy and I replied yes no problem. The dish had no kick to it at all but was still very fresh and satisfying.

For desert we split the fried apple pie which we both agreed was perfect. I was pushing to try one of the new sundaes but couldn't get the wife to try it.

We were also given a free dessert wine with our dessert when they found out we were celebrating our birthday - nice touch.

Looking forward to returning here soon. Street parking was plentiful on a Saturday night at 7:30.

[dcandohio]

Really nice dinner here last night, though sadly the weather was dicey enough that we could not dine outdoors. Baked oysters and the chicken fried trout (me), and beet salad and blackened drum (+1). Rhubarb clafoutis shared for dessert. Chef generously subbed a chicken jambalaya for the shrimp jambalaya with the drum since +1 is allegic to shellfish. I especially loved the oysters, which were beautifully presented. The greens and black eye peas under the trout were so yummy, without the aggressive saltiness you often get with restaurant greens. I could eat a very large bowl of those greens.

Our server was delightful. The room overlooking the water is quiet enough for easy conversation. It all made for a wonderfully relaxing evening following two really terrible weeks at work.

As a side note, I noticed quite a few single diners, probably a function of being located in the hotel. The one-tops were treated very well, and this is definitely a place that a single diner could have a great experience.

[goodeats]

And with a blink of an eye, Tom Sietsema reports Chef Moran has parted ways.

[mdt]

And with a blink of an eye, Tom Sietsema reports Chef Moran has parted ways.

Gotta love the anonymous post stating " ...seems like it has fallen into disarray." I would be very surprised to see that happening. I am looking forward to my dinner there next weekend and will be sure to report back.

[ktmoomau]

Hope they find a replacement that understands Coastal Carolina cuisine like he did, that was a huge draw for me.

[mtureck]

Gotta love the anonymous post stating " ...seems like it has fallen into disarray."

Yeah...how dare someone write in and express their opinion!

[DonRocks]

Yeah...how dare someone write in and express their opinion!

As someone who knows the backstory, I can say with a fair amount of confidence this was not an opinion; this was a pissed off friend, relative, or girlfriend. The restaurant did *nothing* wrong and is not in disarray. I gave my word I wouldn't reveal any details, so I'm afraid I'm obliged not to say any more. Eric has spent the past two days working from 7 AM until midnight.

[mdt]

Yeah...how dare someone write in and express their opinion!

Stating that the food may be less than the usual is one thing, but saying that it has fallen into disarray with no facts, that's helpful. But I guess opinions are like...

[Michael Landrum]

As someone who knows the backstory, I can say with a fair amount of confidence this was not an opinion; this was a pissed off friend, relative, or girlfriend. The restaurant did *nothing* wrong and is not in disarray. I gave my word I wouldn't reveal any details, so I'm afraid I'm obliged not to say any more. Eric has spent the past two days working from 7 AM until midnight.

I am shocked, shocked I tell you, that a former employee would have a different version of events than management/ownership.

Eric is the paradigm, the model, the gold standard of not just talent, brilliance and a creativity that approaches if not fully achieves artistry, but also of integrity and professionalism for all young chefs to emulate.

The meaning of responsibility is that when the shit goes down, you shut up and do the work.

True pride is that which is too humble to lay claim to itself. That is Eric.

[mdt]

Not sure who is leading the kitchen right now, but they are doing a damn fine job. Dinner this weekend was excellent from the service to the food to the weather. Had some friends in town for the weekend and we took them here for a birthday dinner. We got a table outside on the patio/courtyard and it is an terrific spot for a meal. Everyone enjoyed their meals and the raves were for the lamb special (roasted leg with twice baked potato) and the pork tenderloin medallions. The chocolate tart and strawberry shortcake desserts were a great finish to the meal.

I had called ahead and asked if they could put a candle in the dessert of the birthday girl and not only did they do that, but printed menus with "Happy Birthday" on the top and then had a little bag of cookies for her to take home along with a menu. Certainly not expected, but it's the little details that separate folks from the crowd.

I am sure that I have said this before, but this place should certainly get more buzz from the local community.

[qwertyy]

I am sure that I have said this before, but this place should certainly get more buzz from the local community.

No disrespect to Sou'Wester intended, but how should it be getting more buzz? I keep hearing this lament, but the restaurant is posted about on this board glowingly and very regularly. I suppose Sietsema could plug it more in his chats (a welcome departure from the litany of Ethiopic/Source/Rasika West End/Central/701* [fine restaurants all, I'm sure, but you'd think they were the only ones in the city]), but it's pretty much not convenient to anything--I would never just "find" myself in that neighborhood--and walking to the Metro from there at night is creepy. Where should that additional buzz be coming from and what should it be saying?

[mdt]

No disrespect to Sou'Wester intended, but how should it be getting more buzz? I keep hearing this lament, but the restaurant is posted about on this board glowingly and very regularly. I suppose Sietsema could plug it more in his chats (a welcome departure from the litany of Ethiopic/Source/Rasika West End/Central/701* [fine restaurants all, I'm sure, but you'd think they were the only ones in the city]), but it's pretty much not convenient to anything--I would never just "find" myself in that neighborhood--and walking to the Metro from there at night is creepy. Where should that additional buzz be coming from and what should it be saying?

My $0.02, but I certainly don't think it gets that much buzz on this board, and you rarely hear about it in the press or food blogs. It's not that inconvenient of a location, sure not a place that many people are going to be strolling by, but as it is an easy drive and has plenty of parking and there are always cabs.

[qwertyy]

My $0.02, but I certainly don't think it gets that much buzz on this board, and you rarely hear about it in the press or food blogs. It's not that inconvenient of a location, sure not a place that many people are going to be strolling by, but as it is an easy drive and has plenty of parking and there are always cabs.

I imagine that many restaurants would envy having 27 posts since May, all positive. And I don't have a car and the new cab fares would add about $35 to my dinner tab.

But listen, I'm not criticizing the restaurant in any way--I had a perfectly pleasant lunch there after a meeting next door and trust the excellent reviews it's getting here. I guess I'm just wondering, not just in regards to Sou'Wester, what folks mean when they say a place should get more buzz. Especially when it seems like a place already gets a fair amount.

[DonRocks]

I imagine that many restaurants would envy having 27 posts since May, all positive. And I don't have a car and the new cab fares would add about $35 to my dinner tab.

But listen, I'm not criticizing the restaurant in any way--I had a perfectly pleasant lunch there after a meeting next door and trust the excellent reviews it's getting here. I guess I'm just wondering, not just in regards to Sou'Wester, what folks mean when they say a place should get more buzz. Especially when it seems like a place already gets a fair amount.

I think it gets a lot of buzz *here*, but - tough pill though it is to swallow - it's the national publications - Zagat, Fodor's, Frommer's, OpenTable, National Geographic, etc. - that matter the most, and they were initially influenced by uninformed, negative reviews, and their inertia is such that they are unable (or unwilling) to modify their opinions. Sou'Wester has been an excellent restaurant since day one.

Until and unless this website gains national recognition, things will continue to be out of balance, and truly deserving restaurants will continue to suffer. Coverage of Menomalé is initialized in Italic, by the way.

[RWBooneJr.]

I think it gets a lot of buzz *here* . . .

It does now. But prior to ktmoomau's Valentines Day post, no one had mentioned it for four months. Since then, there have been about 40 posts and it appears that a number of us have (re)discovered the place, myself included. There have also been nearly 14,000 views of the topic, which is a huge increase from just a few months ago, so hopefully others are discovering it as well. As for the national publications, they have always seemed slow to recognize when a restaurant hits its stride later in its evolution. Eventually, though, I suspect this tail will wag those dogs.

[DCDuck]

I will say that the large number of recent posts on this board led my wife and I to try Sou'Wester this weekend for the first time (on a Groupon, sorry Don). And I'd like to add our voices to those others on here singing its praises. The patio is a wonderful setting for a meal, and we had nothing but positive things to say about the food and the service. Just a great experience all around, and we'll definitely make a point of going back.

It is a slightly challenging location, as somebody mentioned above, in that it isn't right next to anything, and I never find myself in that neighborhood. But, if you've got folks from Virginia meeting folks from DC it just might be the most convenient location out there.

[DanielK]

walking to the Metro from there at night is creepy.

While I agree that walking to L'Enfant Plaza station under the expressway underpass is less than ideal, it's a well-lit, 5 minute, < 3 block walk up 12th St to the Smithsonian station. Only the mall-side station entrance closes at 10pm.

[synaesthesia]

I think it gets a lot of buzz *here*, but - tough pill though it is to swallow - it's the national publications - Zagat, Fodor's, Frommer's, OpenTable, National Geographic, etc. - that matter the most, and they were initially influenced by uninformed, negative reviews, and their inertia is such that they are unable (or unwilling) to modify their opinions. Sou'Wester has been an excellent restaurant since day one.

I agree that outside of Rockwell (which may not be the center of the universe for many people) you almost never see it written about it much in local press - City Paper, Washingtonian, Eater, etc. Let alone nationally. Granted it's also related to the way that some sites structure their editorial calendar. But also they don't do as many events/promotions or, in MANY cases, controversy, as some of the restos that get a lot of attention. I think I have received 1-2 press releases regarding both CityZen and Souwester' in the five years or so that I have been writing about food. The harsh reality is that in the fast food culture of food writing that's how you get attention.

ETA: And that being said, I did include Sou'wester in my roundup of waterfront dining options.

[foodobsessed6]

Their fabulous pastry chef, Matthew Petersen, was a finalist on "Top Chef Just Desserts" last summer and it should have given Sou'Wester more visibility. Unfortunately, it seems that the show isn't nearly as popular as "Top Chef." I'm guilty of not having been to Sou'Wester, although it tops my list. It's not that difficult to get to from the Smithsonian metro but it is more a perception of it being out of the way.
I'm wondering if at the moment it isn't Eric Ziebold himself who is doing some of the cooking, or at least more hands-on oversight, of the kitchen.

[NovaLawyer]

Should I pile on here and say that I've eaten here twice in the last couple months and it was excellent both times?

Nah, that would be overkill. No need for yet another "me too" post.

Never mind, move along, nothing to see here. ;-)

[NovaLawyer]

The more substantiation we get from people - good or bad - makes everything more credible. Do you remember any details about what you liked? I still think the fried oysters are the best I've ever had.

I don't remember much. I do remember that the booze was outstanding. Maybe that second point has something to do with the first?

[bookluvingbabe]

We had a perfectly lovely but completely non-memorable meal there a few months. What I remember most was being peeved that I was too full to order dessert since the whole point of the meal was to stalk Matthew Peterson. (I totally watched Top Chef: Just Desserts and thought he was robbed.) We've talked of going back but we haven't. I did go to CityZen for my birthday dinner and had a much better and more memorable time (and I managed dessert that time!)

[kturkey88]

<sup>A Friday lunch there was excellent: The cornbread and hushpuppies were fantastic, the carpetbaggers? (fried oysters) were delicious and the asparagus flatbread sandwich was great (although the salad that accompanied it was overdressed and boring). That being said, count me part of the camp that considers the location and the parking to be a relevant deterrent.

Got there around 1130 or so and couldn’t find a spot or parking meter available in the hotel circle or on 12th st, north or south at least a block or so of the hotel’s entrance road (I forget the name of that). 9 months pregnant, I personally am unable to park further away than that – hell, in August I may not do that even if I wasn’t pregnant and certainly wouldn’t do it with family/guests – so I succumbed to the valet. Despite validation from the restaurant, I was still charged $9. Yikes.</sup>

[mdt]

^{Despite validation from the restaurant, I was still charged $9. Yikes.}

Validation provides 3 hours of parking for $9 (used to be $7).