jcook07

Really enjoyed our trip to Mendocino last Thursday night. The entrees (steelhead and steak) were nicely cooked and - wonder of wonders - so were the accompanying vegetables, including a fantastic potato mousseline. A nice glass of red wine, a great cheese plate (including an awe-inspiring French blue), and more than competent service. The only downside was the noise level, which isn't helped by the closeness of the tables and the obscenely loud couples that happened to be seated next to us. Ah well, Georgetown.... but good one Mendocino.

Pardon the dissent from a new user here, but I'm not sure I understand the level of adulation that posters have expressed for Corduroy. We were there for Valentine's Day, which might account for some of the problems, but... The roast chicken was exceedingly salty; and its accompanying vegetables were soggy with the "reduction" sauce. The steak was a poor cut, and not very distinguished in terms of taste or presentation - we expected more. The butter was cold (I know, a minor complaint). And the service, while friendly, was clumsy. On the plus side, the appetizers (the beet salad and bufala mozzarella with fried crust) were tasty; the chocolate sabayon was divine, as other posters have said; and the half-bottle of California red (Patz and Hall) recommended by our waiter was excellent. All in all, not bad, and certainly reasonable next to some of the other meals I have had in DC, but rather disappointing. Was this just an off night?