First time post on the boards, though I have been lurking for a couple of months to try to become a bit more versed in DC's restaurant scene.
I had the pleasure in late September of having lunch in Restaurant Eve's dining room, and then following that up with having dinner at Palena in the back dining room. Both meals were absolutely wonderful and made me wonder why DC is not considered a "top tier" dining city, when in my opinion it more than holds it's own against anywhere else I have ever traveled.
On to my question, as I am not able to make it back up to the DC area until February or March.
There were 2 cocktails on the menu that I have not been able to recreate, nor find on their website to recreate properly. Is anyone on these boards familiar with their cocktails "Ibitini" and "Paloma"? I think those were the names, I believe one was based on Hendrick's Cucumber Gin and one was based on tequila, prosecco, and grapefruit juice. I am a little leery of calling the restaurant because I'm not sure it's proper etiquette, or if those were the names of the cocktails. Any help would be appreciated.
A couple of sidenotes, it may be odd to mention Palena's cocktails when I was at Eve earlier in the day, but I assure everyone Todd Thrasher was not only welcoming, charming, and everything you could want in a mixologist..he remembered my companion at the lunch even though he had not dined there in 3-4 months.
Also, since I am taking another vacation specifically to go to more DC restaurants, is it appropriate to start a thread with some choices to try to whittle down where to go? I only have 5 or 6 meals to deal with so it's somewhat important to get it right, since I will be waiting another 6 months or so before I get to do it all again. One that is definitely on there is Palena (bar), because I must try the chicken, fries, and burger.
Thanks for any help anyone can provide.
(I have never craved a food more than Palena's gnocchi...I keep trying it everywhere to duplicate that dinner, it is impossible...Chef Ruta is amazing in my opinion)