nancyevans

Don't know you or your friend's demographics, but Milano is an extremely hip place for wealthy men between 35 and 60 and the women who love them.  They now have a souvenir shop, which is always a bad sign, and the food has gone downhill. 

I'd run with Atlantico, as  NCP suggested, or something else Penn Quarter-ish.  Zatinya, maybe.  DC Coast strikes me as very 90s, but someone else may know better.  Firefly has something of a scene going, and good food, as well, and is reasonably close to all those hip 18th St. clubs.

Boy, did u peg my couple! Gorgeous younger woman with older rich guy...okay, u have totally turned me off on taking them to Cafe Milano. And, u r so right that DC Coast is an 80's place. Cross your fingers that I can get into Atlantico or Zatinya. Which one do u like more? Thanks for your perceptiveness...

I've had some really good food at Cafe Milano.  I've also had really mediocre food there.

And it's always overpriced.  If you appear to be trendy enough, you'll get good service.  If you give the wrong vibe, you'll get crappy service.  It really helps to be wearing Ferrari-branded garb.  

Are these two your only choices?  Are you looking for a see-and-be-seen kind of place, or do you want to show DC's finest?

Well, I wanted good food and a fun scene. Is it too late to get a reservation for tomorrow at somewhere like that?

Okay. I have friends coming into town this weekend from NYC. I am deciding between taking them to DC Coast or Cafe Milano. I like DC Coast but it can sometimes have a touristy crowd and be a tad dowdy...hence, why I thought of Cafe Milano (more chic, trendy), but I haven't eaten there in ages so I am clueless about the quality of food there these days. I want to have good food in a good atmosphere. What do you say? Thanks in advance!

Wait a minute.

Happy hour is a luxury, so why the panic, Ms. Evans? 

You'll be fine.

No panic...just trying to get a quick response since I am meeting my friend tonight. Just had to pick a place...Thanks!

Thanks for your responsiveness. Based on what you told me, I will do Cheesecake. Or, does anyone know if the hotel in Chevy Chase Pavillion has a decent bar?

PLEASE HELP.  I need to meet a former colleague for a drink tonight in Friendship Heights and I am clueless about where to go!  Have been to the Clyde's Bar and I thought it was tacky.  Am I stuck with Cheesecake Factory or Chadwick's?  Any suggestions ASAP are appreciated...THANKS!

PLEASE HELP. I need to meet a former colleague for a drink tonight in Friendship Heights and I am clueless about where to go! Have been to the Clyde's Bar and I thought it was tacky. Am I stuck with Cheesecake Factory or Chadwick's? Any suggestions ASAP are appreciated...THANKS!

I can stand the suspense no longer.  

Today is the lunch in question, right?  What establishment was chosen, what food was consumed and overall, how did it go?

Lunch was awesome! I took my friends to Cafe Atlantico and it was absolutely the right choice -- great food (chicken and salmon dishes), atmosphere, service -- and not a stuffy, power lunch place. The bill was reasonable so I picked it up. Thanks to everyone who provided such great advice. This listserv is a wonderful, wonderful resource. I am a huge fan! Look forward to getting more great tips. Again, many thanks for all of the thoughtful and informed suggestions. CHEERS!

Cafe Atlantico is on the red line, near Gallery Place. Equinox is at the Farragut North stop. Ceiba is near Metro Center. Corduroy is a few blocks further from a stop, but definitely worth the walk.

I was going to go with Cafe Atlantico but sounds like Corduroy is the crowd favorite...

Okay...It is decision time! Thanks to everyone for all of the great ideas. I will definitely check out some of these places even if they aren't picked for tomorrow (yikes). Does anyone know off hand which are near a red line metro stop? That is now an issue. Look forward to getting your advice!

Kinkeads -- 21st and Penn

Won't Kinkead's be very, very pricey?

I love Cafe Atlantico!!! Second this one...

No, Old Ebbits is not super touristy.  It is actually quite fun to go for business as well as tourist lunches because you do see Famous for DC people.

Really about Old Ebbits? It would be more in my price range. Isn't it a Clyde's chain kind of place though?

Yes, Breadline is casual. Bens is as well.

I think you'll get better recommendations from us if you tell us more about what you seek. Ethnic/not ethnic? How much do you want to spend? How many people are we talking about anyway?

You might also dig around existing threads for ideas.

Thanks so much for the advice. There could be five of us with a few who are fairly sophisticated diners. They would probably be okay with ethnic but I feel slightly obligated to do the "DC thing" but don't want a dowdy, stuffy power lunch place. Would love it not to be super expensive in case I am nice and pick up the check. What do you think?

Okay, Jaleo is off the list...I love Kaz Sushi but thought it might be risky and not Washington enough? Isn't Old Ebbitts super touristy? I have heard the same recently about Zola. Don't know Ben's Chilli Place and isn't Breadline super casual? Sorry to be difficult but I am really stressing over finding the right place...

Ben's Chilli Bowl.  Love the place.  Great DC history and not your typical place.

I don't like it, but how about Breadline.  I seem to be the odd person out.

What about Zola?  A great space, right next to Spy Museum.  The food is sufficient. 

I had a great lunch at DC Coast can't go wrong.  But I'd go to Old Ebbits instead ONLY because it is a pretty cool place considering how DC it is... why come to DC but for the DCness of the city?

Wouldn't go to Jaleo unless these are good friends.  CrescentFresh is right, not everybody likes to share.

Oh and these days I seem to go to Kaz Sushi for lunch a lot.... yum. 

Let us know where you decide to go...

Any ideas at all there? At this point, I am reluctantly deciding among Occidental, the Oval Room, the Willard, DC Coast, Jaleo and Corduroy. Please advise!

HELP! I need to take some friends from out of town to lunch this week. They are attending a conference at DAR Constitution Hall (1776 D Street, NW near Constitution Ave). I would prefer to avoid the expensive, typical Washington stuffy type place (unless it would be memorable?) and I want to take them somewhere very good. Any suggestions? A quick cab ride would not be an issue. Please make some recommendations. THANKS!