Dinner for 7-8 People Staying in Woodley Park

[Rhone1998]

I need to organize a dinner for about 7 to 8 people who are mostly staying at the Omni Shoreham or Marriott Woodley Park for a conference.  This is a reunion of old grad school friends.  I'd like to impress with the food, but I'm also looking for a place where we can hear each other and have a good conversation.  District Kitchen seems like it may not be as good as it used to be with the departure of Drew Trautmann.  There hasn't been a posting here about New Heights in a year and a half.  Is it still good?

We certainly aren't limited to places within walking distance, but I'd like to make transportation easy and to find a place relatively close by.  I was contemplating Ripple, but not sure it would be good for that large a group (?).   Dang I wish Palena was still there.

Where should we go?

[DonRocks]

I need to organize a dinner for about 7 to 8 people who are mostly staying at the Omni Shoreham or Marriott Woodley Park for a conference.  This is a reunion of old grad school friends.  I'd like to impress with the food, but I'm also looking for a place where we can hear each other and have a good conversation.  District Kitchen seems like it may not be as good as it used to be with the departure of Drew Trautmann.  There hasn't been a posting here about New Heights in a year and a half.  Is it still good?

We certainly aren't limited to places within walking distance, but I'd like to make transportation easy and to find a place relatively close by.  I was contemplating Ripple, but not sure it would be good for that large a group (?).   Dang I wish Palena was still there.

Where should we go?

New Heights is where you want to go. Make *sure* to call for a reservation.

If you want to go to Cleveland Park, Ripple will be just fine, but there isn't any need.

[Barbara]

I second New Heights and they have a special August menu, in addition to their regular menu:

Besides, you will be able to hear each other.

[Tweaked]

If you need a breakfast option too, consider District Kitchen for that.  Solid weekend brunch effort and they don't get crazy busy like Open City around the corner.   

[Rhone1998]

Getting some pushback that New Heights is too pricey.  Ripple is roughly in the same price range.  I think I need to take it down a notch. 

[Gadarene]

How about Roofers Union in Adams Morgan?

[DonRocks]

Getting some pushback that New Heights is too pricey.  Ripple is roughly in the same price range.  I think I need to take it down a notch. 

Mama Ayesha's?

[RWBooneJr]

Where should we go?

DCDiningGuide has a map that's very handy for this sort of dilemma. From the main page look for the button under the default map that says "See Full-size Map with Restaurant Markers." Use the search bar at the top to pinpoint the Marriott Wardman Park and the check boxes on the left to de-select the neighborhood overlay and bar markers (only the restaurant "knife and fork" markers will be left). This will show you what's nearby and how far everything is.

[Rhone1998]

Thanks, everyone.  I'm agonizing over this one.  My wife, who's been following this drama, said I'm not going to get price, location, and good food all in one place and that's kind of the crux of it.  Knowing Woodley Park, I was planning on compromising on location first of all, but it's really hard to find decent, interesting places in DC with entrees below rather than above $20.  Don, Mama Ayesha's might be a bit out there for some in this group.  Gadarene, Roofers Union looks interesting, but judging from the picture on their web site (I've never been there) it looks *loud*.  Can we have a quiet conversation there?

I was also thinking potentially of the new Dino's, or maybe Cork.

[DonRocks]

I was also thinking potentially of the new Dino's, or maybe Cork. 

If you're going *that* far, you're opening up a lot of space. Dino's Grotto is really good for the "8 to 80 crowd" because it can handle vegans, meat lovers, safe eaters, adventurous eaters, etc.