Good Eating, Atmosphere in three restaurants in Washington, D.C.

Dear Friend,
We were very fortunate to get to go to Washington, D. C. in December 2005 for a few days and we had a wonderful time. We were also lucky enough to be with people who have a grown son who lived there for several years and to have friends who have also lived there. These folks steered us in the direction of some delightful eating with absolutely charming atmosphere. The first restaurant has good food any time of the year, but is a must for me in December. Filomena Ristorante at 1063 Wisconsin Ave. N. W. in Georgetown is owned by Joanna Filomena and she loves Christmas! Sometimes when a Christmas tree is too tall to fit in a room, we have to cut off part of it. We have always cut it off at the bottom of the tree. I had never seen a Christmas tree that had been cut off at the top instead of the bottom like most trees, but that’s how she does it. She must start with a huge tree, because while the tree is maybe 10 feet tall, it's maybe 40 feet around. As you can see in the pictures it is covered with toys. There are replicas of 50’s items, older dolls (even a Madame Alexander or two) in hand crocheted dresses and well – see the pictures. There are Christmas decorations everywhere. The food was good too. For some reason for me the appetizers were the most memorable – very good calamari. Desserts are a prominant part of the meal there too. Call for reservations – I think our friends called for our reservations a couple of days before we even left to go to D. C.

The second place was just lovely for lunch one day and I’d go back for dinner or Sunday lunch in a heartbeat. It’s over by the White House on 15th and probably not a touristy place – not listed in Fodors or Frommers websites nor is Filmena’s for that matter. Well of course there were other tourists at Old Ebbits Grill, but most folks were dressed in suits and looked like they work in the area. Old Ebbitt Grill is as you can see from their postcard, dark wood and white linen table clothes. We ate big fat hamburgers, crab cakes, and delicious soup. They have an oyster bar which we didn’t partake of but they are known for it. I had a crab cake sandwich and soup – maybe potato – and not only was it delicious, the service was excellent too. It is crowded and you will need to stand in line if not very early or very late. Their address is 675 15th street N W and is convenient to the Smithsonian – not right there but a short cab ride. It's two blocks from the white house. That picture is not one of mine but a post card I picked up there. They do have a website.

The third place we enjoyed eating at was the Sea Catch Restaurant and Raw Bar in Georgetown. We sat by the fireplace and enjoyed mildly seasoned fresh fish - as opposed to the ever popular "blackened" fish, crisp and original salads and very good service. It is not as dramatic in appearance as the other two restaurants, but was very nice – jackets worn by most guests, and I’d go back to that one too. They are recommended on Frommer’s website. The address for the Sea Catch Restaurant is 1054 31st street N. W. in Georgetown. The Sea Catch Restaurant is quite close to Filomena’s and the shopping in that area is not run of the mill. I found a lovely antique shop or two (Bet if I’d had more time there were many.) and a costume jewelry shop that had some very unique things that I don’t think I’ll see on everyone else. Very nice. There were other tiny, but interesting shops in that same area. Sometimes you need to ring the doorbell to get in.

I hope you enjoy the pictures. I loved the trip because it was cold and it just felt like Christmas. Besides we were with the cutest couple - lots of fun, known them forever. We had been to Washington other times, but never in December and I didn’t feel compelled to spend a lot time in museums because I’ve enjoyed them before. I was in the mood for shopping and eating. Not that we didn’t darken the door of a museum – of course we did – my husband to the Air and Space for a few hours and both of us to the Renwick Gallery (It's part of the Smithsonian.) to see the silver exhibit that was there, the George Catlin early Indian paintings and the house itself. Just nice for an hour or so. Pictures below of me with a friend on the doorstep of the Renwick and an interior shot of one wall of a room in the Renwick.

I have a wonderful picture of my husband's mother when she was a young married woman. It on the wall in our hall with other family pictures. She is wearing a pretty costume jewelry necklace in the picture very indicative of the times - the late 1930's or early 1940's. So glad to have the picure. Pictures are so important to me. You are important too.

Take care,

Maggiegladyoucame