Had my first dinner at this resaturant, and in many ways you would be hard pressed to find another restaurant that is better. Michel Richard's presentation on the plate is the finest I have seen in a VERY long time. All his ingredients are very fresh and from top locations. Mark Slater is one of the best sommeliers you will encounter. He lsitens to you, rather than talking all the time. The wine list has a plethora of choices from most major wine regions. The wine prices range from reasonable to expensive. Several wines are below 2x times retail. If you are in DC do yourself a favor and make a reservation at Citronelle. 95+ pts

3000 M Street NW in Georgetown

IW

Agreed, IW. I do find their wine prices a bit higher than you perceive them, but it's a small distinction.

I think Michel Richard marries the best of "food as art" and "food as a meal" better than just about anyone I've run across. I really need to get back to Citronelle soon.

PH

P.S. The next time you come to town, you should let the gang know. We've been know to open a nice bottle or two with visitors from out of town!

My meals at Citronelle have all been superlative. I know that some people don't like Mark, but I have to admit, the last time we at at Citronelle, he had my wife in stitches with his stories, and he recommended wines that went perfectly with our meal (of course Mark knows my tastes from various discussions on the local food boards) after discussing what we were having with us. Of course, they do not permit corkage, and their wine list is extensive and for the most part reasonably prices (with quite a few bargains) but it is definitely one of THE places to eat if you are in DC.

Michael Richard definitely makes a meal an experience. One only has to look at some of the whimsical dishes on the menu to know that he takes his cooking seriously, but is not the least pretentious. One only has to try the lobster "Begula Pasta" or the "Breakfast at Citronelle" (which is dessert) to be charmed.