America's Great Restaurants
Bistro Bis
Washington, DC 20001 / 202.661.2700
Bistro Bis
Capitol Hill’s favorite place for spotting politicos and schmoozing with lobbyists, this upscale restaurant stars DC’s mega chef Jeffrey Buben, a man who knows a thing or two about feeding the very fussy local crowd. Lunch is elegant with simple fare beautifully prepared and served. Although the menu and its specials do change, you may be lucky enough to find the smoked salmon salad tossed with apples, golden beets, and a horseradish vinaigrette---a harmony of sweet and spicy in a fine balance. You may also discover the veal Marengo, a stew of tender veal in a wine-y sauce. But if you are in the mood for casual-but-elegant, order the Bis Burger, served with a heap of fries and gilded by roasted shallots, wild mushrooms, and Comté cheese on a brioche roll. Breads are tempting and so are desserts. Look for the Opera cake or the chocolate toffee bread pudding. One or both of these with a cup of coffee makes a fitting conclusion to a classically crafted meal. PS: Want to catch sight of a VIP? Stop by for breakfast. - Gayot