Upstairs at the Kennedy Center, across the hall from an exhibit focusing on President John F. Kennedy, are a couple of dining options. The more upscale option is the Roof Terrace Restaurant. On the official opening night for the public of Les Miserables, I went for a little pre-theater bite with Western Maryland First Amendment activist Shaun Porter.
It’s open for a few hours before shows and you don’t have to be attending anything to enjoy the restaurant. The stunning floor-to-ceiling windows look out on the Capitol and Northern Virginia. There’s a full patio where you can walk out to. I saw families and couple a little shell-shocked: this should be considered the selfie primo spot of the USA and it’s open to everyone.
Though the restaurant was quite full, we were happy to be able to snag a table by the window. The bar area is not near a window, but it’s very popular.
I’d say that there was everything outfit-wise from dressy casual to a little bit more pumped up.
It’s safe to say that whatever you’re up for, they can do it. They have teas, cocktails, mocktails and regular bar offerings. I had a strawberry frose’, which admittedly is totally doofy, but it was very hot outside and I wanted something that would be an alternative to dessert. Like many folks, I have to pick my poison. It was refreshing and tangy, really hit the spot.
We decided to share the Crab & Gruyere dip with baguette and fennel pollen dust. I’m not from Maryland, though I’ve been there for decades. I’m more an Old Bay fan in theory due to its origins (look it up!) than in practice. I was happy for an Old Bay reprieve. Shaun was born right in DC, so he likes it. But he was seriously in awe of a dip with the good stuff — jumbo lump crab meat — and not, as he says, “all cream cheese”.
There are vegetarian options and we spied a thick, thick, thick-cut NY Prime Strip steak frites that could hold its own at any steakhouse.
Luxe & Down-Home Cuisine/Culture/Travel/Style 