For most of us, DC Restaurant Week, which runs from Aug. 13-19, might as well be a holiday. We eat. We drink. And at such palatable prices.
Indulge yourselves, is what I’m saying.
There are a ton of local spots participating this year, which is awesome. But, also, making choices are hard. Why not take a friendly recommendation? Try Circa.
In February 2018, Circa opened a new location in the former Zengo space in Chinatown. It’s a huge, two-story, 7,900 sq. ft. spot perfect for large parties and happy hours (especially before a Caps or Wizards game). But don’t sleep on the food.
The restaurant is offering both three-course lunch ($22) and dinner ($35) service. We came for dinner but we’re able to try several things on the lunch menu, as well, and can report that Circa’s food, as pretty as it looks, tastes just as good. Here’s what we ate (and what you should consider):
Brussels + Blue/ Flash fried, applewood smoked bacon, balsamic, blue cheese/ Honestly, bury me inside these Brussels.Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps/ Marinated short rib, bibb lettuce, sticky rice, kimchi aioli, chopped peanuts/ One of the best bites of the day. I could eat 20 of these and not worry about my waistline because, you know, lettuce.Shotgun Shrimp/ Flash fried with sweet chili sauce, jicama slaw/ Tasty, crisp shrimp. The perfect appetizer. Beer sold separately.Salmon Salad/ Mixed greens, marinated tomatoes, pee wee potatoes, balsamic onions, goat cheese, champagne vinaigrette/ A power lunch for the health conscious. Look at the size of that salmon!Pan Roasted Sea Bass/ Wild mushroom-soy broth, sticky rice, baby bok choy, crispy shiitake mushrooms/ Ended up a little more watery than I would have liked, but the fish was delicious – buttery and fat with the crisp skin side up.Nutella Trifle/ Chocolate hazelnut mousse, whipped cream, candied walnuts, chocolate cake crumbs/ This much sin requires a trip to church (and the gym).Brioche Bread Pudding/ White chocolate, vanilla bean ice cream, bourbon crème anglaise, caramel/ Forget the Brussels. Bury me in brioche bread.
