🍽️ Dish Breakdown: Hits and Misses

Petite Wellington (with Foie Gras) Beef: Ordered medium rare but came overcooked—a fundamental misstep for a steak-centric establishment. Mushroom Sauce & Mashed Potatoes: The sauce was rich and flavorful, while the potatoes were exceptionally smooth (likely strained). Foie Gras: First bite was heavenly—decadent but not greasy. However, uneven salting made some parts excessively salty—a major quality control failure for a high-profile restaurant. Chicken Piccata Crispy-coated chicken breast with a well-balanced lemon-garlic sauce. A reliable, classic preparation. Lobster Risotto & Tuna Tartare The risotto tasted fine but lacked excitement. The tuna tartare resembled a dry ceviche without the vibrant citrus marinade—somewhat underwhelming. Desserts & Sides Wild Mushrooms: Seasoned adequately, but nothing memorable. Creamy Syrup Dessert: Intensely buttery and sweet (like butter cookies × 100)—a treat for those with a sweet tooth. Harvest Salad: Fresh, but the mysterious cinnamon-spiced element was puzzling. Bread Service: More like baked pizza dough than traditional bread—an odd choice. Drinks Pear Ginger Sgroppino & Prost Melon: Refreshing and clearly made with real fruit. 🏠 Ambiance & Service: Energetic but Flawed Vibe: Loud, lively, and unmistakably American—great for groups, not for quiet dining. Service: Staff were generally friendly, though the host stand was notably cold. Despite a reservation, we waited over 30 minutes to be seated—poor execution for a booked table. Auto-Gratuity: A mandatory 20% service charge felt rigid, even if increasingly common in upscale venues. ⚖️ Final Verdict: A Themed Experience, Not Culinary Excellence Strengths: Some dishes show technical skill (sauces, potatoes), desserts are creative, and the energy is fun for fans of the show. Drawbacks: Inconsistent execution on signature items (overcooked beef, poorly seasoned foie gras), long waits despite reservations, and automatic gratuity diminish the overall value. Recommendation: Go for the Hell's Kitchen branding and lively atmosphere, but temper expectations. This feels more like a Gordon Ramsay-themed experience than a refined culinary destination. DC offers more consistent fine dining elsewhere. 📍 Tips if You Go Visit during off-peak hours and confirm your reservation ahead. For the Wellington, emphasize "medium rare" and check the center before diving in. Skip the tasting menu and order à la carte to focus on the stronger dishes. #WashingtonDC #GordonRamsay #HellsKitchen #DiningReview #DCFoodie