Washington DC • 🇪🇸 Michelin-Starred Valencian Gem: Xiquet

💰 **Full Tasting 265+tax+tip(inkindaccepted!)∗∗DC’sSpanish🇪🇸Michelin−starredrestaurantoffersaValencian−inspiredtastingmenu.Pricingvariesbetweenweekdaysandweekends(Monday−Thursdayis195). They also offer a shorter tasting menu and various wine pairings. It’s one of the more underrated Michelin spots in the DMV area, but it’s absolutely delicious and shouldn’t be overlooked! With inkind, the price becomes much more reasonable. A must-try for fans of Spanish cuisine! 🇪🇸✨ The restaurant is a charming three-story townhouse. You check in on the first floor, then head up to the third floor where you’re greeted by an open kitchen and the chef himself. There are only a few small tables, making it intimate. After the meal, you’re invited to the second-floor lounge for tea and payment. The overall experience is fantastic! The only downside? The AC on the third floor is way too strong—two vents were blowing right at me, and I was freezing! 🥶❄️ ✨ Chef’s Welcome Dish: A tangy and sweet vermouth with a small tomato Pan Crystal (a transparent loaf-shaped bread? Rice cake?). Refreshing and appetizing! 🍸🍅 ✨ Amuse-Bouches x 4: Each bite is unique and creative! Spanish tuna with meringue crisp 🐟 Black olive squid tart: A hint of olive bitterness with rich, complex flavors! 🦑 Passion fruit foie gras brioche: The sweetness of passion fruit perfectly balances the richness of the foie gras. So good! 🍞🦆 White asparagus and ham mini taco 🌮 ✨ Scallop Crudo: The plating is stunning! Bitter orange sauce with fruit and tender Valencian scallops—so refreshing! 🍊🐚 ✨ Potato-Fried Cod + Clam and Pea Sauce + Marinated Mussels: The fish is incredibly tender, and the sweet, fresh flavors pair perfectly with the savory pea sauce. 🥔🐟 ✨ Spanish Seafood Paella (Red Prawn Edition): The rice is soaked in prawn sauce, and the protein includes prawn meat with caviar, seared tuna belly (a bit too salty, but still delicious), and squid. So flavorful, I almost licked the plate! 🦐🍚 ✨ Red Wine Lamb + Potato Mille-Feuille + Fava Bean Sauce: Conceptually a bit ordinary (similar dishes can be found elsewhere), but the flavors are great, especially the crispy, hot potato layers. So satisfying! 🥩🥔 ✨ Pork Wellington: Crispy pastry filled with pork, Spanish ham, and cabbage. The salty richness of the pork and ham is balanced by the sweetness of the cabbage. So delicious! 🐷🥬 🍧 Dessert: Lemon tart and prickly pear sorbet—tangy and sweet, I loved it! �🍋 Afterward, you’re invited to the second-floor lounge for tea and payment. ✨ Mini Sweet Potato Empanada with Spanish Nispero Tea 🍠🍵 ✨ Petit Fours: Chocolate, almond shortbread, sour gummies, nougat (similar), and nut brittle. 🍫🍬 No take-home gifts, but the experience is unforgettable! 🎁 #HiddenGem #RestaurantRecommendation #DMVFood #DCfoodie #MichelinStar #FoodieLife #MichelinDining #WashingtonDC #SpanishCuisine