Estuary — Restaurant in Washington

The purpose of this correspondence is to provide feedback about my birthday breakfast experience at Estuary DC on Monday, October 2, 2023. My goal is to hopefully draw attention to areas of improvement regarding customer experience, staff/chef’s, and quality of food.

The ambiance and host team was excellent. Their greeting and escort to the seating area for my guests and I was appreciated. The woman’s accommodation to ensure the seating arrangement was comfortable— excellent.

Edgar, table host was good. He was knowledgeable of most menu items, however, the preparation process not so much. I ordered the “Super Green/Fresh Green” Smoothie. I asked if it was made to order. He assured me, “Yes”. As I’m looking at the kitchen one (1) female, (1) male, and my table host (I know the identity of them all), they open two containers that stored the pre-made smoothie to serve to me when I specifically asked if it was made to order. The female kitchen staff/chef, took a spoon from a silver container that had other things in it to stir the smoothie contents to pour in a glass. The smoothie dripped on the side of the glass. Edgar used his fingertips to wipe the top brim of the glass. How disgusting! If I hadn’t saw this with my eyes, I would have drank from that glass. That’s a blatant food and safety hazard and health hazard/risk. I have no idea what objects his hands have touched to include his body. The male kitchen staff/chef then took the smoothie container lifted it to his face smelling the inside. Again, disgusting. He closed the containers placing in the fridge. In conclusion, I did not want the smoothie.

I ordered the “Southwest Omelette”. The add-ons such as the veggies and breakfast meat were tasty. However, the egg itself was inedible. So rubbery, hard, and cold. The breakfast potatoes were flavorful and crispy but cold. To say the least, my breakfast experience was not the best especially for the first time.

The same male kitchen staff/chef that hovered his nose over the smoothie container to smell the inside, used his fingertips to touch some sort of liquid content in a silver container near the omelette and prep station and TASTED IT. He touched the food content with his fingertips and put his fingers in his MOUTH, wiped his finger on his apron and continued to cook. DISGUSTING! I was so appalled. With the SAME FINGERS, he was preparing some sort of bread moving between the grill and top of heat lamp or toaster where the pre-made potatoes were sitting out TOUCHING THE BREAD WITH THE SAME FINGERS! Food and safety violations to the max! The chef actually served it to a paying customer. To note, I did not eat the bread that accompanied my meal as a result of this action.

The same male took his phone out of his pocket to use it then proceeded to touch food he was required to make as he received orders. That is cross contamination. I am certain his phone is not clean or free from bacteria.

He also, was eating breakfast potatoes out of the container.

I’m not certain what rules, regulations, or food and health and safety standards are and are not followed, but these actions are unacceptable and should be submitted to DOH promptly.

There was another male kitchen staff/chef who used his phone, cooking, touching food, and plates the entire time of my visit. Cross contamination. Food and safety hazards.

There was another male kitchen staff that gave a customer old bacon that had been sitting out near the breakfast potatoes. Disgusting.

ALL Estuary staff should be required to wear gloves! Required to change gloves in transition to care for customers food more excellently and safely.

There was a male in a suit with a red beard who walked to particular tables except tables that sat Black/African Americans which were only two (2). I watched as he walked around to each table noticing he visited most tables except two. Strange but if this behavior is tolerated by Estuary DC, it should be discreet.

I have pictures and more details to add, but these were major issues....

Overall the experience at Estuary was top notch, a formal restaurant with very delicious food, and friendly wait staff. I wore a polo and slacks (under dressed compared to everyone else, but none of the staff made a big deal over it). The first two items came free before the meal.

A rice cracker over a pea sauce (hidden under that white cloud). The cracker is a little chewy and an interesting start but didn't blow me away.

Bread and bread sticks with pimento cheese. These were absolutely delicious. The crispy breadsticks had a mildly spicy seasoning that paired well with the pimento, and the bread was seasoned on the inside to mimick a pepperoni (although it contained no meat) which complemented the pimento cheese perfectly.

The Maryland Crab Roll, a crispy buttery roll that was fluffy on the inside, filled with a delicious portion of crab.

Shishito peppers, a pepper stuffed with burrata cheese. A light and excellent appetizer for anyone who enjoys a mild pepper.

Peas and Carrots, these are frozen in nitrogen and served with coconut ice and have a interesting snap when bitten. A delicious take on a classic pairing.

Puffer Fish Sticks, a contemporary version of a classic snack. These have a bone running down the middle which help impart an amazing flavor into this salty and delicate appetizer.

Potato Gallette, a fancy stack of potato that can't go wrong with an egg on top. Lightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Tuna Tartare, if you love luna, you will love this tasty take on tuna backed by garlic and some great bread.

Parker House Rolls, the whipped mortadella added an excellent meaty flavor to these soft buttery rolls, and the ricotta added a light cheesy flavor.

Mozzarella, fitted to look like a tomato, the mozzarella delivered on flavor and presentation.

Ceviche, striped bass with a amazing olive oil based sauce.

Soft Shelled Crab, a salty breading that complemented the crab well. If you love crab, you will love this.

Whitefish Milanese, unfortunately this didn't work for me. Compared to the other dishes the combination of fish and puffed rice was very bland.

Surryano Ham, the buttery cornbread was to die for. The best cornbread I've had the pleasure of eating in all my life. The prosciutto paired perfectly with the warm bread.

Beef "Tarte" Tar, this small canoe of lettuce, onion ring, and beef tartare created a symphony of taste in my mouth.

Fried Calamari, they used squid ink to give it a unique black color. The slight bitterness accented by two delicious sauces. Marinara and chorizo mayonnaise.

Atlantic Cod, a flaky fish surrounded in an amazing savory sauce.

Lamb Pastrami, a beautifully seasoned tender cut of lamb.

Cookies and Cream, the nitrogen frozen creme fraiche added a nice texture to the rich dark chocolate pudding found beneath this delicious dessert.

Key Lime Pie, a combination of lime, coconut, peanuts, and raspberry that worked together in delicous harmony.

Cheesecake, hidden under a thin wafer, a great dessert was eaten.

Smith Island, this 13 layered crepe cake with caramel popcorn...

Goal: Memorable luxurious dinner; Reality: Everything except that. I planned the weekend for months, I flew my girlfriend in from across the country to spend quality time together experiencing 5 star service. I made the reservation days in advance and we showed up 10 min prior to our reservation time. We were asked to wait at the bar until our table was ready, the bartenders were friendly and obliging. We were not seated until 35 min after our reservation only to be seated at the worst table in the entire restaurant for a couple - sandwiched between two other couples along a joint bench. While disappointed, I was excited to share a great meal with her there. we were given 2 glasses of champagne for our wait Our server asked us if we wanted water - which we said yes. he then poured our water and vanished for an additional 20 min. I felt awful at this point.. even offering my gf to go somewhere else. When he finally came back to our table, he doesn't introduce himself, just says - 'are you ready to order'. I attempted to order the flat iron steak - and was then informed - 'oh, that isn't available tonight, please choose another item'. probably something that should have been stated up front during his introduction. My girlfriend made her order then asked if she could get some bread before the meal - he abruptly stated, 'it comes with the dinner' and left. Did not ask us if we wanted drinks or anything else. At this point, I just want to leave, but hoped, maybe the food with save the night. 30+ min later, we get our dinner of shrimp cocktail and Caesar salads. Food review: fine. Not at all what we had planned to eat at such a renowned restaurant. The managers repeatedly asked the tables to our sides how their evening was but we were only helped when I flagged down the manager to obtain the bread we never received and get the check. I was simply let down and just wanted to leave. We ended the evening in the Sakura club sharing an ice cream and bowl of cereal. I will never go to this hotel or restaurant again. I highly recommend no one else waste their...