Step inside this cottage and you’ll feel a world away from
reclaimed barnwood, 15-minute cocktails, and other restaurant trends of
the day. Little has changed since late owner François Haeringer relocated
his Alsatian restaurant, Chez François, here from downtown DC in
1976.
In the main dining rooms, dinners are six-course affairs, prix
fixe according to which entrée you choose. The menu is filled with
vestiges of another era of fine dining, such as Châteaubriand for two and
powdered-sugared soufflés. The newer Jacques’ Brasserie, which has its own
entrance, serves many of the place’s hits on an à la carte
menu.
It may not be to everyone’s taste, but for lovers of Julia
Child and old-guard formality, there are few better places to toast
a birthday or anniversary. Don’t miss: Shellfish in
rémoulade sauce; pâtés; Roquefort salad; Caesar salad; lobster in
Sauternes butter; choucroute garni; Alsatian tart with bacon; chocolate,
raspberry, and Grand Marnier soufflés. L’Auberge Open: Tuesday through
Sunday for lunch and dinner. Jacques’ Open: Tuesday through Sunday for
dinner. Moderate to very expensive.
Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
