100 Best Restaurants 2009: Central Michel Richard

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Reviewed by Todd Kliman , Ann Limpert , Cynthia Hacinli , Rina Rapuano , Eve Zibart

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Central Michel Richard

1001 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: 202-626-0015

Cuisines:
French, American, Modern

Opening Hours:
Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu:
Evening: 05:30 PM - 10:30 PM Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri:
Afternoon: 11:30 AM - 02:30 PM Fri,Sat:
Evening: 05:30 PM - 11:00 PM Sun:
Evening: 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
Federal Triangle
Metro Center

Price Range:
Expensive

Dress:
Upscale Casual

Noise Level:
Rowdy

Reservations:
Recommended

Special Features:
Party Space

Parking:
Valet

Website:
Click here to open in new window.

Best Dishes
House-made, nonalcoholic fruit sodas; duck rillettes and “faux gras” terrine; burrata with basil oil and roasted cherry tomatoes; tagliatelle Bolognese; cassoulet; Brussels sprouts with bacon; pearl-pasta risotto with mushrooms; house-made corned-beef sandwich; apple pandowdy; chocolate lava cake.

Price Details:
Starters, $6 to $18, entrées $16 to $30.

Reader's Rating:

3 out of 5

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No. 13: Central Michel Richard

Cuisine: Michel Richard’s version of a bistro is a playground for any culinary style, dish, accent, or seasoning that catches his fancy. He and chef Cedric Maupillier turn out gleefully unfaithful renditions of French comfort cooking along with twists on fish and chips and a banana split.

Mood: An oversize portrait of a jolly Richard anchors the far end of the dining room. Tables are side by side, Parisian style, and the crowd is a who’s who of Washington, from media mavens to politicos.

Best for: Richard fans who aren’t up for the blowout prices at his Georgetown restaurant, Citronelle; New Yorkers; foodies.

Best dishes: House-made, nonalcoholic fruit sodas; duck rillettes and “faux gras” terrine; burrata, a soft Italian cheese, with basil oil and roasted cherry tomatoes; tagliatelle Bolognese; cassoulet; Brussels sprouts with bacon; pearl-pasta risotto with mushrooms; house-made corned-beef sandwich; apple pandowdy; chocolate lava cake.

Insider tips: The kitchen can be uneven, so count on the occasional low amid the highs. Still, it’s one of the hottest tickets in town, and reservations (made well in advance) are needed. At lunch, the corned-beef sandwich will more than satisfy all who long for a great Jewish deli.

Service: *** (three stars).

Open Monday through Friday for lunch, daily for dinner.

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Reader ReviewsWrite your own review

Burger: A+; Atmosphere: Fail

eleaman — March 23, 2009 2:03 PM

Had the burger here and it was delicious. I believe someone told me it's cooked in duck fat (don't hold me to that!), but I swear I tasted the duck-ness of it—so delicious. I also loved the presentation. The burger sat tall, but not so tall that it More ...

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