When Cedric Maupillier opened this French/American eatery, it was a trendy hot spot. Five years in, it has matured into a warm neighborhood bistro. Families and date-nighters create a boisterous atmosphere at dinner and brunch—equally good times to sample the rib-sticking fare. The kitchen’s wood grill still turns out one of the best burgers in town, and we’ll never pass up escargot hushpuppies. Though not as airtight as the classics, new additions from chef Matt Cockrell are worth exploring, such as a shellfish-and-dorade stew. Even if you’re not celebrating a birthday, the sprinkle-strewn brownie sundae makes it feel as if you are. Expensive.
Also Great: onion soup; flammekueche flatbreads; cassoulet.
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.
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
Jessica Sidman covers the people and trends behind D.C.’s food and drink scene. Before joining Washingtonian in July 2016, she was Food Editor and Young & Hungry columnist at Washington City Paper. She is a Colorado native and University of Pennsylvania grad.
