Restaurant review: 2941

Happy birthday to me! Matt took me to the fancy 2941 last night, one of the few around here that has top-notch reviews from both Washingtonian and the Washington Post.

I knew I was in for a good time when we drove up to complimentary valet parking and Matt said, “I’m confused… am I driving on the sidewalk?” No, just an ornate driveway.

Upon exiting the car we met up with some goldfish:

While I was taking this picture, the guys standing next to me asked his elementary-age sons, “Are you ready to pick out your dinner?”

Both Matt and I ordered “summer tasting menus,” five teeny-tiny courses packed with flavor and paired with five types of wine.

We gave creativity points for the centerpiece brought out before dessert:

And the dessert itself:

I’m sure Matt and I screamed “we don’t usually come to places like this, it’s a special occasion!” to the wait staff, but they were very nice. Snobbery is not unusual at restaurants around here (at any level of fanciness), but the staff seemed more amused than put off by our awkwardness.

After we paid the bill, an authoritative looking man showed up out of nowhere and asked it we wanted to tour the kitchen. I was blindsided, and turned instantly (and unfortunately) shy. I think the main point of the kitchen tour was to point out you can reserve a table there, but I was unable to ask questions. Perhaps a more outgoing person would have had a different experience.

I’m playing around with a rating system—one star is bad, four is great. Here’s how 2941 ranked in my categories:

Price level: **** I’m not sure I can enjoy the food here knowing the bill is on its way. The birthday version of this—forget the price, pour the wine, and eat up!

Gourmet factor: **** Wow! Special occasions only.

Dress code: **** Conservative and formal.

Friendliness: **** I could make friends here!

Celebrity visits/political scandals: Mikhail Baryshnikov ate here.