We almost always start with curry puffs, and try one of the fun cocktails they make with crushed fresh [...]]]> If you’ve visited in the last six months or so, chances are Matt and I took you to Bangkok 54. We rarely go a month without visiting this place, our favorite Thai restaurant in the D.C. area.

We almost always start with curry puffs, and try one of the fun cocktails they make with crushed fresh fruit (I’ve tried mango mojitos and blackberry martinis) or a new Thai beer.

For the main course, Matt alternates between pad thai and drunken noodles, and I love the fish specials and brown rice. It’s one of those rare places where we always save room for dessert—I’ve never had a better version of mangoes and sticky rice.

If you’re in the area, give us a call. We’d love an excuse to take you here.

Price level: * That was cheaper than I expected!
Gourmet factor: *** I could be a regular (in this case, I am).
Dress code: * I’m overdressed because I came straight from work.
Friendliness: **** They know me here.
Celebrity visits/political scandals: None. It’s too new and innocent for all that.

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 [...]]]> 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.