Central

Alison and Matt waited out month-long reservations for a DC hotspot:

I was super excited to try Central, and after a month of waiting for our Saturday night reservation, could not wait to try the food.  While we enjoyed the meal, it did not live up to the hype.  There were definitely high points, but the overall experience left us both let down.  I’ll go back, but it won’t be at the top of my dying-to-return list, especially not with a month-long reservation list!

Central

The Setting:
Matt likened the dining room’s atmosphere to that of a cafeteria, and while we had a good table, settled into a wee nook (half booth) I definitely did NOT envy those sitting at the small tables in the middle of the restaurant.  

The Service:
Was fine, although a little slow.  Not much to comment on either way.

The Food:
The bread and butter was absolutely fabulous (which counts for a lot in my book and I think its something too many restaurants over look these days.)  God bless the French, they just get some things so right.  

I enjoyed a glass of beer that is brewed exclusively for Central out of Belgium, a nice light pilsner, and Matt had a glass of pinot noir, which he described as fine, but not great – the options by the glass could and probably should be expanded. 

We both started with the Ceasar Salad, which I had heard rave reviews on, and it was truly fab.  It had a really neat presentation, although the dressing was a bit heavy for my taste (Matt disagrees here, but those are typical preferences for each of us.) Luckily I had done my homework and knew to request that the scallions be omitted from my salad, as they were not noted on the menu (and are an untraditional topping for a ceasar.) 

Overall, I have to say that I wish there were a few more details elsewhere on the menu as well: my fried chicken didn’t note the sides it came with – indeed, I was unsure it would be accompanied by anything until the side salad (left untouched) and whipped potatoes (whipped light with beaucoup butter and cream) showed up at the table.  The beer options were not noted anywhere either.  The fried chicken, as well as the pommes frites were truly fantastic – these are worth going back for. However, Matt was under-whelmed by the much-lauded burger.  It is often compared to the one at Palena as being one of the best in the city.  No comparison.  Forego the burger and stick with the poulet.

Best For: Fried chicken and pommes frites.

Worst For: Those seeking the gastro-epiphany you might be expecting from all the hype.