Urbana DC

"Named one of Washington, DC's "Hottest Restaurant Bar Scenes," Urbana Restaurant and Wine Bar is a destination in and of itself" (quoted from the Urbana DC website). Urbana, which means little city in Italian, has certainly become a hot spot for many Washingtonians. I started eating at Urbana for brunch in 2009. The food was (and still is) very tasty, but quite honestly, I couldn't quite connect with the dinner menu. It wasn't until December of 2010, when Manager Hai Son Kien, who was then Manager at Firefly DC, told me that he would no longer be working at Firefly and that he was moving over to Urbana. Now I'm a follower of GREAT food, but I'm also a follower of good...no, GREAT...service, a wonderful and attentive staff, nice ambiance, and the overall dining experience. I knew that Hai Son's move to Urbana didn't mean that Firefly would suffer; it meant that Urbana would become a new and amazing place. BY that, I mean, Urbana was about to be reinvented. And boy, was I right! This place has literally transformed over night (Ok, so you might think I'm exaggerating a little bit, and maybe I am, but there have been some amazing changes that I think most people will appreciate.

The menu has changed. There are some amazing 'must-try' dishes, such as the pork belly with braised spare ribs, seared scallops, as well as soups, handmade pastas, casseroles, and some delicious chicken, beef and pork dishes. Oh, and let's not forget the local oysters! The new Executive Chef John Critchley, has created a new menu that incorporates "Western Mediterranean influences, emphasizing sustainable seafood with creative but simple techniques." Chef Critchley's experience and attention to food and fresh ingredients is what helps make dining at Urbana quite the experience. And let's not forget the amazing bar! The knowledgeable staff will be sure to recommend nice glass of wine or signature cocktail that's sure to get you in the "spirit"! The bar offers a wide selection of French, Italian, Spanish and American wines, "with a special focus on local and sustainable vintages."

This couldn't be a better time for Urbana. With an amazing and attentive staff, new Executive Chef, new management, new menu, great ambiance, who could ask for anything more? This has become one of my new favorite restaurants in Washington, DC and I hope Urbana continues to improve and maintain its spot in Dupont Circle as one of the hottest restaurants and bar. I, for one, am very pleased with what Urbana has become. "Check, please!"

Oh, and be sure to try the brunch! B.uild Y.our O.wn B.ellini
$16 Bottomless Beverage service for B.Y.O.B. begins at 11:00am and ends at 3:00pm
Purchase of entrée required.

“through an eclectic and approachable brasserie-style menu, urbana embodies this very spirit by celebrating the culinary traditions of northern italy and provence” - john critchley, executive chef

Urbana DC
2121 P Street Northwest, located within the stunning Hotel Palomar Washington DC
Washington D.C., DC 20037
(202) 956-6650
http://www.urbanadc.com

(Photo: top left: slow cooked pork belly, juniper crusted spare ribs, celery root and braised leeks. Photo: bottom right- Eggs Any Style, rustic potatoes and country sausage, by Lakegan Harris)