THE WONDERS OF WASHINGTON

CITY GUIDE

Washington, D.C., is in all its cultural and gastronomic glory this spring

BY CHRISTINA OHLY EVANS

There are few places more lovely in springtime than the nation’s capital, and this year, with a slew of hotel openings, restaurant launches and cultural happenings, D.C. is the place to be. From walks among the iconic cherry blossoms that line the Tidal Basin to gallery-hopping in Book Hill, the city is having a real moment. These are just a very few of the city’s latest highlights

STAY

LYLE HOTEL Lore Group, the owners of Pulitzer Amsterdam and the design-led Sea Containers in London, have brought a chic boutique hotel to D.C.’s bustling Dupont Circle neighborhood. With its mix of historic homes and happening restaurants, the area is perfect for families and couples alike as rooms come in all configurations, with many suited to extended stays. A simple, neutral palette pervades—lots of white and natural wood finishes throughout—and fans of art deco will love dining at Lyle’s, the hotel’s all-day, Italianinflected dining concept. lyledc.com

TOWNHOUSE SUITES AT THE ROSEWOOD WASHINGTON, D.C. Six turn-of-the-century townhouses have been added to the Rosewood in Georgetown, just steps from the quaint cobblestone streets and fine dining that surrounds the University campus. Designed by D.C. favorite Thomas Pheasant, these 1,000-squarefoot homes are adjacent to the hotel and receive all of the amenities—room service, cleaning, gym access—as hotel guests, but have the advantage of kitchens, separate floors (perfect for families) and small back gardens, making this a true home away from home. Don’t miss the Rosewood’s rooftop bar with panoramic views of the Potomac River and the Kennedy Center, not to mention the best martinis in town. rosewoodhotels.com THE DUPONT CIRCLE After a two-year renovation, The Dupont Circle is thriving—and it’s perfectly located for exploring Embassy Row and museums on the Mall, as well as the vibrant local restaurant scene. The Doyle Collection property features a spectacular penthouse suite with an expansive terrace designed by Clodagh. The hotel’s 327 mid-century rooms and suites offer a home away from home with a touch of Irish warmth, while the clubby Doyle bar and Martin Brudnizki–designed Pembroke restaurant—with its al fresco dining—are once again destination dining spots. doylecollection.com

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Cafe Riggs at The Riggs; the exterior of The Lyle; a Townhouse Suite at The Rosewood; the view from The Dupont Circle

CONRAD WASHINGTON, D.C. The views of downtown D.C. and the adjacent CityCenter shopping complex from the Conrad are unparalleled, as is the service for the hotel’s Sakura Club guests—a personalized offering that includes breakfast and dinner and specialized itineraries. The Blue Willow Room is the place for a hearty breakfast, while Estuary offers allday dining with a focus on the bounties of the Chesapeake Bay (shrimp cocktail with Old Bay spice, Maryland crab rolls and local rockfish are all standouts). conradwashingtondc.com

The Diplomat Suite at the Conrad

RIGGS WASHINGTON Set in the historic Penn Quarter in a 19th-century landmark that once housed the Riggs National Bank, this unique 181-room hotel offers guests a true step back in time. Paying homage to the building’s original use, each of the rooms and suites are reminiscent of a bank vault, with coffered ceilings, stately pillars and oversize chandeliers that recall the “Bank of Presidents” glory days. The property is already buzzing due to Café Riggs, a central brasserie with a garden terrace, and Silver Lyan, a subterranean cocktail bar set in the bank’s main vault. riggsdc.com

EAT & DRINK

PHILOTIMO Chef Nicholas Stefanelli (owner of Michelin-starred local favorite Masseria and Officina) explores his Greek culinary heritage at the recently opened Philotimo, where guests are transported to the Aegean thanks to the white sandstone, linen and light wood surroundings. From Greek wines served on the patio to a soaring main dining room and an intimate bar, the spaces highlight such signature dishes as manti (veal-stuffed pasta with brown butter; black truffles optional) and skoioufitha, a pasta from Crete in a lamb broth served with mizithra cheese. philotimodc.com

THE ROOF TERRACE AT THE KENNEDY CENTER The performing arts powerhouse that is the Kennedy Center— celebrating its 50th year—has a recently renovated restaurant with stunning skyline views and inventive takes on traditional French cuisine to match. Book at The Roof Terrace at The Kennedy Center before a concert or opera and savor offerings such as pomegranatelacquered lamb chops

The dining room of Shōtō

FROM LEFT: Vegetables at Philotimo; The Roof Terrace at the Kennedy Center

THE BEST OF THE REST…

1310 Kitchen & Bar at the Georgetown Inn, where chef Jenn Crovato serves delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner in a laid-back setting where poetry and music are central to the dining experience. Union Market for everything edible: District Doughnut, DC Dosa, Laoban Dumplings, O-Ku and the all-Latin food hall La Cosecha, are all worth a detour. Foodies will also love Lucky Danger, Moon Rabbit, Thip Khao, Anju, Rose’s Luxury, L’Ardente, Cranes, Rooster & Owl, Makan…any one of those should be followed by a chocolate doom cakecup at Georgetown’s Baked & Wired.

and Carolina mountain trout with artichoke and a tangy apple cider balsamic reduction. Ballet combined with bananas crème brûlée makes for a great night on the town. roofterracedc.com

SHŌTŌ Spring is synonymous with sakura in Washington, and so Japanese food is a natural fit. Start at Shōtō, where izakaya-style informal dining melds traditional technique with authentic dishes. The 140-seat boutique restaurant has a chic bar-lounge area, sake and whisky cellars stocked with rare brands, bustling open kitchen and streamlined sushi counter, as well as a landscaped outdoor terrace that makes for the perfect city escape.

AKĒDO Lively Japanese street food spot Akēdo (sister restaurant to the more elevated Shōtō) encourages guests to eat, drink and relax in design-led surroundings. Perfect for groups, the inventive menu includes a selection of snacks, sandos, steamed buns, sushi bowls, skewers, crowd-pleasing pizzas and ramen. The space transforms to an exclusive reservation-only speakeasy lounge that will be open to a discerning clientele on select nights of the week, and the intimate space will showcase artistic talent, live entertainment and DJ sets to get the party started. ■