POWER DINING Four top restaurants are serving the most powerful people in town. BY ERICA MOODY
Time is money, and Washington’s power players don’t even lunch without an agenda. If you want to break bread with the best of them, or maybe just impress your colleagues at the office, make an appointment at one of these top hot spots: WOLFGANG PUCK’S THE SOURCE Catch former and future presidents and movie stars munching on “Chinois Style” Chicken Salad and “Penang Style” Duck Curry at one of Washington’s top Asian restaurants. President and Mrs. Obama, Hillary Clinton, Diane Feinstein, Russell Crowe, Wolf Blitzer, Harrison Ford, Pierce Brosnan, Nancy Pelosi and Elena Kagan have dined at this high-end treasure located inside the Newseum. The aforementioned duck curry with coconut reduction, roasted peanuts and keffir lime is a hit with the power lunch set, as is the American Wagyu burger, which has been on the menu since it opened. Politicos love the convenient location (centrally located between the White House and Capitol Hill), “approachable” menu and sophisticated, yet comfortable atmosphere of The Source. 575 Pennsylvania Ave. NW,Washington, DC 20565. RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE When you want a good steak, you should know where to go. Ruth’s Chris, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, nationally, has been attracting power diners since it first opened on Connecticut Avenue NW in 1983. It was so popular that a second location opened near the convention center in 2002. Presidential candidates, governors and CEOs order the New York Strip served medium rare, sautéed spinach with a little olive oil and garlic and crème brulee accompanied by a bold cabernet or an old fashioned cocktail. Sizzling filets, ahi tuna, lobster, asparagus, sweet potato casserole and chocolate sin cake round out the most requested items on the menu. If you want to dine like the best, but on a budget, stop by Ruth’s for the “Sizzle, Swizzle, Swirl” daily $8 happy hour. 1801 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20009 and 724 9th St. NW,Washington, DC 20001.
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JOE’S SEAFOOD PRIME STEAK & STONE CRAB Negotiate a contract over a plate of Florida stone crab while seated in a beautiful old bank. That’s what local sports agents love to do. Lunch is popular, but so is dinner and cocktail hour. The restaurant, with locations in Miami, Chicago and Las Vegas, is also known for its Alaskan king crab and key lime pie. In fact, pie is all that is served for dessert, with eight or nine to choose from daily. Fried chicken and cheeseburgers are also a favorite, according to managing partner Michael Rotolo, who also speaks of the drinks. “Washington is a bourbon town so we sell a lot of old fashioneds, manhattans and mojitos.” Recently, the band Hall and Oates was spotted, as well as talk show host Kelly Ripa, actress Angela Lansbury, Madeleine Albright, Haley Barbour, Michelle Obama, the Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez, Wizards coach Randy Wittman and basketball legend Kareem AbdulJabbar. Did we mention it’s a favorite of sports stars? 750 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20005. CHARLIE PALMER STEAK It’s a restaurant known for discretion, and that’s just one reason why politicians and movie stars love it. We won’t drop too many names, but let’s just say you might spot Nancy Pelosi, Jimmy Carter, John McCain or Harry Reid next time you stop in for a $25 three-course lunch (try the filet salad). “Anytime Congress is in session, the dining room is packed to the gills,” general manager Todd Salvatore told us. With its close proximity to the Capitol and a reputation as an even playing ground (a recent Sunlight Foundation study showed a 50/50 Republican/ Democrat divide in the restaurant’s fundraising figures), it’s a safe choice for bipartisan dining. With names like “The Dirty Politics” and “The Bipartisan,” even the drinks are geared to the political set. Unlike most restaurants in the area, nearly half its business comes from private events, Salvatore notes, adding that Hollywood types like the place, too. Recently, spotted: Bono, Will Smith, Charlie Sheen, Angelina Jolie Pitt and Brad Pitt. 101 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001.
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