FOOD: Fine Dining for Less — D.C. Restaurant Week Is Here
BY JIMMY SCARANO
Falls Church Times Staff
January 11, 2010
Today marks the official start of Washington D.C.’s Winter Restaurant Week, a week-long culinary event in which over 180 of the area’s fine dining establishments offer special dining deals. This year, participating restaurants will feature a three course meal at lunch for $20.10 and a three course meal at dinner for $35.10. Technically the event runs through January 17, but many eateries extend the offer for longer and some have been offering the deals since the beginning of the month.
Restaurants differ in what they choose to include as part of the deal—some offer up their whole menu and some create a smaller, separate menu with a few choices per course. And some restaurants only offer the reduced-price meal for lunch or dinner, not both. To check out a list of all the participating places and their particular promotions click here.
Most people trek into the District to take advantage of the offer, but City of Falls Church residents have some local options as well. Though Argia’s is the lone participant within City limits, there are several Arlington destination spots –including Falls Church Farmers Market Chef Series participants Willow and Liberty Tavern—with Restaurant Week specials.
Falls Church’s 2941, which recently landed #6 on Washingtonian Magazine’s annual list of the “Very Best” restaurants in the region, has had a $20.10 three course lunch special on its menu for a week already and will run it through January. Check out the menu here.
By Jimmy Scarano
January 11, 2010
Just tried the 2941 Restaurant Week lunch special. It was “so so”. Did not make me want to go back.
My wife and I first went to 2941 a couple years ago and it was spectacular. We decided to treat ourselves again last year and it was very disappointing. Based on that, we won’t be going back. I wonder if they lost a key chef.
I tried one of my favorite restaurants in the area last night and really enjoyed the Restaurant Week special. It is Argia’s in Falls Church – right next to the State Theater. Great food and great wine list. The Restaurant Week dinner special was generous and delicious – so good I hope they keep it on the regular menu. The meal included a very nice spinach salad with roasted beets, chickpeas and goat cheese. Then grilled strip steak with roasted potatoes and caramelized onions followed by an outstanding goat cheese mouse with poached pears. I have been going to Argia’s for over 10 years and it never disappoints!