Fahrenheit at the Georgetown Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Ritz-Carlton Georgetown
Washington, DC 20007
(202)912-4100
We met for drinks in Fahrenheit’s lounge area at 7pm on Friday, to what seemed like an inauspicious beginning. Located in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Georgetown, the restaurant was nearly empty when we arrived. Unobtrusive electro-lounge played in the background. The waiter said it is slow because it was August, and it did pickup somewhat by 8:30 when we were seated for dinner.
Appetizers come in small and medium sizes, and main courses come in medium and large. The idea is that you can dine traditionally or tapas-style by adjusting the sizes accordingly. The group of 4 decided to share everything. Fahrenheit is a bit pricey, so to make the most of it, it is most cost-effective to order the largest of each dish if you plan to share. For example, the medium crab cake entrée includes one crab cake, whereas the large includes two for a few more dollars. It will not be too much food to share. The waiter was gracious in letting us try wines they offer by the glass before ordering a full glass or bottle.
The best dishes of the evening were the trio of ceviche (tuna, sea bass, and scallop), calamari salad, and the day’s special--crispy black bass with a lemon-miso sauce. The crab cakes were delicious, but not notably more so than others around DC. The day-boat scallops, with a tomato-based sauce, were also good but forgettable. The highlight of the dessert courses as the flaming cherries with black pepper ice-cream.
After dinner, three of us carried in the Ritz Carlton’s beautiful hotel lounge area. A large number of put together people walked through. Degrees Bar and Lounge at the lobby-level, itself a popular destination, was buzzing. I had a glass of port, skipping over cigars offered on the lounge menu this time. Overall, it was a fine evening with great friends, delicious food, and a pleasant modern-chic atmosphere. I’ll sample from the many meat dishes when I return, hopefully in the fall. (Reviewed on 08-04-06).