Brian S. wrote: >My wife and I will be spending Christmass Eve in Washington. She's Czech, and >it will be her *first* Christmass in this country, and my first visit to the >Capitol. > >Can anyone suggest a really special place to have a traditional American >Christmass meal? You know, plum pudding/roast goose kinda stuff, with nice >yuletide ambiance, too. We will be staying near the White House, and money >is not a factor, either. > >Just from reading reviews and stuff, I was considering the Continental Grill >on Pennsylvania Ave.-opinions? > >Also, any other interesting Christmass time happenings in the D.C. area that >I should try to catch while I'm there? Any holiday plays, etc.? > Brian, There are two places that come to mind... both are across the Potomac river in Virginia. The first is GATSBY'S TAVERN (in Alexandria). This restaurant dates back to the days of Geo. Washington and only serves "traditional American" meals. They also have a strolling troubador who goes from table to table bringing word of the "latest news from the colonies" (in much the same fashion that it was done in the colonial era). The prices are moderate [for this area]; dinner for two (with wine) could run to $60. But if you are looking for a special place, I think this is a good bet. The second is the EVANS FARM INN (in McLean). This is a small farm that converted the living quarters into a nice restaurant. Their food is also traditional (the waiters/waitresses are garbed in colonial costume). They have a waitress who goes from table to table serving up freshly made spoon bread... it's wonderful! The prices are also moderate... for two it will probably run about $50.... I haven't been there in about a year. For plays, check with your travel agent about what is going on at the Kennedy Center or the National Theater. KC usually has a "Nutcracker Suite" or "Charles Dickens' Christmas Story" show; I don't know what the National would be putting on. Also, there are alot of small theater groups that do special shows for Christmas: these appear in the paper in mid-November. This city does deck itself out for Christmas (like most places). You should go see the National Christmas tree (on the Elipse, behind the White House). They have a "National" tree as well as trees from all 50 states (with appropriate trimmings), usually some deer and a fire. The Adams Morgan section of DC is also supposed to be very nice (all year round)... it is somewhat of an international flavor... where Washington is a melting pot, so to speak. They have good restaurants and a friendly atmosphere. If you stay to the "tourist" areas, you should have alot of fun. Rich [[email removed]]
Washington, DC