Washington Restaurant Guide

Welcome to The Reserve, where you'll always enjoy a warm, relaxed, and yet refined atmosphere and dining experience. Offering an international tapas menu and an eclectic and extensive wine list that spans the globe, The Reserve is available for lunch and dinner, and also boasts one of the truest lounge experiences in the district. Owner Moe Hamdan, a former well known promoter in the DC club and lounge seen, wanted an authentic lounge like experience that he could take his family and friends. Chef Frederik De Pue, from Belgium, who also runs 42 Degrees Catering Services, is at the helm of the kitchen. The entire menu changes seasonally, but will keep some of the classic dishes. The menu offers a few vegetarian options, and is broken into categories: vegetables (risotto cakes), fish and shellfish (roasted scallops with fennel and grilled pineapple), meat (grilled beef medallion with shallots, potatoes and spinach) and dessert (almond pear tart). The Reserve suggests ordering two to three plates per person. Diners can choose from duck-confit pancakes, black-sesame-crusted tuna, or skewers of tiger shrimp-among other international-inspired dishes-as they jive to live jazz on Wednesdays or groove to live trumpet and Congo tunes other weeknights from 7 to 9pm. The Reserve is the perfect location for a casual yet elegant evening of dining, wining, and lounging.