The Liquid Muse

Poste

The night before embarking upon our cross-country drive in the Penske (two wild-eyed cats in tow…) we had our ‘last supper’ at none other than one of my all-time DC faves, Poste Brasserie.

I’m always surprised that Chef Robert Weland is not splashed across the Food Sections of major publications more often. His cooking is delightfully sophisticated while remaining unpretentious. And, I truly appreciate his commitment to using local farmers when possible, sustainable farming and ranching methods and, of course, he practices what he preaches by tending his own herb garden in the Hotel Monaco courtyard (and uses those herbs in his daily cuisine!)

(Aside: Pick up a copy of the August issue of Northern Virginia Magazine and read my new monthly “Cocktail Corner” to see a couple of Poste’s cocktails inspired by Chef Weland’s herb garden: Basil Lemontini and Lavender Margarita…)

So, for our last night in town, we indulged in the 5-course Tasting Menu - with wine pairings, of course. Given that The Liquid Muse focuses on libations rather than food (though I’m passionate about both!) I’ll not go into the mouth-watering and succulent details of the sashimi-style first course, the tender-as-butter meat course, and so-decadent-we-stuffed-our-full-bellies desserts, bestowed upon us… (though I heartily encourage you to try them for yourself!).

Staying “on-topic,” however, I can titillate you with the playful “cleanse palatte” offered after the second course and before the flakes-with-the-touch-of-a-fork fish…

Small balls of watermelon ice (or watermelon sorbet) suspended in a small flute (or tall shot glass) filled with sparkling wine. How fun is that? (I am definitely serving that as a fun and refreshing mini cocktail at my ‘coming home’ party in LA in a couple of weeks…)

We are getting back on the road, so long story short… visit Poste, have a cocktail and indulge in the Tasting Menu. Whether your first supper or your last, you’ll be “writing home about it!”