Exceptional: will usually include tableside preparation

       Outstanding: definitely worth an extra trip  

            Good: a fine meal; leaves you satisfied  

                  Pass: take it or leave it; not too memorable

                       Eh: you don't care to finish it

                   ...a bomb: send it back!

La Tomate

February 9, 2001: 

April 15, 2001:

Italian Bistro

1701 Connecticut Ave NW

Washington, DC 20009

202.667.5505

La Tomate is fashionably located in Washington's Dupont Circle, just a short walk from the Metro.  They have indoor and outdoor seating.  White table linens and plants give the restaurant a nice, airy feel.

I tried Caesar's Salad twice at this restaurant.  The first time I was pleasantly surprised: although the portion was small, it had a nice, clean taste; not oily; and  cheese was dominant in flavor.  It seemed to have anchovy bits clinging to the nicely sized croutons, giving them an additional kick, and I enjoyed the salad very much.

The second visit was quite a different story.  The croutons were stale, and although the flavor was pretty balanced, it was more garlicky.  The fresh grated black pepper was good, but there was no grated cheese on top, which is a personal preference.  The lettuce was bruised and browning on the edges, and the service was brash - removing our plates before we had been done eating.  And I wondered why it might be so different this time, when I realized it was Easter Sunday, late afternoon.  I felt like we were receiving leftovers from a busy weekend.  I am thinking Sunday afternoons may not be the best time for "tastings" at restaurants, especially if it's during a busy weekend.  Lesson learned...  

 - LL