Thursday, April 28, 2011

RANT - Jaleo, in Washington DC

See my review of Cafe Atlantico for one of José Andrés' other restaurants in DC, and the one that is absolutely, completely and undeniably better than this horrible TGIF-like excuse for a top notch eaterie.

Jaleo looks, sounds and acts like a budget, city-center spot for office parties, and provides appropriately down-market food. Either celebrity chef Andrés intentionally set a low bar for food and service, or he's just not bothered to visit his own restaurant lately, but it was definitely not a place to which I'd return.

Being "high-end" tapas, our dinner included:
  • Jamón Ibérico de bellota ‘Fermin’cured ham from the legendary, acorn-fed, black-footed Ibérico pigs of Spain. 
  • Arroz de pato ‘Jean-Louis Palladin’ rice with duck confit, duck breast and foie gras cream.
  • Tortilla de patatas al momento, spanish omelet with potatoes and onions cooked to order.
The food wasn't that bad, but was seriously let down by the ambiance.

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