Le Diplomate made its much-ballyhooed debut in Logan Circle over the weekend, and—surprise, surprise—the place was packed. If you can snag a seat, the French brasserie is offering 10 percent off all food from now through April 14 during its soft-opening phase.
The menu includes a large raw bar section as well as hors d’oeuvres like roasted sweetbreads with morels and peas; onion soup gratinee; steak tartare with capers and quail egg; and escargots in hazelnut butter.
Expect many traditional French entrees: steak frites, trout amandine, moules frites, beef bourguignon, salmon en croute, duck leg and breast confit, and more. The main courses range from $17 to $32. There are also plats du jour like lavender roast duck, lobster risotto, and rabbit en gibelotte (a stew with white wine).
In addition to beers and wines, there are 10 specialty cocktails ($10-$12), including the “Romarin” with Absolut, St. Germain, rosemary, and grapefruit; the “Mexican Ambassador” with Marc brandy, sherry, muscat, and mint; and the “Talleyrand” with Aberfeldy Single Malt Scotch, Suze bitters, chestnut honey, and lemon.
The restaurant is just open for dinner for now, but breakfast and lunch are coming soon. Read more about what to expect from the restaurant here and check out the menu below.
Le Diplomate, 1601 14th St. NW; (202) 332-333; lediplomatedc.com
Photo by Jessica Sidman