Proof: Fully-Vested

A post by "Blake the Megalomaniac" To see more posts click here

As a disclaimer: I prefer not to relay my experiences from restaurants where there was something left to be desired unless, of course it’s Restaurant Week. Seeing as how restaurant week has come and gone,  all of the critiques before RW and subsequent to it, are favorable.  I try to refrain from drumming a restaurant up and down the board because that’s not what I’m about; I’m into the positivity movement.

Moving on.  Food makes up one of about five things in this world I’m passionate about.  It’s a bit odd when you think about it because I’m no aspiring culinarian.  I dabble a bit but my love for food stems from a passion to eat; put plainly, I simply understand what I like and as my grasp as to whether things are prepared properly and whether ingredients seem to meld together grows and is combined with my working knowledge of how dinner service should go and whether a restaurant has lived up to its stated mission, I’d like to think on a very fundamental level that I know what I’m talking about.  So I will begin posting more on all that is the DC metro area eateries; that’s a promise.

Proof, is located conveniently (I sound like an advertisement) on 775 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 right next to the Verizon center.

Initially my party and I were distraught at Proof, which describes itself as offering an eclectic selection of creative modern cuisine, having a wine list that contains over 40 by-the-glass selections and 1,000 different bottlings, a combination that appeals to novices and aficionados alike.  We had just come from the Spy Museum and the restaurant hadn’t opened for Sunday service yet.  When we asked if they would throw us a bone and let us just sit on their patio while we waited they refused saying that, “If we were to let you do it then we’d have 15 other people who wanted to do it,” which seemed like a shaky if not counterproductive argument considering it was 20 minutes until they were to open and the point of a dining establishment was to have 15+ people waiting outside to get in.

Once it did open up and we were seated there was a bit of confusion between the host and the wait staff.  It was sort of like they weren’t expecting people to be there when they opened.  (It was Sunday at 5:30pm with a cloudless sky and they had ample outdoor seating, mind you.)  A bit disheartening initially but from there it was an experience that I had to tell you about.  The same server that denied our attempt to park early in their patio chairs did have some redeeming qualities.  He knew his wine AND saved us from the $100 bottle of Italian wine that we ordered when he came back to us with a $55 bottle that was perfect for fellowship and the beautiful weather.

After the complimentary baked pita bread or flat bread or probably something gourmet that I never knew existed, my entree arrived and cotdamn, if this wasn’t the best meal I’ve had all year.  The Honey & Spice Glazed Pekin Duck Breast with roasted jewel yam puree, pomegranate, vinaigrette, and grilled scallions and was it worth every red cent.  I’ve had duck before, at Harry’s Tap Room for instance (and Equinox), but never has the duck been perfectly cooked (in my mind perfect for duck is medium rare) AND had the trimmings to compliment it’s relaxed flavor.  My mouth was popping with flavors and I did anoint it, the best meal I’ve had in 2009.

In closing, (sorry to be so abrupt but I’m tired now) the food and drink were so good that Proof could have thrown it at me and I still would have been glad I went.  Next time your by the Verizon Center  stop in for glass and bite.

Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 7/10 Food: 9/10

udothedishes . . .

[Photo Credit]