Rock Creek

Me and Mr. Pants had one of the greatest evenings at Rock Creek—almost like an actual date night! 
Something about this place made it easy for us to spend money, order far more than we usually do, and otherwise go to town in a way we haven’t done in a long time. That speaks to the conviviality and quality of this restaurant. 

We arrived early for our reservation, so we sat at the spartan but warm bar where we sipped a damn fine Manhattan and ate oyster shooters while waiting for our table.  These shooters were exquisite in looks and flavor; the oyster with roe and cucumber, and a small glass of aquavit shared the plate. 

We shared tart and zingy Clams Calabrese, with tomatoes, capers, garlic, peppers and a tasty broth to scoop up with our clam shells. 

Monkfish with lemon braised artichokes, English peas, tarragon, fromage blanc broth and pea shoots was truly phenomenal and I want to replicate it at home. (I will NEVER be able to replicate this).

Acadian Redfish was served up whole, with toasted sesame seeds and a slightly sweet ginger-soy glaze.

In a fit of gluttony we ordered two desserts. The "Rock Creek S'mores" was smoky, complex and yes, sweet but utterly worth it. This was quite an elevated s'more, with Valrona chocolate mousse and smoked meringue, sea salt and caramel. So rich we should have (and could have) split this with the people at nearby tables. Our second dessert was a more demure fruit and cream concoction, an apricot buckle, no less tasty. 

We were there for hours. This is the kind of place that rekindles the joy of eating and of life. Everything is beautiful. My God, what was in that smoked meringue? 

Highlights: Fish. Oysters. Clams. Wine. 

Disappointments:  Prices are not outrageous, but not the cheapest either. Therefore, we can’t visit every week, which I would very much like. 

Mr. Pants:  Full of lemony Albarino, fantastic seafood and joie de vivre. (And this is a man who NEVER wants us to order two desserts).