14th Street's Le Diplomate, Philly restaurateur Stephen Starr's first foray into DC, is at last open for business. It softly opened April 7, officially opening for dinner and brunch the following Monday, with executive chef Adam Schop at the helm. The restaurant's early weeks weren't exactly smooth behind the scenes--though apparently diners were none the wiser. Between having to repave the patio during the first week, and continuing to hang new art and decorations into their third week, Starr project manager Michele Evans jokes that patrons get a different experience every night.
The menu offers standard French brasserie fare. Start with the raw bar, whether you fancy a few oysters or an entire tower of shellfish. Appetizers include classics like escargots and steak tartare, while entrees range from steak frites (so far their most popular dish) to a grilled loup de mer (above). There's even a Burger Americain, but it's not there just to appease picky eaters--it actually is found on nearly every brasserie menu in Paris. Le Diplomate pays homage to the grand French tradition of breadmaking, servinghousemade boules and baguettes. Eventually, the breads will be offered to-go as well. But the folks at Le Diplomate are still working out the kinks, as DC's insane humidity is already wreaking havoc on the delicate French recipes (as well as Rep. Elijah Cummings' hair).
The restaurant is housed in the old Shirt Laundry building at 14th and Q. The interior is full of vintage art and memorabilia, like the antique bicycle mounted above the bar. The large patio fronts Q Street, creating a quieter outdoor experience than if it had been on the 14th Street side. But the highlight is the large sunroom, the southern wall of which is made up entirely of glass french doors, allowing it to open up when the weather is nice. On chilly days, guests can still enjoy the sunshine through the glass ceiling panels and doors. "Blanchisserie de Chemise" is emblazoned in large letters along one wall, a nod to the building's original purpose.
