iCi Urban Bistro: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Washington DC

Chef Olivier Perret at the White House Farmers Market

Post by Punch Palette Correspondent Lena Aburdene

Friends and colleagues often ask me where to have dinner for special occasions. I usually have a shortlist that I refer to but have grown a bit tired of the same options. Recently I dined at iCi Urban Bistro in the Sofitel Hotel Lafayette Square and was so impressed that I’m naming it my pick of the month for best special occasion restaurant in DC.

If you’re looking for something romantic and intimate with the ability to have a conversation with your dining companion(s) then this would be the place to go. If you’re looking to take a parent or grandparent for a special dinner, this is ideal as well. Even if you’re looking to have a business dinner, you can pop across the hall for drinks at the bar and finish the evening with a delicious French dinner.

My husband and I dined there the other night and indulged in crepes with chanterelle mushrooms, chicken and a tarragon veloute and a jumbo lump crab and avocado salad accompanied with a crispy crab and sweet pepper spring roll. The crepes were rich, creamy and full of flavor. It may be one of the best appetizers I’ve had in DC. The crab duo was light and refreshing and was a nice contrast to the richness of the crepes.

For a main course I had a duck confit in a crispy puff pastry surrounded by fresh root vegetables. This dish was rich in flavor and full of depth. This was a unique and inventive twist on the normal duck entrees you may see on a French menu and was a nice departure from the standard duck dishes I was used to.

My husband loves veal and I didn’t even have to ask him what he was ordering when I saw the veal tenderloin on the menu. Although I tend to stay away from veal, I couldn’t resist taking a bite. It was tender, succulent and I was a bit disappointed by the fact I enjoyed it so much considering I am constantly trying to keep a predominantly pescetarian diet ! The veal came with sweet orchard apples, kale and oyster mushrooms in a cardamom jus which again were the perfect compliments to show off the flavors of the veal.

Desserts were just as tasty. We sampled a pumpkin cake but didn’t have room for much else.

As another bonus, Chef Olivier Perret uses local, organic and seasonal ingredients for his menu which explains the freshness and the high quality of the dishes on the menu.

I’ve been to the iCi for lunch many times and had more casual dining at their bar area. Every time the food has been excellent. If you’re looking to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, a holiday, or just want a good meal then dinner at iCi is a wonderful choice. Also make sure to pop in for a power lunch or for some after-work drinks and snacks–you won’t be disappointed.

***Punch Palette Correspondent Lena Aburdene is a recent newly wed and foodie.  She is a counselor for Pastoral Counseling in DC but in her spare time, she’s a DJ, emcee, columnist and improv comedienne.

Read her column on feminism and relationships: http://www.examiner.com/feminism-and-relationships-in-washington-dc/lena-aburdene and her blog: http://lenamariems.wordpress.com/***