It May Not be France But

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What a pleasant surprise to find a hidden restaurant that serves some of the best French cuisine anywhere. And it’s not located in France, much less in a big city.  But the food, wine, service and ambience would give most three star Michelin chefs a run for their toques as well as for their money.   When it comes to Washington restaurants, Michel Richard, chef- owner of Citronelle, and Krinn are considered competitors when it comes to making gourmets feel as if they’ve experienced exceptional meals.   After two years of construction, The 2941 Restaurant opened in 2002. It’s situated in a recently developed office complex that’s located one minute inside of the DC beltway. But you won’t find a lot of politicians working the room at lunchtime, as it’s too far from the Capitol to encourage easy commuting; however, people wanting to sample this inspired chef’s food should make the mid-day pilgrimage. Krinn offers a three-course pre-fix lunch menu for less than $30 per person. It’s undoubtedly one of the best buys in DC area. Thirty-eight-year old chef/owner Jonathan Krinn has received rave reviews. A native Washingtonian, he attended Emory University where he earned his BA in International Studies.  But, his passion was clearly elsewhere and he went on to attend L’Academie de Cuisine in Gaithersburg, Maryland where he graduated with honors. Post graduation, Krinn apprenticed with highly- regarded local chefs; but continued his studies under the culinary watches of Alain Ducasse at Le Louis XV in Monte Carlo as well as Paris’s stellar chef Michel Rostang. Bonjour Paris readers are all too familiar with these chefs extraordinaires. Following his France stint, Krinn headed to the Big Apple for four years where he honed his craft with the James Beard award winner Tom Colicchio, at the Gramercy Tavern, Gourmet Magazine’s "Most Exciting Chef in the Country" Rocco Dispirito. Krinn also spent time in the kitchens of Francois Payard, a third generation French pastry chef born in Nice, and Vongerichten’s of Jean-Georges, who was born and raised on the outskirts of Strasbourg in Alsace. Jean-Georges has had a dramatic impact on the NYC restaurant scene and other cities. Food lovers often try to snag a reservation at Vongerichten’s very trendy “Market,” a Parisian hangout for the beautiful people who also happen to like good food.   Belly up to the bar and you’ll be greeted by very Irish Kevin McKeon, who knows most of the guests by name.  Not only can you drink there, but also approximately 20 people can dine from the complete menu while sitting on a comfortable stool. Skip being confined to the limited selections traditionally found on a bar menu. McKeon offers up some munchies, but only enough to lessen the empty stomach syndrome after the drive and having the valet whisk your car off to the parking lot.   This doesn’t imply that a lot of people don’t live in the Falls Church, Va. Area, which is substantially more affluent than it was a decade ago. In addition, an increasing number of people work in the region rather than commuting into the Nation’s Capital. Virginia has experienced a boom of commercial office buildings, located closer to Dulles Airport than they are to downtown DC. If you time your flight layover correctly (and foodies have been known to do that and more),  reserve at The 2941 Restaurant if you’re out to sate your palette and have had it with airline food.   Krinn produces between 100-300 dinners per night depending on the evening. Couples wanting to tie the marriage knot are increasingly reserving the restaurant because even though it’s close to DC, the bridal party and attendees feel as if they’re in the country. Depending on the time of day, year and needs, there are 200 full and part-time employees.  The 2941 has a breathtaking garden, complete with a dramatic sculpture, by Salvador Dali, where people may dine and where many marriages have taken place. In the background, there are ducks floating in the pond.   We opted for the tasting menu that changes frequently according to the season and what appeals to Krinn’s fancy. One of the delights of our meal was the perfectly cooked and presented foie Gras purchased from a farm in Hudson Valley New York. We were spoiled by a starter of sable fish garnish with a vinaigrette sauce and topped with a dab of Ossetra caviar. Our waiter Julio was diligent about explaining the selections. Contrasted with many tasting menus, he assured us that guests don’t leave the restaurant feeling overstuffed. Oven roasted turbot with chanterelle mushrooms and venison were just a few more of the dishes served on oversized white plates.  Twenty-five percent of the restaurant’s diners opt for the tasting menu.   The wine steward Stefano selected wines to accompany each dish.  His choices were right on the mark and complimented each course. The restaurant has an extensive wine cellar that boasts 5000 wines with 600 labels, from France, the US, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and more. 150 bottles cost  $65 or less.   People either like the very modern décor or it may not be their cup of tea. But if nothing else, it’s extremely dramatic and airy in feeling. Even if you’re sitting looking away from the lake, all you need to do is look up and huge mirrors will enable you to see it.   Many people swear that the bread served at a restaurant gives the first impression and sets the tone.  Jonathan’s father,…
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