Cross-posted from Yelp.
J&G Steakhouse is a well-appointed restaurant in the W Hotel serving beautiful, flavor-filled dishes beyond just cuts of beef.
I sampled the offerings at J&G during Restaurant Week, helping bring the price down to a level as palatable as the food. Fortunately, the presence of RW didn’t seem to diminish the quality of food or level of service provided, a phenomenon that I’ve encountered at other establishments during this event. (Of course, this being my first visit to J&G, I draw this conclusion without a frame of reference.)
Atmosphere:
Small, star-like lights dot the ceiling, casting dim light that sets a mood without hiding the beauty of the food or one’s date. The tables down the center of the restaurant abut on one side large, sofa-like, mauve benches. So large, in fact, that when combined with the room’s high ceilings and tall windows, one feels though he has started to shrink. I was pleasantly reassured when my feet still were able to reach the floor.
J&G Steakhouse and its large sofa seating
Food:
The dishes enjoyed off the RW menu included, with comments appended:
First course:
Salmon tartare, ginger dressing, fresh radish (a better dish than any salmon sushi I’ve eaten)
Rice cracker crusted tuna, citrus-chili sauce (very nice tuna, although I’d prefer without the crust)
Main course:
Roasted golden tilefish, glazed mushrooms, poblano and dill (my first tilefish, I was impressed with the intense, seared crust obtained; a rich mix of mushrooms was more satisfying than the typical buttons)
Seared cod, scallion-chili sauce, basil and celery (had just a bite of this; firm and buttery)
Dessert:
Pot de crème, liquid caramel (heaven in a pot; my favorite desserts are, like this, simple in presentation but rich in flavor)
Green apple crisp, cinnamon ice cream (dining partner: “possibly the best crisp I’ve ever had.”)
My overall impression of the food is excellent. The ingredients are high quality; the dishes provide interesting flavor combinations that are balanced, not off the wall; the preparation is careful; the plating is attractive; and result is success.
Service:
Attentive. (Sometimes excessively so. I had to keep one eye on my half-eaten first course to prevent it from being whisked away while I was absorbed in conversation.)
Conclusion:
I recommend J&G for a fine dining experience that provides an upscale yet comfortable setting and that serves high-quality, attractive food without being haughty. I will certainly return. And I’ll try the steak.
For expert reviews, look here: Washington Post Full Review by Tom Sietsema and Washington Post 2009 Fall Dining Guide.
