IN THE NEWS: From www.zagat.com’s Zagat Buzz newsletter, “The results are in, and top food honors in the Zagat’s 2009 Washington, DC/Baltimore Restaurants survey go to Makoto, the “impeccable” Japanese that edged out the Inn at Little Washington (last year’s winner), with the Mediterranean Komi in third place. This follows a pattern of Japanese restaurants winning top food ratings in Zagat Surveys in city after city. Michel Richard scored a double whammy in the new Survey: his luxurious Citronelle held on as DC’s most popular eatery, while his more casual (and lower-priced) Central took No. 5 for popularity, a remarkable achievement for a yearling. Five of the eight most popular restaurants (Zaytinya, Jaleo, Clyde’s, Old Ebbitt Grill and Two Amys) are even more moderately priced, proving that a good meal doesn’t have to break the bank. And indeed, Makoto beating out Inn at Little Washington, whose prix fixe dinners range from $148–$168, follows this trend.” …

The Washington Post’s Tom Sietsema reviews Moon Bay Coastal Cuisine (210 Waterfront St., National Harbor) and Ray’s Hell-Burger (1713 Wilson Blvd., Arlington), details the August opening of Surfside (2444 Wisconsin Ave. NW in Glover Park), and reports, “After a mere seven months in the kitchen at Mio (1110 Vermont Ave. NW), Stefano Frigerio said he’s leaving the modern American restaurant following disagreements about service and operations with managing partner Manuel Iguina.” … Moira McLaughlin reviews Jaipur Royal Indian Cuisine (9401 Lee Hwy. Unit 105, Fairfax, VA), while Good to Go visits Grace Garden Chinese Restaurant (1690-A Annapolis Rd., Odenton). www.washingtonpost.com … The Washington Times’s Corinna Lothar reviews Jackson 20 (Jackson 20, 480 King St., Alexandria). www.washingtontimes.com … Washingtonian has a first look at the new Fyve, located in Pentagon City hotel. www.washingtonian.com … www.Metrocurean.com reports the closings of Curry Club, San Marco, Merkado (Aug. 24) and Gerard Pangaud Bistro.

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Filed under: Washington D.C. Restaurants | Tags: Curry Club closed, Fyve, Gerard Pangaud Bistro closed, Grace Garden Chinese, Jackson 20, Jaipur Royal Indian Cuisine, Makoto, Merkado closing, Mio, Moon Bay Coastal Cuisine, Ray's Hell-Burger, San Marco closed, Surfside, Zazat 2009 |