~ Restaurant Review ~

By Dr. Marchette Lockette-Smith
Copa Style Magazine Events Correspondent
Restaurant Review
I am an epicure of fine cuisine! Last week, I began searching for a unique and provocative dining experience. There are a few things I do when looking for the perfect meal:
I use food apps like Yelp or Zomato, which offer reviews and ratings to help users make informed decisions.
- I look for restaurants with Michelin stars or other prestigious awards, as these establishments are often known for their exceptional cuisine and service.
- I ask for recommendations from locals or hotel staff. They may be aware of exclusive eateries and be able to suggest hidden jewels or lesser-known restaurants that I might not find otherwise.
- After properly vetting eateries, I selected L'Ardente, a culinary gem with soaring ceilings and windows to match. The eatery provides guests with a captivating and unique dining experience that seamlessly blends elegance and simplicity, creating a refined and welcoming atmosphere. Using glittering chandeliers against wooden farm beams is a creative contradiction that speaks to the restaurant's Italian inspiration. Located on the East End's shiny Capitol Crossing development, L'Ardente opened in October 2021 and is the perfect addition to Washington, DC's culinary scene. The restaurant is the creation of two men, businessman Eric Eden and Chef David Deshaies.
My family and I enjoyed several starters: Focaccia (Rosemary, Fleur de Sel, Tomato Tapenade); La Perla (Raspberry Point Oysters, Mignonette, Horseradish, Lemon); Cavolo (Grilled Cabbage, Beurre Blanc, Trout Roe, Currants, Coriander, Tarragon); Venetian Risotto (Riced Calamari, Lobster Stock, King Crab); and the Duck Hunt (Duck Ravioli, Foie Gras, Truffle). My seven-year-old daughter's pallet is developing; she enjoyed the Dunk Hunt and the Cavolo but insisted on ordering a Margherita Piz forza (Pomodoro, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, Sicilian Oregano) baked in the restaurant's gold-plated pizza oven.
After enjoying our starters, we were ready for the entrees and desserts. I ordered the signature lasagna. Chef Deshaies could have created a simple dish. Yet, simplicity is dull compared with exemplary. L'Ardente's lasagna is a mind-blowing creation, which brings hundreds of dinners, including the Obamas, to L'Ardente routinely. The lasagna is a 40-layer masterpiece. There are 20 layers of pasta and 20 layers of short rib sago, and a truffle mornay sauce that folds into an Italian cheese flavored with black truffles. My husband ordered the pappardelle, a flat pasta cut in wide strips. The pasta's large surface area and rough texture make it the perfect accompaniment to robust sauces and ragus. The dishes were phenomenal.
The dessert selection was more than adequate. I ordered the Tiramisu Flambé (Lady Fingers, Espresso, Mascarpone, Passion Fruit, Rum). The presentation was outstanding. When the waiter lit the dessert, my daughter was delighted. It was the first time she witnessed flambe'. My husband ordered the Crème Brûlée di Riso (Rice Pudding, Mascarpone, Sangria, Sour Cherries, Orange). The little one had Soft Serve (Vanilla Oat Milk Ice Cream). L'Ardente receives two thumbs up. I must mention, "The wait staff and hospitality manager were outstanding, stopping by our table several times."
L'Ardente Washington, DC
200 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Layout by Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa Style Magazine Editor-in-Chief
Copa Style Magazine Editor-in-Chief