Headed out to the nation's capital and Dulles International Airport for a work conference. Unfortunately, I was not able to snap extra segments on this itinerary on United Airlines. If I had opted for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, I could have but the month was already packed with travel and my brain was no longer working at full maximum capacity.
Checked into the Westin Downtown DC (not to be confused with the other Westin DC/near Chinatown). Learned that the hard way when I chose the wrong Westin on an Uber ride from dinner. Formerly a Renaissance, I have not been in this particular hotel in a few decades. It used to be a site for events in with former employers. The rebranding is very bright and airy compared to the Renaissance. The service is quite good as the hotel gave me a $150 credit towards food when my room wasn't ready. I had secured an upgrade to a peloton one bedroom suite. I wished they had given me more credit as the Peloton didn't work until my very last day. The hotel staff was unable to figure out how to get the machine to connect to their systems. On top of that, I missed out on an Amex offer because I wasn't aware that the charge coming through would identify as Renaissance Washington rather than Westin. I had a credit card offer on stays with the Renaissance brand.
Westin Downtown Peloton Suite Living Room
Westin Downtown DC Peloton Suite Workout area and bedroom
Dining
Root & Vine - Because of the large food credit I received from the hotel, I often opted to eat at the hotel restaurant for breakfast and lunch. My conference doesn't provide any meals so whatever I can do to reduce my food costs works best. Overall, I found the food satisfying. The breakfast buffet was not always explained well by the staff so you do have to ask about it.
Root and Vine Omelette
Root and Vine Salmon Salad
Root and Vine Breakfast Buffet
Root and Vine Buffet Options
RPM Italian - one of my colleagues have specific food allergies and also wanted to have as much crab cakes as possible. Taking those items in mind, I suggested RPM. It was also very conveniently next to the Westin. I enjoyed my Spicy King Crab (squid ink spaghetti with crab meat in spicy marinara) and the three desserts shared were awesome especially the flaming baked alaska.
RPM Italian King Crab Pasta
Old Ebbitt Grill - A DC institution, I wasn't hungry after my conference reception but my colleagues were still hankering for something. And in search of more crab cakes. The waiter was super nice given that we were not ordering much and super patient with the level of indecisiveness within the group. We did order a crab cake that my colleague ended up liking (she initially wasn't going to order because they could not take out an ingredient).
Old Ebbitt Grill Crabcake
Blue Duck Tavern - I had some free time for lunch and opted to head into Georgetown. The restaurant is inside the Park Hyatt with its own separate entry. I had read good things about the restaurant and decided to stick with the theme of crab cakes. I also had the sweet potato soup and the Virginia Peanut Chocolate Cake. I also had a very lovely cider from Chesapeake Cider. Of all the crab cakes I ate this week, Blue Duck is the winner.
Blue Duck Tavern Sweet Potato Soup
Blue Duck Tavern Crab Cake
Blue Duck Tavern Virginia Peanut Chocolate Cake
Rappahannock Oyster Co - Ventured into the harbor area of DC to make a final crab cake dinner for my colleague. Despite the mediocre Yelp rating, I found the service and food good. We were all a little hungry and decided to order entrees and share family style. The octopus was really good as was the coffee creme brulee.
Rappahannock PoBoy
Rappahannock Crab Cake
Rappahannock Grilled Octopus
Rappahannock Grilled Oysters
Rappahannock Coffee Creme Brulee
Capital One Cafe - There aren't many Capital One Cafes near me but I was passing one in Chinatown and went in to grab a free drink from a promotion. I can't recall if it had to do with sports but it was actually busy. If I had to buy the drink, I would not come here but for free I would.
Yardbird - There are a number of Yardbird nationally and I ended up here meeting with friends because another spot was too busy and Yardbird was not. It was also across the street from my hotel. Overall, the food is fine and easy enough to eat. The service was a bit slow even when the manager was called in.
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