Jaleo - Washington, D.C.

After trying the utterly mindblowing tasting menu at China Chilcano, my friends and I were eager to try out the tasting menus at the other Jose Andreas read more After trying the utterly mindblowing tasting menu at China Chilcano, my friends and I were eager to try out the tasting menus at the other Jose Andreas

We got seated right away on a busy night, I assume it was our lucky night. read more We got seated right away on a busy night, I assume it was our lucky night.

For all the hype of a celebrity chef restaurant I was left a little underwhelmed at this place. read more For all the hype of a celebrity chef restaurant I was left a little underwhelmed at this place.

I had heard about Jaleo and always wanted to try it. So, after i had finally gotten the chance, i went for it. The atmosphere is great, we got there around 4 an... read more I had heard about Jaleo and always wanted to try it. So, after i had finally gotten the chance, i went for it. The atmosphere is great, we got there around 4 and there was almost nobody in the restaurant, but surely throughout our meal the restaurant was full with a line. I started with the Degustia of Gazpachos, 4 served in shot glasses. The first was a watermelon, second a mango with grapefruit, third tomato, and fourth a garlic. They were all great and fresh with amazing flavor. My second course was a fried egg with a great mound of caviar and brushetta. This dish was great, the egg was cooked perfectly; when cut into the egg yolk burst out to be sopped up by the brushetta. My third and final course was two pork cheeks braised with orange and a red wine, perhaps sherry. This was my favorite course, the cheeks peeled off and were so tender, melting in your mouth. The flavor was phenomenal, the orange was very prominent and was great. Overall this restaurant is a must try, you will not be dissapointed.

– moderate, 3.7 stars I was looking for a good paella place to take my mom and upon a recommendation from a Spanish doctor she works with, we decided to try it.... read more – moderate, 3.7 stars I was looking for a good paella place to take my mom and upon a recommendation from a Spanish doctor she works with, we decided to try it. The environment is lively with a great attitude, and the restaurant has always been full. There is a wide selection of cold, hot, and seasonal tapas and a couple of paellas to chose from. They are a little skimpy on seafoodfor the paella, but it is reasonably priced for the portion and quite tasty. Being salt-sensitive, the food was too salty, but I liked the dishes. After the first time, I knew I would be back…and I was right, making my rating jump from 3.5 to 3.7 stars. I’m trying Taberna del Alabardero on Friday, so this is open for change.