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Tom Sietsema Awards 2.5 Stars to Menu MBK

Missy Frederick is the Cities Director for Eater.

Tom Sietsema checks out the new Menu MBK in Penn Quarter and decides the multi-concept venture is logical for the large space.

Yes, there's a lot going on here. However, as much as I enjoyed De Pue's original recipe, Menu makes more sense for more consumers. By day, they can grab a cup of coffee or a sandwich and scoot, or linger with their purchase on a sofa or chair in the lounge. At night, they can graze on small plates, or, with some planning, feast on a five-course dinner narrated by one of the chefs.

Come for the veal meatballs; stay for the steak tartare. [WaPo]

Meanwhile, Toro Toro is the focus of the First Bite, where fish is a better bet than meat, surprisingly.

Ruby-colored cubes of raw tuna combine with soft bites of sweet potato and crisp quinoa to add up to a seviche of distinction. A slick of fiery cilantro sauce and a loose cake of corn and fingerling potatoes impress me as much as the rope of tender grilled octopus they accompany. Chewy, button-size arepas are topped with creamy seafood: minced prawns, scallops and calamari. The sleeper of the many small plates is a dip of smoked swordfish offered with crisp plantain chips for scooping. Going, going, gone.

A $41 steak isn't as impressive. [WaPo]

The $20 Diner reviews TD Burger, from chef Timothy Dean. The decadent Jean-Louis burger is a hit, but there's a general sloppiness to the place.

It starts with the service, which balances friendliness with neglect. Sooner or later, you will sit there, waiting on an order or a check or even just a plate on which to eat your pizza, wondering if you've somehow been outfitted with a CIA cloaking device. If you ask about the D.C. Brau on draft (as I did on every visit), the answer will typically be one of two: It's either tapped out or it's a beer other than the one promoted on the pull handle. TD Burger exudes the laissez-faire vibe of a classroom in which the students are rewarded just for showing up.

THE BLOGS: Bitches Who Brunch give Fiola Mare an A+...EatMore DrinkMore thinks Red Hen is magical.

MENU - Market / BistroBar / Kitchen

405 8th Street NW, Washington DC, D.C. 20004 202-347-7491

Fiola Mare

3100 K Street Northwest, , DC 20007 (202) 350-4982 Visit Website

Toro Toro

1300 Lamar Street, , TX 77010 (713) 650-1300 Visit Website