Eating and Drinking Around Town: La Forchetta, J and G Steakhouse, The Wine Cooperative and El Centro

I've been eating my way through DC almost every night of the week.  Most of the food is pretty good, but some is exceptional.  Here are my recent highlights:

The Wine Cooperative recently presented Mike Benziger's wines with a special pairing menu created by Chef Xavier Deshayes of the International Trade Center and Todd Gray of Equinox.  The 5-Course dinner was artfully paired with some of Benziger Winery's finest wine.  I loved the Warm Snail Flamiche Tart with Wild Watercress, Basil Emulsion paired with the Benziger Pinot Noir.  The Warm Almond and Plum Tart, Sea Salt Caramel Sauce paired with the Benziger Muscato was the perfect ending to the meal.  If you missed this dinner, check out one of the upcoming Wine Cooperative dinners for a unique opportunity to enjoy and learn about food, wine and spirits. 

I had a wonderful dinner at Hakan Ilhan's La Forchetta.  Roberto Donna is back in DC to do what he does best and make the most amazing pasta!  La Forchetta's Bianca Neve Neapolitan pizza with mozzarella, ricotta and rosemary was delicious. For pasta, the Agnolotti “Gobbi” all’Astigiana filled with roasted veal and pork sausage and tossed in butter, sage, roast jus and parmesan cheese, as well as the Lasagna, are must-tries!   For the perfect ending, don't miss the Hemisphere Tiramisu!

El Centro DF is offering 4 seasonal sangria.  Sangrias are offered by the glass ($6) , half carafe ($14)  (for 2) or full carafe ($26)  (for 4) through Labor Day throughout the restaurant.  My favorite was the Especias Pina with red wine, Pyrat XO reserve spiced rum, triple sec, pineapple juice, lemon juice, fruit and cinnamon.  I loved the new tortas from the roof top menu.  

J and G Steakhouse's outdoor patio is now open for spring dining and cocktails featuring new lunch, afternoon, and dinner menus. The 90-seat patio with expanded seating, and lounge areas with elegantly modern fire pit cocktail tables is open noon to 10:00pm, Sunday through Thursday, and noon to 11:00pm on Friday and Saturday. The truffle-cheese-jalapeño croquettes are out of this world!  The shrimp salad with tender greens and avocado is topped with a Champagne dressing and is a super yummy lunch option.