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Tom Sietsema's 10th Dining Guide October 2009
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A Look Back at a Decade of Dining
2000
Dining Guide theme: Where I Spend My Own Money
IN THE NEWS
Phyllis C. Richman retires in May after nearly 24 years of reviewing restaurants.
Her replacement introduces himself via a review of a Washington classic, the Prime Rib. (Read the full review.)
Former White House associates Frank Ruta and Ann Amernick open Palena in Cleveland Park.
Her replacement introduces himself via a review of a Washington classic, the Prime Rib. (Read the full review.)
Former White House associates Frank Ruta and Ann Amernick open Palena in Cleveland Park.
2001
Dining Guide theme: Where to Find the Best (Fill-in-the-Blank)
IN THE NEWS
Maestro sets sail in the Ritz-Carlton in Tysons Corner.
Chef Jean-Louis Palladin, the visionary behind Jean-Louis at the Watergate, dies at 55. (Read Tom Sietsema's appreciation of Jean-Louis.)
Two Amys opens, raising the bar for local pizza purveyors.
Chef Jean-Louis Palladin, the visionary behind Jean-Louis at the Watergate, dies at 55. (Read Tom Sietsema's appreciation of Jean-Louis.)
Two Amys opens, raising the bar for local pizza purveyors.
2002
Dining Guide theme: A Restaurant for Every Week of the Year
IN THE NEWS
Wazuri opens in Dupont Circle, adding a sophisticated African accent to the scene.
Lobbyist Jack Abramoff launches Signatures, where he mixes business with (ahem) monkey business.
Jonathan Krinn, his bread-baking father and a dazzling dining room entice food lovers to Falls Church and 2941 restaurant.
Lobbyist Jack Abramoff launches Signatures, where he mixes business with (ahem) monkey business.
Jonathan Krinn, his bread-baking father and a dazzling dining room entice food lovers to Falls Church and 2941 restaurant.
2003
Dining Guide theme: An Introduction to Star Ratings
IN THE NEWS
José Andrés surprises patrons with Altoids on fish and syringes as utensils at the experimental Minibar in Cafe Atlantico.
Nectar opens to great applause near the Kennedy Center.
A 24-year-old unknown, Johnny Monis, opens Komi in Dupont Circle.
Nectar opens to great applause near the Kennedy Center.
A 24-year-old unknown, Johnny Monis, opens Komi in Dupont Circle.
2004
Dining Guide theme: My Little Black Book/Restaurant Secrets Revealed
IN THE NEWS
Restaurant Eve, two dining rooms under one roof, debuts in Old Town.
Eric Ziebold leaves Napa Valley and the French Laundry for Southwest Washington and CityZen.
The movie "Sideways" sends sales of pinot noir skyrocketing.
Eric Ziebold leaves Napa Valley and the French Laundry for Southwest Washington and CityZen.
The movie "Sideways" sends sales of pinot noir skyrocketing.
2005
Dining Guide theme: In the Mood for (Romance, Tradition, Bargains, etc.)
IN THE NEWS
W Domku Bar & Cafe dishes out Scandinavian and Eastern European flavors in Petworth.
Rock Creek tries to get diners to eat healthfully with "conscious cuisine" in Bethesda.
The debut of Hank's Oyster Bar ups the food ante on 17th Street NW.
Rock Creek tries to get diners to eat healthfully with "conscious cuisine" in Bethesda.
The debut of Hank's Oyster Bar ups the food ante on 17th Street NW.
2006
Dining Guide theme: State of the Plate/Washington Emerges as a Top-Tier Food Town
IN THE NEWS
Todd Thrasher, one of the country's foremost bar chefs, starts shaking and stirring at PX, a speakeasy in Old Town.
Johnny's Half Shell leaves Dupont Circle for Capitol Hill and much larger digs.
In Georgetown, Birreria Paradiso gives beer the status of wine.
Johnny's Half Shell leaves Dupont Circle for Capitol Hill and much larger digs.
In Georgetown, Birreria Paradiso gives beer the status of wine.
2007
Dining Guide theme: Monumental Tastes/50 Compelling Restaurants
IN THE NEWS
Michel Richard opens a bistro, Central Michel Richard.
Robert Wiedmaier opens a brasserie, the Belgian-themed Beck.
Previously restaurant-poor, the Atlas District, Columbia Heights and Logan Circle become neighborhoods to watch for food.
Robert Wiedmaier opens a brasserie, the Belgian-themed Beck.
Previously restaurant-poor, the Atlas District, Columbia Heights and Logan Circle become neighborhoods to watch for food.
2008
Dining Guide theme: Where to Eat Now/Sure Bets in Tough Times
IN THE NEWS
Ray's Hell-Burger lights up its grill in Arlington.
Superstar chef Alain Ducasse opens Adour at the St. Regis.
Sound ratings are added to restaurant reviews in the Magazine.
Superstar chef Alain Ducasse opens Adour at the St. Regis.
Sound ratings are added to restaurant reviews in the Magazine.
2009
Dining Guide theme: Tom's 10th Anniversary Issue
IN THE NEWS
Sushi Taro removes seats, hikes prices and starts serving the best Japanese food in town.
Sign of the times: The pricey Le Paradou closes.
Roberto Donna announces plans to open Galileo III downtown.
Sign of the times: The pricey Le Paradou closes.
Roberto Donna announces plans to open Galileo III downtown.
RATINGS CODE: A Guide to Tom Sietsema's Star Ratings and Decibel Levels
WEB EDITOR: Julia Beizer, DESIGNER: Noel Smart - The Washington Post
WEB EDITOR: Julia Beizer, DESIGNER: Noel Smart - The Washington Post