Dining in the District: Founding Farmers

As I am sure you will be able to figure out from the next few posts (or lack thereof) I've been traveling a bit recently.  Last week (or probably two weeks ago by the time the uber-slow internet connection here actually allows me to post this entry), I was in DC for a meeting.  The best part of going to DC for meetings is getting to see all of my friends who live there, and of course, getting to try new restaurants.

Usually about 5% of each restaurant recommendation I produce has absolutely nothing to do with the food (yes, I'm saying you can only believe 95% of what I say; that's statistically significant).  The things that spark that last 5% range from something kitschy like a giant animal sculpture outside, to a great patio, to the pioneering feeling of being in a complete hole-in-the-wall.  In the case of Founding Farmers, it's the feeling that somehow you totally offset a lifetime's worth of carbon footprints by eating there.  One look at their website says it all:  LEED certified, certified green restaurant, gas emissions offset, local food, made from scratch. Etc.  Etc...  I feel so virtuous just telling people to go there.  All jest aside, however, I really like that Founding Farmers shows that being 'green' can be hip without being stereotypically crunchy-the restaurant exudes a modern flair that belies the fact that everything about this restaurant is sustainably green (to be honest, it's a bit of conundrum for me to say that I like a place because it almost appears not green, but I like the idea that this sort of place can make a convert of the otherwise skeptical).  Other, more esoteric reasons to like Founding Farmers:  it's mere blocks from the White House, and it's in the same building as the International Monetary Fund (there is even a cocktail named after said financial institution; $25).

We started the meal with traditional deviled eggs ($4 for four eggs) and fried green tomatoes ($7).  The deviled eggs were good, with a crunchy dose of celery and a sprinkling of coarse sea salt, but not as good as my mother's.  Next time, I'll try the deviled eggs that come with lobster, crab, and salmon ($14).  The fried green tomatoes had a wonderful cornmeal breading, although I thought the slices were a tad on the thick side for my taste.  Both the goat cheese and green goddess dressings were perfect complements to the tomatoes.

The appetizers were huge, and at this point in the meal we were both already stuffed.  Of course that didn't stop us from having dinner.  I had the lobster bisque, the nightly special, and a the late harvest salad ($7).  B had the veggie burger ($10).  The salad was delicious, a nice mixture of flavors and textures, but I was rather disappointed in the bisque.  While I admired that the chef was tending towards a less-creamy version of bisque, I found that the lighter version lacked cohesion and was rather unsatisfying.  Additionally, there wasn't a single actual piece of lobster in my bowl.  The smaller pieces of what I presumed was lobster puree just wasn't quite standout enough for me.  I did not try the veggie burger, but B said it was quite good.

At this point we were both even more than stuffed but found a little space for the donut holes, which are served with a trio of dipping sauces (caramel, chocolate, and rum-vanilla).  I loved these, especially when slathered in the caramel sauce.  The rum sauce I could have done without, not my thing.

One of the highlights of Founding Farmers is the fabulous cocktail menu, a throwback to all of those drinks that you associate with your grandparents and generations prior.  I ended up not ordering off of this menu, but loved just reading it, and would make a trip back just for the drinks.  Also on the drink menu is what was undoubtedly the most amazing part of the meal:  the ginger ale.  I've never had anything like it before-fresh, homemade ginger ale.  Outstanding, I need to figure out how to make this one at home.

Lastly, it warrants mention that the service was decidedly lacking.  Usually I notice good service more than the lack thereof, but it was really noticeable that our waiter was frequently missing in action.   And, B noted that she's such service has been par for the course on her other visits to Founding Farmers.  Despite the service, however, I really liked Founding Farmers for the solidly good food, the creative drinks and fabulous ginger ale, and the feel-good ethos of eating there.  Who wants to buy me the $25 IMF cocktail next time?