Only a few blocks from the White House in downtown Washington DC is the delicious farm-to-table restaurant, Founding Farmers (1924 Pennsylvania Avenue). Last night, I had the pleasure of meeting my lovely girlfriends for dinner and drinks, and can validate all the rave about this relatively new restaurant (it opened in September 2008). Owned by a collective of farmers (North Dakota Farmer's Union), they serve fresh seasonal food and drinks, and even their bar whips up beverages with a culinary twist, thanks to the in-house mixologist. With an eco-conscious plan, Founding Farmers is a Certified Green Restaurant and is LEED Gold certified, focusing on recycling and energy efficiency (kudos!).
The architecture was designed by the local DC firm, CORE architecture + design. The open interior spaces blend rustic with modern materials (barnwood and metals), creating a welcome dining area with both long wide tables and cozy booths. The atmosphere resonates all the comforts of a farm, from the grand theme to the tiniest details. And for me, it's the details that catch my attention. Like the white birds strung high above the stairwell, illuminating a soft glow that plays on the shapes and materials creating shadows cast upon the walls. Or the shelves of frosted glass that hold jarred vegetables, which are highlighted by recessed lighting from underneath each of the glass jars.
And for those foodies: I had the most the refreshing cocktail, an Organic Cucumber Delight, one of the seasonal beverages. And, a Late Harvest Salad (endives, spinach, apples, bacon, bleu cheese with pulled roast chicken in a barrel-aged sherry vinaigrette), as well as carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Needless, I did not leave hungry!
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