Barbouzard

Best Dishes D.C. Editors Ate This Week: August 25 | Eater DC

"I was beyond excited to try Barbouzard, the newest restaurant helmed by legendary chef Cedric Maupillier , combining French flavors with a Mediterranean twist and plenty of other cultural influences from across the world. This dish, grilled scallops swimming in a curry, lemongrass, and ginger emulsion, is actually inspired by France’s history of colonization. Maupillier’s lemongrass-heavy curry sauce and briny kombu (dried kelp) topping pays homage to cuisines from Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The dish is still grounded in old-school French cooking, with coastal grilled scallops and delectable corn royale (tiny savory custards) floating in the spiced broth. Balancing all of that history and flavor in one dish is an impressive feat, with the sweet corn custards and buttery scallops elevated by the biting lemongrass and ginger. The rest of Barbouzard’s menu showcases that incredible melding of cultures and distinct flavors that Maupillier is known for. Combined with exceptionally attentive service and memorable cocktails (the Normandy Sour is a must-try), this new downtown restaurant is sure to become a hot spot." - Eater Staff