Café del Mar Barcelona Club, Port Fòrum

"DC Dining author Don Rockwell checks out the Wharf’s glitzy Spanish restaurant. His evening takes a weird turn as soon as he orders his first drink — an 'awkward moment' involving gin cocktails (which he enjoyed), fancy infusers, friendly bartenders, and miscommunication. When his subsequent wine order gets a little goofy, Rockwell shifts gears and focuses on the food. He compares the dishes served here against meals he ate during a recent trip to Barcelona, declaring that the pan con tomate at Del Mar is 'better than any version we had in Spain.' In short, though the $250 tab was pricey, 'we both felt the meal represented very good value for the money, as it was outstanding in just about all facets — atmosphere, service, and cuisine,' Rockwell writes." - Tierney Plumb