Frank W.
Yelp
I am always glad when a decision made for one reason turns out to be good for another reason as well. In this case, I picked Lia's because of proximity and the ability to make a reservation, both of which I value, but which are not as important as the quality of the food and the overall experience in evaluating a restaurant. When I had dinner, however, I realized that the food is excellent, and this means there is a reliable choice nearby, where I can guarantee a table, and I am likely to be satisfied by what is presented and how. I expect to return. I am assessing on the basis of a single encounter, but a positive one. My wife also seems to recall we ate an earlier version of this establishment, and they are associated with Chef Geoff's, a longtime favorite.
I am in this neighborhood intermittently. I need to check on my elderly father, a widower, and I then spend a bit of extra time before heading home to New York City. Although I am not a regular anywhere, I try to become familiar with the establishments that are priced reasonably, where a solo diner can enjoy a meal -- of course I also eat with my father, and we had had both breakfast and lunch.
I was favorably impressed for three reasons.
The first is when I walked up, I saw ample outdoor seating. I was there on an evening that was perfect for its spring weather, before the capitol becomes unbearable with heat and humidity. I forget the joke, but it is along the lines of Washington, D.C. becoming bearable only with the advent of air conditioning. That was not needed on this occasion. It could not have been more pleasant. That is a great word. It is an underrated state. Profound is by definition superlative. Yet pleasant suffices for ordinary life.
The second was the waitress. Some people are suited for this role. They just come across with such energy and spirit. She was welcoming. "They work for tips," I am reminded from time to time. Not all can foster the perfect illusion that they are genuinely happy to see you, a stranger, whom they will serve for a moment. That conviviality deserves reciprocity, and I am eager to leave a gratuity. Whatever the person is like when they are off the clock, they sure embody hospitality during their shift. The next person to arrival, for table across from mine, had an issue with wobbliness. The same young lady who was helping me was solicitous and obliging, trying tor remedy it by wedging a shim under a leg.
The third was the food. I was wondering what to try. I noticed the scallops. I failed to see there was another dish, not the simplest option, but on risotto with asparagus. I selected that. I was surprised, but delighted to be, that the dish had a half dozen of the bivalve, much more than I had expected. They were plump. They were not rubbery. Those are the dichotomies with this seafood. You have plump or you have rubbery. I enjoy this mollusk, but I order it only rarely because I have found that it is the proverbial hit or miss. Too many places offer an inferior selection. In this instance, I would vouch for the scallops being among the best to be had at this price point. They had a delicate meatiness, with a hint of the sea. The risotto was dense and chewy. The asparagus was acceptable for the season. The cremini mushrooms were in truffle territory.
I will come here again with my wife. She is always more discerning. I believe Lia's will pass muster with her too.