Work took me to D.C. last week. It also presented a chance to try a few new restaurants. My new D.C. favorite is the Tabard Inn. It is, in fact, an inn with thirty-some rooms, on a quiet street near Dupont Circle. Enter, walk through a cozy bar, and you’ll find the antithesis of too many restaurants:

• A quiet room with well-spaced tables. Conversations don’t require shouting.
• Friendly, efficient service that isn’t invasive.
• A menu that showcases great technique in the kitchen, but isn’t overly fussy.

My dinner was:

• An Evolution Craft Brewing Lot No. 3. First time I’ve had this IPA. I’ll look for it again.
• A frisée salad with Benton’s bacon. Benton’s bacon makes everything better.
• Duck breast with couscous. Perfectly prepared. One of the top three duck breast dishes I’ve eaten.
• Roasted carrots. Slightly sweet, with lots of flavor.

We skipped desert because we were running late for a party at the Danish embassy. The check came with a tiny chocolate truffle, and a shot of citrusy vodka goodness. What a way to end a wonderful meal.