It’s been slightly over 3 weeks since we’ve brought our youngest. Since then, we have already been able to take our first date! I can’t believe the time has flown by and yet, Joe and I needed the time to celebrate the two of us. For months we’ve been trying to book a reservation at one of DC’s finest French restaurants, Le Diplomate. What both Joe and I have learned about this restaurant is that you can’t expect to get reservations the day or even the same week. This is an occasion that needs careful planning. However, the stars aligned and I was able to find a reservation for the same week for dinner. We asked my parents to watch the kids and set off in an Uber to have a good time.
We arrived at 5:00 pm and were escorted to the cutest table for 2 beside an open window. The fresh air and nice weather brought an ambiance we desperately needed since we were still in the midst of Maryland summer heat. Joe and I ordered two frosé’s to get our date going. If you are looking for a nice summer staple at this restaurant, you can’t go wrong with Le Diplomate’s frosé. While sipping on our frosé we looked over the menu with some freshly baked bread. Joe and I struggled on what to order primarily because everything looked delicious but also because a decent portion of the menu was in French. Our waitress was a gem and helped guide us in our food selections.
Appetizers
We started our course with some appetizers. Joe ordered the mushroom tart while I ordered the tuna carpaccio. We both recommend these items as we rate them a 10/10! The tart was light and fluffy like a vegetable pastry while my carpaccio was thinly sliced like prosciutto. We both happily shared our appetizers and discussed what next cocktails we’d order.
Cocktails
Next, Joe and I ordered the Grande Dame and Tonique Espagnol for our second cocktails. If you are appreciative of bourbon, the Grande Dame is for you! The cocktail consisted of Jim Bean with a garnish of lemon. I ordered the Tonique Espagnol which was made of Bombay Dry Gin, tonic, lime, and cucumber. My cocktail is a great choice for a summer drink as it was light and refreshing. We later topped our night with a second frosé because they were our favorites.
Dinner
For dinner, Joe ordered the Steak Au Poivre a black pepper-crusted New York strip with garlic spinach and cognac demi-glace. He was torn between the Steak Au Poivre and Steak Frites. However, I decided to order the famous Lobster Frites and we both agreed we’d split my fries so Joe could have the best of both worlds. Both these meals did not disappoint as we rate them a 10/10. My lobster frites was a whole lobster split in half smothered in escargot butter. I have no hesitation in saying this meal was one of the best of my life. My recommendation is that the Lobster Frites can be split among two as we took the remainder of my meal home.
Dessert
Finally, we ended our night with dessert. Joe ordered the Apple Tart Tatin while I ordered the Milk Chocolate Pot De Crème. Both were excellent meals but in my personal opinion, my milk chocolate was my favorite. My dessert consisted more of a thick mousse. If you are a chocolate lover, the chocolate pot de crème is for you. Joe’s Apple Tart Tatin is certainly on the tart side but is balanced with ice cream. This dessert is a perfect choice for those transitioning into fall.
Overall review
Overall, we loved this restaurant! We had zero complaints about the customer service, food, or ambiance. Our food came promptly and was out of this world. Le Diplomate is a great option for special occasions, business outings, and the ultimate foodie. Joe and I can’t wait to come back for our next big occasion. To book your reservation at Le Diplomate click here.
