Medium Rare - A perfect place to have a quiet birthday.
My fiancé decided to take me to Medium Rare on my birthday after hearing about it on TikTok. This place is best known as a DC staple restaurant and we can see why.
We went to the Cleveland park location (Connecticut ave) due to its convenience to the red line Metro. The building is on the corner with a bright sign. The neighborhood was nice and quiet. Parking can be difficult for those who may drive here as there's no lot or deck to park in. You can park on Connecticut Avenue or Orway St NW.
The maitre D was a very professional young man who greeted you at the door immediately. Upon finding our reservation. We were escorted to our table outside and welcomed once more. This night we dined outside on the patio which still provided us with a quiet and intimate experience. My only issue is that the metro vents are right below and you can hear the when the trains are coming and going, but it's not loud at all. We loved the fact that they use butcher paper over the table clothe, the server was able to write who got which glass of wine. Although some may see this as tacky, I found it quirky and smart.
Our server greeted us and asked us if this was our first time. She was able to explain how the courses would come out and ask about any allergies we may have. I have a blue cheese allergy and I appreciate when restaurants ask about food allergies, it ensure me that the chef and staff are trained to handle picky eaters. Once the menu was explained, we were asked about drinks I chose the Sauvignon Blanc while my partner chose the Pinot Grigio. The stemware was a bit chunky and doesn't fit the rest of their barware. The maitre D bought out our glasses, and got them confused. This is understandable since we both ordered white wine, but we can tell they were wrong due to the color difference.
Soon the meal started with the first course of bread and butter. The bread had a fresh taste to it and was light and flakey. On the menu it described as "Artisan rustic" which is the perfect description. The taste was wonderful and with unsalted butter, it came together in harmony.
Second course came out which was a mixed green salad with tomatoes. The salad was dressed a light vinaigrette and the option to have fresh pepper grinded on top. The salad is the right portion and the pepper and the vinaigrette play well with the slight bitterness of the greens. The tomatoe...take it or leave it honestly. The server then come back to ask about the cook of our steaks. We both chose medium as our default.
About 5 minutes after finishing our salads, the final course is here, the presentation of the of the steak and fries leaves you waiting in anticipation. The fries smell wonderful with intermittent wafts of the sauce. The steak is slice thinly which was a surprise since this is a steak restaurant, but in reality, it's cut perfect for the type of steak. This culotte steak deserves a round of applause by itself. The steak is tender and perfect cooked with grill marks. Taking a bite of the steak, the sauce and a fry altogether is nothing short of pure bliss, the steak practically melts while the sauce provides a deep meaty richness, the fries are perfectly cooked and seasoned with salt. The crispiness gives you the texture and crunch that the plate needs. The sauce has a silk mouth feel that can only be described as a masterpiece.
After the first plate our server asked about another round. YES! This is part of the meal! The server brings out a grill pan with another serving of steak and fries and a jar full of sauce with a ladle!! My only gripe would be to bring the sauce and ladle out with the first course. The sauce is seriously addictive. It's clear there's alot of umami components in it and it plays well the food overall.
Thy also have a vegan/vegetarian option; a grilled portobello mushroom with a fire roasted red pepper sauce.
After all of that, they show us a desert menu. I decided to get the sundae, something you don't see often on menus. Since it was my birthday the sundae came out with a sparkler in it and the maitre D and server both wishing me a happy birthday.
This was a lovely experience and will be coming back multiple times. The staff is friendly and prompt and made you feel welcomed. I will recommend them to everyone! read more