Marcel's

Frommer's Review

Chef Robert Wiedmaier's vivid style and cuisine are firmly on display here, with French dishes that include nods to his Belgian training: duck breast with baby turnips, rose lentils, and Calvados sauce, or venison with ragout of winter mushrooms and Madeira sauce. Those in the know order the boudin blanc sausage with chestnut puree, said to be out of this world. Desserts usually include such seasonal tarts as spring pear tart with raspberry coulis.

Service and ambience are rather formal in this dining room, whose French country decor includes panels of rough stone framed by rustic shutters and antique hutches displaying Provençal pottery. To the right of the exhibition kitchen is the more casual wine bar, which has its own menu (the full dinner menu is also available at some tables) and lovely live jazz Tuesday through Saturday year-round. Marcel's offers seating on the patio -- right on Pennsylvania Avenue -- in warm weather.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.