11) cherry tart – whey caramel, cherry pit, vanilla cream 🍒

Get this treat before they go on summer break ☀️
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Lutèce could likely succeed anywhere in Washington, DC. But le bijou bleu of Georgetown is most at home in a neighborhood that seamlessly melds historic and modern sensibilities. Among the cobblestone streets and quaint shops is where this neo-bistrot thrives with cooking born of esteemed heritage. But it is also cuisine that is not afraid to unshackle from its French identity and flirt with fun. It exercises complete liberty to incorporate contemporary flavors as it pleases, as much for creative expression as for pure recreational pursuit 🥘

With simplicity and seasonality at the forefront, Lutèce serves delicious food that balances flavors and textures in a well-executed fashion. Word-of-mouth praise along with local and external accolades from major publications is testament to its consistently solid delivery over the last few years. The restaurant has a distinct viewpoint; it is unconcerned with looking like everyone else. Their mindset, through principle and repetition, ensures they don’t resemble anyone else here 👏

This manner of cooking doesn’t always generate headlines or elicit over-the-top proclamations on social media. Lutèce’s approach is a slow and accidental way of falling in love, like an ever-warm glow sustained by returned visits and prolonged talks over many nights—and often deep into each evening. Dining here is a charm that grows into deep amour, the kind that inspires and refreshes itself with each new service 💙

All this is driven by a staff at the top of their current game and yet not at the peak of their potential. This team has changed and grown much as the pandemic forced the industry into quick transition. Ever buoyed from past and recent recognition, from nearby NYC back to the immediate community, Lutèce feels comfortable but not quite settled. Not just yet. A restaurant with this kind of stirring in its heart makes for one of the loveliest dining experiences in the national capital region. Or honestly, anywhere in the US at the moment 🇺🇸

In the parlance of a certain ranked list, @lutecedc is my one to watch 👀 Less