Circa at Clarendon

 

Sheri's son Jake is working in the kitchen this summer at Circa and some family friends have an interest in the restaurant so we decided we wanted to check it out.  We went for lunch on a recent hot and humid Friday afternoon but alas Jake was not working.  However, Jake's boss and manager stop by to give us a very welcoming "hello" and it was great to meet her.

There are Circa's in Dupont Circle (the original one) and now Foggy Bottom.  They are very contemporary spaces with long sleek bars and communal tables, extensive wine lists, outdoor patio seating, flat screen TVs highlighting sports and music, serving "American fare with an international flair."  Circa at Clarendon is on a corner and utilizes the outdoor space beautifully...nice furniture, umbrellas, fountain.  Inside, more than half the space is the extensive bar and communal table.  Lots of windows and high ceilings make the dining room bright and airy.  Sleek, crisp and clean lines give it a very "energized urban" feel.

After ordering ice teas, crispy crust doughy slices of french baguette served with flavorful olive tapenade and creamy butter arrived.  The soup of the day was a veggie soup with spinach and lentils.  Sounded appetizing so Sheri ordered a bowl and share tasty "fork-fuls" with Lori and Kari.  Lori enjoyed the light, summer flavors of the watermelon-mozzarella-arugula salad with candied almonds, pickled red onion, and crispy prosciutto in a honey-mint dressing.  Kari's grilled chicken, sun dried tomato paste, swiss cheese, dijonnaise and arugula panini was served on parmesean-crusted ciabatta bread and with crispy fries.  It was delish.  Lori and Sheri helped themselves to some fries...yum.  Sheri's chicken mango salad arrived fresh and chilled.  Lots of mesclun salad greens, grilled chicken, mango, grapes, shredded carrots, cranberries, and goat cheese with orange-ginger dressing.   The dessert list looked delectable including chocolate chip cookies but we were full.  Sizzling summer heat does affect the appetite unfortunately.

We are anxious to come back in the evening to check out the dinner menu which we hear is fabulous (from Lori's daughter Amie and other young professional friends) and scene which we hear is lively but maybe a little to young for us???
www.circaatclarendon.com