Proof

PROOF
775 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 | (202) 737-7663 | http://proofdc.com/

The restaurant takes it name from the origins of its owner, Mark Kuller, a prominent US Treasury tax lawyer and wine aficionado. After years of dreaming, Kuller's vision of opening a wine centric DC restaurant was born. Featuring over 30 by the glass selections and over 1,000 bottles for true wine nerds, Proof is a wine lover's paradise.

Meridian Hill, Four Roses Bourbon, La Gitana Manzanilla Sherry, Honey Syrup, Lemon Juice & Grapefruit Bitters 14.  Fantastic and refreshing cocktail to start the evening.

Pan Roasted Hudson Valley Foie Gras. Sweet cherry short cake, pistachio, cocoa nibs, bing cherry jus $19. The combination here was truly heroic. I loved the coca nibs, it was certainly second to none and the foie gras itself was nicely done as well.

Gumbo of Shrimp, Oysters, Blue Crab & Andouille Sausage onions, peppers, celery, sassafras, rice, parsley, scallions 15. The gumbo here was especially tasty, not especially spicy either. Perfectly prepared in my opinion and served with an adequate presentation.  Nothing like the foie gras though.

Sautéed Lamb Chops with Ragout of Farro & Lamb Shoulder pistachios, dried apricots, whipped yogurt, almonds, sumac $35. The lamb chops were the highlight of the evening.  Sweet and tender, I cleaned my plate in no time. The farro (various grains of wheat) was nice and chewy.  I don't like it too soft so it was a nice contrast to the lamb. The creamy white yogurt provided a nice dipping condiment for the lamb.

Crispy Spiced Panko Crusted Organic Chicken Breast fragrant basmati rice, kohlrabi slaw, gingered tomato fondue, cilantro $26. The crusted chicken was a nice variation on chicken breasts and rice.  The slaw was excellent and the choice of the tomato fondue mixed well with the chicken.

Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake, almond streusel, vanilla ice cream $10. Known as Proof's most popular dessert, I can see why.  Our waiter told us that when it goes off the menu people clamor for it for months until it comes back on.  Delicious toffee pudding that slides down so well with the vanilla ice cream garnished with mint leaves. Absolutely orgasmic.

Of Note:

Proof features a lovely al fresco dining area. It is of note however that it is rumored to be bothersome by panhandlers passing by on the street (according to Yelp reviews).

Entrance to Proof.

Immediately apparent is the marriage of food and wine here at Proof.  In fact, I will say I think the wine selection outshines the excellent food offerings here.

Detail of the candle holder and salt and pepper shakers.

Wine bottles serve to decorate the restaurant boasting over 1,000 bottles on site.

Additional shelving for the wine collection.

A vibrant bar scene features happy hour.  "Proof offers daily rotating Happy Hour specials in the bar and lounge area Monday - Friday from 5:30PM - 7PM. Join us for $5 glasses of house red and white wine, $8 classic cocktails and discounted prices on selected beer and wine offerings."1

Dessert wine and champagne is kept chilling in ice buckets.

A well kept charcuterie and cheese station is kept adjacent to the dining area.

Twentieth Century, Bombay Original Gin, Marie Bizard White Crème de Cacao, Cocchi Americano, Lemon Juice 14.

My second cocktail of the evening. Very good.




























NOT SAFE FOR WORK CONTENT
My traditional restroom review:

Now I understood why I didn't see anyone under 30 in the crowd in the dining room tonight. I can only imagine what the ladies restroom looks like.  Certainly would not take a child in here.

Despite the questionable nature of the decor, the sinks were freakin awesome and I want some like that in my house.  Have to be careful about splashing through.  Ultra modern, ultra cool.  Me want.