Located in the heart of Adam's Morgan, La Fourchette offers up a delicious menu of some of the finest French cuisine this side of Paris.
After being seated at a cozy table for two against the wall, fresh warm bread was immediately brought over to the table. The wine list at La Fourchette is comprehensive, with concise descriptions to aid those who are less competent when choosing the perfect wine to accompany dinner. Bottles of wine ranged anywhere from $18, for a simple Sauvignon Blanc to a more expensive $70 plus for more aged wines.
The extensive menu offers a variety of appetizers, including the traditionally French escargot as well as a more traditional hot artichoke dish. I began my meal with the onion soup, and was delighted by the rich taste of the broth and abundance of fresh onions. The melted Swiss cheese draped over top of the soup made this menu choice a must-have.
Although the warmth of the onion soup and fresh bread filled me up, I made room for a main course. The list of specials was long and included several kinds of fish, a chicken plate and La Fourchette's renowned filet mignon. I opted for the salmon dish off of the main menu. Sitting in a warm beurre blanc sauce, the freshly cut salmon was cooked to perfection. The fish was accompanied with delicious green beans, spinach and a potato.
Just when I thought that my meal couldn't get any better, the waiter brought over the desert tray. It was hard to choose between the ripe raspberries and whipped cream, the cr?me brulee, strawberries and cream and other mouth-watering deserts, but I finally picked out a serving of chocolate mousse. Although the mousse was rich and heavy in taste I could not finish the entire dish, but it was well worth the extra calories.
Besides the excellent cuisine, what sets La Fourchette apart from other French restaurants in the area is its warm, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant is not large, so reservations are recommended. In the summer, outside dining is available. For those who want to escape the heat, yet still want to people watch, an inside room with windows that view the street is perfect.
Large murals cover the walls, adding to the unique atmosphere. A second room, located in the back of the restaurant, is ideal for those who are looking for a romantic setting. The room is dimly lit and also covered in murals, creating a pleasant dining area.
Be warned: La Fourchette is not for those who want a cheap, quick dinner. Entrees start around $18, and a bottle of wine can quickly escalate the price of your meal. However, the excellent service, convenient location (close to the Adams Morgan Metro stop) and overall inviting atmosphere make La Fourchette one of the area's top restaurants.
