If you have visited the Chevy Chase area recently, you might have had a chance to see what the area has been buzzing about for the past several months, the Collection at Chevy Chase which features the likes of Gucci, Tiffany and Co., Jimmy Choo , Louis Vuitton and Max Mara and now M Cafe and Bar.

Designed by Stefano Domenciand inspired by its owner Iraklis Karabassis, M Cafe certainly takes after Karabassis for those who do not know is the founder and owner of Max Mara which is just the reason it connects to the Max Mara store and the life size posters on the wall depict the newest looks for the fall clothing line.

Once inside of the restaurant, patrons will be greeted by the massive seating area. There is plenty of space to bring your work and clients along for what we believe is one of the best lunch menu's anywhere in the Washington area.

The spacious cafe area's white table and chairs really brighten up the room and accent the amazing yellowish orange mural that spans the front wall of the restaurant which gives patrons a stunning early evening lighted experience. Something you might find in South Beach, but certainly a first in Chevy Chase. It even offers an amber glow to patrons enjoying the outside seating, which we might add fills very quickly and will be the most desired placed to sit this fall.

One of the most desirable parts of Chef Gabriele's menu are the prices. The most expensive item on the menu is $15.95 and most selections are around $7.95, not bad for the best quality we have seen anywhere on a lunch menu in 10 years.

Our first selection from M Cafe's menu was from the salad portion of the menu. The Endive, Arugula and Greek Salad are some of the best they have to offer. The greek is going to be the most filling with a great vinegar base loaded with tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, feta cheese and a whole bunch of olives. For $6.95 this is one of the best valued salads M Cafe offers based on the price and the amount product that you are tasting. It was so good we asked to take some back to the office with us.

If you think your salad is impressive when it arrives on the table, wait until you see some of the selections from the Cutting Boards and Carpaccio part of the menu. WIth 10 selections, there is something that everyone will like. From the vegetarians to the beef and seafood lovers, the amount of selections will leave you guessing what is the best on the menu. The Tuna Carpaccio which is a house cured tuna with baked olives, fennel, citrus and chicory.

The Bird Nest might take our "Flavor Buster" award as these cannelloni's are stuffed with ricotta cheese and swiss chard. They were so large they barely fit into the plate in which they were served.

If you desire a salad as a main course, they have some of the largest salads imaginable. The Beef Tenderloin salad was loaded with the most tender pieces of tenderloin we have ever seen. The beef just melts in your mouth. Most thinly sliced pieced of beef tend to become chewy, this was like biting into a warm slice of bread and the dressing, just enough, but not overwhelming the flavor of the beef.

While most people will enjoy the Italian selections, the Shrimp Kebob is a great seafood selection. The black tiger shrimp is wrapped in pancetta and is served with a nice selection of fresh fruit. Another A+ on presentation on this item. Add the balasamic vinaigrette and this $14.50 might be the best money spent at M Cafe.

Lastly, who could leave the M Cafe without trying one of their homemade pastries. Anyone who walks into the restaurant can not miss the huge case in front of the bar area that displays everything from Key Lime Tarts to Creme Filled Cannolli's. You can taste the freshness in every bite. Even the bread served at every table with lunch or dinner is made fresh in the same kitchen as the pastries.