Beacon Bar and Grill, Sleek, Sexy and a True Beacon of Great Taste and Service
Story by: Sean egnew
Photos by: Sol tucker
Washington, DC --
Located at the corner of 17th and Rhode Island at the Beacon Hotel, The Beacon Bar & Grill exists only by fate of Designer-Architect Walter Gagliano who’s vision for food and atmosphere lead him to for go the typical modern blueprint for restaurant design and build a truly innovative and dynamic space to compliment your Washington DC dining experience.
The Beacon Bar and Grill, boasting a retro contemporary design, has unique appeal for local-area residents & city visitors not only by virtue of it’s menu and offerings but because of the eclectic atmosphere it provides. A sleek modern look, communal tables, Dining booths, multi-level dining options and rich fabrics and furnishings create a sense of hip urban flair. Offering four distinctive ambient experiences under one roof, BB&G caters to the varying lifestyles of its diverse patrons.
Our Pointed Magazine staff was fortunate enough to frequent the Beacon Bar & Grill and delighted to announce that our palettes were won over by the works of Chef Troy V. Walker who recently joined their team this past October as the New Executive Chef. Troy is certainly making his culinary mark on the restaurant/area with his innovative dishes and creative presentations. He is also credited with introducing a Wine Tasting Dining series on Saturday evenings which is a must attend.
Chef Troy brings to the Beacon Bar & Grill a unique background, a Graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and a love for the fine nuances of American culinary values, where he incorporates seasonal produce into his creations on a daily basis.
Troy has had a most interesting road map leading to his most recent destination at the Beacon Bar & Grill, directed in part because of his training from world renowned chefs and establishments in California, Las Vegas and New York. He has evolved as a fusion of great taste and creativity.
At a very young age his creative culinary edge and creativity was forged through his “Hands on” experience, leading him to identify his food as inspired by the freshness of local produce resulting in what he best describes as “ Fresh Contemporary American Cuisine”.
The Beacon Bar & Grill incorporates a high-energy, hob-knob lounge-style area with a two-story atrium room showcasing the bustling Dupont Circle neighborhood, as well as a more casual outdoor café. As an alternative, private nooks and separate booths offer a distinct setting for business or intimate dining. On top of it all is the very popular destinations the Martini SKY-BAR on our roof-top penthouse where an elevator takes you to an outdoor lounge with spectacular views of the city.
The Beacon Bar & Grill features an ever-evolving wine list with a very nice selection of boutique wines that are a compliment to the dining experience. At the Bar, the ever popular $4.00 Rail Martinis, nicely compliment the more designer selection of Martinis available in the Martini SKY-BAR. When favorable weather allows, al-fresco dining is ever popular for lunch and dinner.
Whichever dining experience you choose, BB&G’s impressive menu presents American inspired dishes that are visually stimulating and a treat to the palate. The Staff at Pointed Magazine upon arrival were greeted by our waiter Shaju Chauwdhury. We were taken back by the fabulous selection of martinis, Shaju was quick to pick out a few and we were very pleased with his recommendations.
Our first encounter of the menu was a varied selection of appetizers starting with the seafood chowder which just melted in our mouth, the Maryland crab cakes which bustled with lump crab meat and very light breading giving us a clean bold helping of crabmeat which was amazing. The Seared Scallops on Black Eye Pea Ragout with Smithfield Ham was absolutely mouth watering as well as the East Coast Shrimp Toast boasting sautéed shrimp and mushrooms with spinach on a toasted crouton…..this is a “Must Try”.
As we submersed ourselves in the tantalizing appetizers followed by the remarkable martinis our entrees had arrived. One by one we shared the amazing tastes of the Grilled New York Strip with Horseradish Mash and roasted Asparagus made medium rare to perfection. The seared Rockfish with Dupay Lentil Salad pearl onions and roasted beets served with a succulent citrus vinaigrette sauce…..Can you say “WOW”. Alas there was the Grilled Pork Chop served with Braised Red Cabbage and Roasted Red Potatoes and the Autumn Risotto with winter squash, Pennsylvania mushrooms covered in Domestic Blue Cheese and Pecans…….we were obviously delighted by the attention to detail and the carefully designed contrasts of each entree and the side orders that accompanied them.
Despite the fact we were sufficiently stuffed from the size of the entrees and the decadence our waiter Shaju insisted we try the desserts. We gladly accepted as long as he would bring coffee and were pleasantly surprised to find the Beacon Bar & Grill also to great pride in their desserts. The Molten Chocolate cake was fabulous with a warm gooey center of chocolate and vanilla bean ice cream on the side……”YUMMY” As was the Pumpkin Crème Brulee a fantastic and interesting dessert not seen by any of our staff before. Bottom line, Fabulous food, great service……exquisite atmosphere.
Every Saturday, since December 6th and thereafter thru the winter, - Executive Chef Troy is introducing informal “Wine Tasters Dinner Series’ featuring his cuisine with a wine paring for a three course dinner, including appetizer, entrée and dessert, each course selection is paired with a wine selection of his own. Aptly titled 3 + 3=$35, guests will be able to select from one of three choices of appetizers, entrée, and desserts. This dinner series will take place Saturdays, between 6.00 pm and 10.00 pm at the Beacon Bar & Grill main dining room, and will be priced at $ 35.00 per person including the wine pairings of three glasses of wine (excluding tax and gratuity).
On Wednesdays, the tradition of “Half Price” wine bottles with dinner will continue as the Beacon prides itself in having a selection of boutique wines that are not only excellent but affordably priced. – featuring Executive Chef Troy’s fare paired with wines from our selection.
Whichever dining experience you choose, BB&G’s impressive menu will present American inspired dishes that are visually stimulating and a treat to the palate.
The Beacon Bar & Grill is at the intersection of 17th Street and Rhode Island Ave, NW, at the Beacon Hotel & Corporate Quarters. Feel free to log on to their Website: www.BBGwdc.com or call 202- 872-1126
