Chloe is one of my new favorite restaurants in the DC area. A few years back I did a tour of DC restaurants but somehow missed this gem. Located in the Navy Yard district, Chloe’s menu has a lot of favorites with a new face. This is something that is important to me, because a lot of newer restaurants make it seem like being innovative means taking away our faithful favorites. However, they are our favorites for a reason. Sometimes, they just need an amazing chef to breath new life into them.
Perfect For Groups
It was HIS choice because it was his birthday (not ready to go Instagram official yet). That is why we went to Chloe. He narrowed it down to his two DC favorites and we ended up there. The dishes are personalized and what I loved most is that the menu reflects that shareable style I like. I also enjoyed the wine list and that staff all knew their wines. There wasn’t one specialist or OG server that knew everything. They all knew something about their wines.
Let’s Share
One of the reasons I love this place is because it works for those that like to share plates. We are that kind of group. The portions aren’t too small for three or four people but they also aren’t overwhelming. The menu at Chloe features things like Hamachi crudo augmented by fish sauce, Thai chilies and thin slabs of avocado; or spiced veal hummus topped with buttered almond slivers and accompanied by fresh-baked naan.
The Food
The crispy pork belly was incredible, the flavors and the texture. I should also mention the lemon grass chicken with the jalapeno cilantro sauce that added the perfect kick. The salmon was perfectly seared and even though it had that crunch to the outside, it wasn’t dry at all on the inside.
My Conclusion
Chloe is equally as good for date night as it was for our group. The ambiance is alive but not too overwhelming if it is just you and your significant other. Ok, I will probably admit that it is one of my new favorites because of him. He knows the chef, the wait staff was amazing to us (probably because he goes there quite a bit) and the food was as good as the service.
If you are in the DC area and need a recommendation, I think this is a great option. Also, don’t hesitate to check out my cuisine link to find other fun options as you travel.
