Terrific Takeout Washington D.C.: James Hoban's Irish Restaurant and Bar Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
Manager Aaron Luna and Regional Director Jay Stevens
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We'd like to think we made being Irish and going to Ireland fashionable (you know we recently found a shoe company from Ireland!) way before the people that are honeymooning there now...some of our favorite Irish places in New York include Kings' Carriage House, Neary's and Finnegan's Wake. We plan on reviewing restaurants in Ireland too and we have a waiting list for our next trip (if you own one, contact Peachy). We were hoping to find one in Washington, D.C. and are glad to say now we have. The White House was designed by architect James Hoban (he beat Thomas Jefferson in a design contest), and this restaurant honors that by serving terrific modern Irish cuisine. James Hoban's Irish Restaurant opened in 2009 and is owned by Patrick Whelan of County Laois. James Hoban's Irish Restaurant is classy and beautiful and the furthest thing from a dive bar you could imagine. Patrick also owns the Bards in Philadelphia that was featured in the movie, Rocky Balboa. (We liked Stallone and De Niro in Grudge Match.)
Their produce is amazingly fresh and we began with the Hoban's Market Salad. See how beautifully it's arranged as well. Fresh, crispy vegetables were testament to the fact that less is more in a salad, and it was composed of bibb lettuce, beetroot, cucumber, tomato, boiled egg and spring onion. They listened and put dressing on the side (we always would like it on the side please) and the buttermilk ranch was delicious. We were also happy to see a Colin Farrell movie playing when we walked in the door.
Jay suggested for an appetizer that we try the Wild Mushroom Croquettes and they hit the spot. Served with quality whole grain mustard, these creamy delights proved to be perfect to munch on if you go in for a drink. The mustard has the correct amount of bite and a lovely texture to it. We loved the crispiness outside on those croquettes and the soft mushroom inside was a nice contrast.
Authentic Irish cuisine is hard to find in America, and as you see this clearly is not bar food we're happy to say. (Peachy spent half a year living in Cork.) Farm to table began in Ireland between mussels from the bay and dairy from the guy around the corner...as our entree we chose the Pan Seared Rainbow Trout. It had an ideal crispness, great flavor and an artisan appeal. Teamed up with roast cauliflower, toasted almonds, black currants and lemon brown butter, this is a winner!
Also, their quotes are amazing. If you've ever received an email from Peachy, you know in every one she quotes Oscar Wilde.
James Hoban's Irish Restaurant and Bar is Terrific Takeout!
Patrick Whelan we look forward to meeting you in person.
