Brabo Brasserie

A blogger conference with friends, new and old, must always end with food. Good food. Brabo offered this is small doses.

The staff was super nice and accommodating, and the atmosphere casual but not dress-down with a descent cocktail menu. Always a fave of mine. I ordered an Agave Bramble, and scoured the menu as we talked. As someone who cannot eat a whole plate of food, I was down for sharing small plates of bison taretare, shishito peppers, and a lamb burger. Our waiter was kind enough to sent out a watermelon salad, as well, which was light and good to share, but lacking in any particularly bold flavors.

The taretare, however, was absolutely amazing, though a lot for the meager 2 overly buttered crostini it was served with. The shishito peppers were… peppers, but I thoroughly enjoyed the kick of spice from this 1 in 10 spicy Japanese chile. The lamb burger was a bit dry, but to be fair it was ordered to the liking of my dining partner at a medium and I never go over medium rare, so I’ll give it a could be good. I only ate a few bites… the frites served with? Thin cut, seasoned well, served totally out of proportion, strewn all over the plate at an alarming amount, but without self control, I would have inhaled them past the handful I dared take.

While it was good food, I wasn’t blown away by this Old Town spot. It felt like good food bolstered more by great conversation and new friends, and less by the merits of the chef. If I went back, I’d be more inclined to take a swing at the mussels and wine list.

Fun Fact: Brabo Tasting Room is not Brabo Brasserie. Depending on what you’re looking for, keep walking to check your options.

Location: 1600 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 www.braborestaurant.com

This post is a part of a brief but informative eatDC and drinkDC series. Reviews were not paid nor partnered by establishments or anyone associated with.