Located within the prestigious five-star hotel, Hay-Adams, in Washington, D.C., The Lafayette Room offers an exquisite American cuisine experience featuring an abundance of locally sourced ingredients.
When one thinks of American cuisine, the image of large portions heaped onto plates, requiring careful consideration of quantity when dining alone or in small groups, often comes to mind. However, The Lafayette Room completely defies this stereotype with its carefully curated dishes.
Here, I’ll introduce some of the dishes available at The Lafayette Room and provide an overview of the restaurant’s ambiance.
In the center of Washington D.C., just north of the White House, sta...
An Established Restaurant Within a Historic Boutique Hotel
The Lafayette Room is an American cuisine restaurant situated within the iconic Hay-Adams Hotel, located at the heart of Washington, D.C.
To find the restaurant, simply enter through the front entrance of the hotel, proceed to the back left corner, and take the staircase leading upwards. You’ll spot the name “Lafayette” engraved on a mirror on the front pillar, guiding you without any confusion.
The interior boasts a clean and classic atmosphere, featuring white-themed decor that exudes elegance.
During dinner service, a pianist graces the ambiance with live music, playing on a grand piano within the restaurant. They gladly take song requests, allowing you to enjoy your meal accompanied by your favorite tunes.
A La Carte Menu – Enjoy Dinner with Your Favorite Combinations
In many Japanese hotels, restaurants often offer pre-set course menus, which include appetizers, main courses, and desserts. However, The Lafayette Room exclusively offers an a la carte menu, allowing guests to choose their preferred dishes from a selection of appetizers and mains.
Upon being seated, your designated staff member will greet you and present the day’s recommended dishes, giving you the option to order from this selection.
Lafayette Room’s Special? The Lobster Salad
While Washington, D.C., is renowned for its crab cakes, a dish celebrated for its unique flavors found in numerous restaurants, The Lafayette Room does not feature this classic item on its menu. Instead, it boasts a popular lobster salad made from fresh lobsters harvested in Maine.
The dish is beautifully presented, with a half-cut, steamed lobster accompanied by aioli sauce, roasted eggplant, and baby zucchini. A delicate blend of subtle spices and seasonings, including a hint of acidity, enhances the dish’s flavors.
The aioli sauce, commonly used in Catalonia, Spain, resembles mayonnaise but is distinguished by the use of garlic and lemon juice, resulting in a more refreshing and flavorful taste.
Main Courses – Featuring Fish, Meat, and Pasta Selections
Main courses hold the key to determining the overall dining experience. The Lafayette Room offers a variety of enticing options, such as sautéed halibut, grilled beef fillet, roasted duck, and pasta dishes. However, if you visit, be sure to try their Shenandoah Lamb Grill, a standout option.
Shenandoah is a region that stretches across Virginia and West Virginia, located about an hour and a half south of Washington, D.C. It is famous as the setting of the country music classic, “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” The lamb raised in Shenandoah’s majestic natural surroundings is exceptionally tender and flavorful.
The dish is accompanied by steamed artichokes and bulgur, a cracked wheat grain, which is widely consumed in the United States as a popular side dish.
Separate Dessert Menu
In Japanese restaurants, the menu often contains all courses, from appetizers to desserts, in a single booklet. However, in American restaurants, dessert and beverage menus are typically presented separately, upon request.
When you finish your main course, your assigned staff member will inquire about your dining experience, offering an opportunity to peruse the dessert menu at that time.
Reservations Are Essential – Book before Departure
As The Lafayette Room is situated within a five-star hotel, it is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance.
While it may be possible to visit without a reservation, it is advisable to book ahead, particularly if you are not a hotel guest, to secure the best seats and avoid potential waiting times.
For dress code, smart casual attire is recommended, and men may consider wearing a jacket with a bow tie or ascot tie.
Savor an Exquisite Dinner at The Lafayette Room
Whether you are a guest at the Hay-Adams or a visitor from outside, The Lafayette Room offers an opportunity to savor American cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.
As a highly sought-after restaurant within a five-star hotel, this dining experience requires advance reservations. However, the beautifully presented dishes are truly unforgettable, creating precious memories of your journey that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
In Washington D.C., the political hub of international affairs, nume...
