Albi

It’s getting rarer these days being positively surprised and wowed by a restaurant, I feel. While there are obviously great new additions, many feel the same. It’s a bit like the common Airbnb look. But celebrating a birthday, I decided to finally go to Albi, which when it opened was on the top of my to-go list, but with reservations being hard to get, then Covid hitting us, I had forgotten about it. What a mistake! An absolute gem. Amazing food, wonderful service. We had the five-course chef’s selection, which if I had one complaint, was maybe just a bit too much food. While the lamb as the main dish was wonderful, I would say half of it would have been enough. The standout dishes for me were certainly the Smoked English Pea Kibbeh Naya, the Blue Crab on Hummus, the Burnt Eggplant, and the Sfeeha. All outstanding. Also, the bright green Nana Moneish cocktail is outstanding and a must for hot DC summer nights. All through my dinner, all I could think of was why it took me so long to visit Albi. Can’t wait to go back.