NEW PRESIDENT, NEW FOODIE CULTURE

With all of the fanfare that is going on back in Our Nation's Capital today, I am hoping that the Washington, DC restaurant network will wreap some rewards... if not from today's crowds, then at least by the Obamas as they settle into their new home. I had read that George Dubya had only wined and dined in the city about twenty-something times during his eight years in office. TWENTY-SOMETHING TIMES DURING HIS EIGHT YEARS IN OFFICE? The poor guy not only missed his mark with many of the issues that our country faced, but he obviously missed out on the excellent "foodie" culture that the DC area has been enjoying in the last few years.

For a long time now, the DC dining scene has remained in the shadows of its more popular counterparts (New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles). This is more than likely due to the city's long-time reputation of being an uber-conservative city. But as up-and-coming "foodie" talent meshes with the old standards (and classics), the DC area's dining atmosphere is bourgeoning into one that is clearly attracting the cooking world's "new school." While talents such as Michel Richard (Citronelle, Central), Jose Andres (Cafe Atlantico, Mini Bar, Zaytinya), and Robert Wiedmaier (Marcel's, Brasserie Beck) have been dazzling Washingtonians for years, new-comers such as Enzo Fargione (Teatro Goldoni), Rahman "Rock" Harper (Hell's Kitchen Winner/Season 3), and Spike Mendelsohn (Top Chef Contestant/Season 4) have embraced the capital city, and are each making their own marks on its ever-evolving palate.

Now, more than ever, Washington, DC welcomes more and more restaurants to cater to the evolving cultural landscape. And with change being an immense proponent of the Obama administration, change in the city's dining culture is sure to continue on as well.

Check out these new digs in DC:

SEI
The new, sleek sushi joint brought to you by the owners of Oya, offers special creations (and popular standards) by Chef Noriake Yatsutake. Penn Quarter. 444 Seventh St., NW, 202.783.7007.

1905 BISTRO
Cozy French cuisine at a seemingly retro-style French bistro. U Street Corridor. 1905 9th St., NW, 202.332.1905.

NEXT DOOR
It's the new, sleek and chic little brother restaurant of Ben's Chili Bowl. U Street Corridor. 1211 U St., NW, 202.667.8880.

KITCHEN
Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld brings Southern-style cuisine to the former Ceviche space on Wisconsin Avenue. Georgetown. 2404 Wisconsin Ave., NW, 202.333.3877.
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The inauguration festivities continue on with the parade and the numerous "inaugural balls" that are scheduled to last through the wee hours of the morning. I, for one, am astounded by the turn-out. I'm sure it was all amazing back home in DC.

In all honesty, however, I was a little disappointed in Pres. Obama's speech after the swearing-in ceremony. I guess I had braced myself for something so touching as his acceptance speech in Chicago. Not so much. Still, though, he gave a very level-headed speech; very real and to the point. It lacked the panache that I had come to expect from inaugural speeches, and I waited and waited for that one line that would stick out in my head for years to come. It never came. Oh well. But hey, Prez Obama has the next four years to wow us all.

We have to remember that while he's one man, we still have to do our part to help him out. The country cannot, and will not, run itself after all. Congratulations, America, for doing the right thing and choosing our first bi-racial (let's not forget that he is) president!