This may sound terribly predictable, but I love tapas. It all started after spending time in Spain. Plus, living near 14th Street, I’m in perfect proximity to Estadio, Bar Pilar, and Bar Barcelona, and I’m always the first to suggest we “just dine somewhere nearby.”You really can’t beat a great glass of red wine, impeccably prepared Spanish small plates, and a chic ambiance. Naturally, I seized upon Bar Barcelona when it opened, along with everyone else in the neighborhood and in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area.We were celebrating Diana’s birthday over brunch, so Sophie and I arrived early with a cake, card and flowers. The hostess was incredibly gracious and helpful, allowing us to pick a patio seat and offering to store the cake (and flowers) in the back, should we need it. I’ve had less than pleasant encounters with hostesses at Bar Barcelona in the past, so I was surprised by her demeanor and assistance.We selected the perfect spot on the patio, which is stunning with dark wooden benches, modern fireplaces, and glamorous outdoor lighting with potted plants and herbs scattered about.

The chic patio feels very appropriate for Aspen, and in the winter Bar Barcelona lights the fires and provides complimentary faux fur blankets.We began with water and coffee while we pored over the tri-fold menu. The coffee was delicious, and our cups were constantly filled. Our waiter was a handsome and friendly Latin man named Sebastian, who made the experience all the more pleasant.We decided on traditional Spanish tapas to begin, per he birthday girl’s wishes. Diana selected the tortilla espanol and la patatas bravas, filled with jamon Serrano y Manchego. Both appetizers were fresh, well-prepared takes on traditional Spanish cuisine.For our entrees, Sophie laid claim to the lobster Eggs Benedict. The Hollandaise was perfect, the muffins correctly toasted, and the eggs correctly poached. Most importantly, the Benny was loaded with enormous chunks of fresh lobster. I looked on with envy.Diana and I both shared the steak and eggs and the honey ricotta pancakes. The steak was a thin, juicy flank topped with authentic chimichurri sauce.

The eggs were fresh farm eggs, fried perfectly, and seasoned with olive oil and spices. The enormous chunks of potatoes served with both dishes were an excellent touch.Then the pancakes arrived. Upon first glance, I inquired as to whether or not they came with syrup or honey, as they appeared barren. The thin, bubbly pancakes were drizzled with honey and accented with strawberries, and ended up providing plenty of flavor.The servers brought out the red velvet cake, with candles, to conclude the brunch—and were kind enough to toss in some complimentary rosé. The service took a great brunch up a notch, and I was grateful that the popular spot’s ego had gone down a notch.The Bitches say: A. Given my love of Spanish cuisine and stunning patios, I had a feeling brunch at Bar Barcelona would be lovely. Barcelona Wine Bar & Restaurant 1622 14th St. N.W. Washington, D.C. (202) 588- 5500Barcelona Wine Bar & Restaurant serves brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wine & Cocktail Menu (PDF)

Discover, Experience and Enjoy the myriad of Dining Specials and Events offered at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner. For more information please dial (703) 506-4300 A WINE BAR TO ENGAGE THE SENSES Internationally inspired small plates. A sommelier-crafted wine list. ENTYSE, Wine Bar & Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner offers a relaxed experience in an elegant setting. In addition to a list of more than 60 wines by the glass, selected by sommelier Vincent Feraud, the bar features Prosecco cocktails and craft beers. red wine gift selectionBeverages pair perfectly with a menu of small and large plates. best dry red wine for giftOur McLean, VA wine bar regularly hosts dining events including Wine’d Down Wednesdays, Sushi Thursdays, Jazz Fridays and Live Music Saturdays. best boxed red wine uk 2015

It’s also the location for our signature Afternoon Tea (24-hour advance reservations required). Monday - Thursday 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday - Sunday 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday - Sunday 3 p.m. to midnight Reservations available Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday & Sunday from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, seatings from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, seatings at 12 p.m., 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.names of wine cocktails *Musical entertainment available (reservations required 24 hours in advance)buy red wine without alcoholA Washington restaurant filed an unfair competition lawsuit Thursday against President Donald Trump and the company that runs his D.C. hotel, claiming he's siphoning away customers who hope to "curry favor" with his administration.what wine is best with turkey

Cork Wine Bar, a well-reviewed eatery about 1.5 miles from the $200 million Trump International Hotel, is suing Trump as a private businessman and not as president, but suggests that he could remedy the problem by resigning. Alan Garten, a lawyer for the Trump Organization, called it "a wild publicity stunt completely lacking in legal merit." Cork Wine Bar's owners — progressive activist Khalid Pitts and his wife, Diane Gross — argue that because Trump is president, his hotel and its bars and restaurants have become the top destination for lobbyists, foreign dignitaries and others hoping to influence the White House. Cork and other bars and restaurants in Washington are now "second choice for anyone who wants to gain favor with the government," the couple's attorney, Scott Rome, said at a press conference. Related: Elizabeth Warren Demands Answers on Trump's Hotel Lease The couple, whose legal team includes government watchdog lawyers, said they embrace competition but believe Trump is using his government stature to get a leg up on small businesses.

The suit points to a January press conference at which White House press secretary Sean Spicer plugged the "stunning" hotel and quotes an anonymous lobbyist saying that senior administration staff who hang out in the lobby bar see who is spending money there. "Someone is paying attention to the person who orders the $1,000 bottle of wine," the lobbyist was quoted as saying. Pitts and Gross claim their loss of business spiked right after Trump was elected president. However, they declined to put a dollar-figure on it and could not point to specific bookings that were canceled. "President Donald Trump's ownership constitutes unfair competition and we are asking the courts to stop it," Gross said. She and her husband are not seeking monetary damages. Instead, their attorney said, they want Trump to divest from the hotel, close it — or resign. "We are not seeking money," Pitts said. "We simply want to level the playing field so all D.C. restaurants can complete fairly."