Tasting Journal

Persimmon
7003 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20815
301.654.9860
http://www.persimmonrestaurant.com/

Open for lunch Monday through Friday, 11:30am to 2:00pm;
Dinner, Sunday through Thursday, 5:00pm to 10:00pm;
Friday and Saturday, 5:00pm to 10:30pm

In honor of Food and Friends, the girls and I decided to take advantage of the Dining Out For Life fundraising event and try out a restaurant we haven’t eaten at before. We chose Persimmon, one of Washingtonian magazine’s top-rated dining establishments.

If you’re a rowdy bunch, Persimmon may not be the best selection. The cozy intimate dining room is small, and seats roughly about 60 people. I wouldn’t suggest raising your voice too loudly, unless you don’t mind others listening in on your conversation. Unfortunately since Kim, Roman, and I had arrived at the restaurant after tossing back a couple cocktails during happy hour (at Dave and Busters), we were feeling a tad rambunctious.

I was pleasantly surprised when our server brought out bread with not butter, but a ramekin filled with chicken pate. Pate is truly a favorite of mine, and I found this to be more unique and elegant start to our meal.

The girls and I began with the smoked trout spring roll served with a sweet hoisin barbeque and spicy peanut sauce. The texture was unfamiliar; yet the taste was delectable. I especially liked the accompanying sauce. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors was delightfully tickling to the palate.

For the main courses, Kim ordered the pan seared veal tenderloin with a sautéed polenta cake served with braised veal and root vegetable ragout; Roman had the grilled beef tenderloin with sautéed spinach, creamy mashed potatoes and fried onion rings; and I ordered the shiitake and hoisin crusted salmon served on top of a scallion miso broth with shrimp dumplings and sautéed spinach.

Sadly we didn’t order any dessert that night. I’ll be sure to order some next time, since I most definitely will be making another trip out there again. I really enjoyed Chef Damian Salvatore’s unique and cultural blend of flavors. His creations are delicious, and just as elegant as the dining atmosphere itself.

restaurants, Bethesda, MD, food, dining, Tasting Journal