22spots.com

The big guy is Chef Eric Ripert, and the key guy is Chef Joe Palma (Joe is in the kitchen). Eric Ripert is an acclaimed 3-Star Michelin chef from the world-class Le Bernardin in New York, and he is the Culinary Director and the inspiration behind this restaurant. The entire focus is on the ingredients that originate from local farmers in Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland, and not surprisingly, the ever-popular bistro concept is working. Ripert once worked for the great Chef Jean-Louis Palladin at the Watergate, and his return to Washington has been a good one. He will be spending most of his time in Manhattan functioning as one of the top chefs in the entire world. In terms of the DC spot, Joe Palma is making it a delightful success.