The best and worst part of living in Washington, DC is the endless dining options. Best because there’s so much variety and worst because there’s so many places to choose from. The selections do not only limit themselves to the city limits of Washington, DC but to neighboring cities in Virginia and Maryland. This is where Cooper’s Mill Bethesda comes to the picture. Recently had the opportunity to experience their new Chef’s Table menu and must say I am happy to have discovered this hidden gem. About my experience….
Cooper’s Mill Bethesda Chef’s Table Dinner
The Vibe: Cooper’s Mill Bethesda is tucked away at the Marriott Bethesda Hotel. Lately, I have been very impressed with the dining options at hotels. Needless to say, this experience reinforces it. Decor is simple, cozy and rustic with dark wood accents. The bar was quite busy upon arrival on a Thursday night. The crowd looked like a mix of locals and hotel guests. The chef’s table experience took place in the private dining room area of the restaurant which was great as we had servers provide their undivided attention.
The Food
The menu at Cooper’s Mill Bethesda is modern American with a focus on local sourcing. Chef Chris Estrada works with local farms to create a creative seasonal menu. He started the dinner with a smoked kale salad. Presented in a tiny clay pot, I had to empty the salad onto my plate, releasing the aroma of the smoke. The presentation compounded by the flavor made this starting dish something to remember. We then moved on the the grilled oysters smothered in cream and sausage sauce. The savory cross between the oysters and the sausage made it my type of appetizer. The buttered toast served with the oysters for dipping was the finishing touch.
We then moved on to a grilled calamari with bulgur and arugula salad. I must say that the combination seemed odd at first, but I truly enjoyed this light and flavorful dish. For the main course we had a very unique dish: braised oxtail in a bed of blue grits. I really liked the presentation of the dish, the light hue of the blue corn made it special. Sadly, the dish was garnished with a little too much parsley which spoiled the taste for me. Hope that for future occasions they can omit that touch.
Finishing Touch
I couldn’t dabble into the cocktail menu as I was driving, so I indulged with dessert. The dessert was a chocolate peanut butter cup milkshake with crushed chocolate chip cookies. Yes, my friends, this was DELICIOUS. So delicious I asked the chef for more cookies on the side. I really enjoyed the creative play on dessert.
The Verdict
You must discover this hidden gem inside the Beltway. Although Cooper’s Mill Bethesda a bit of a drive from the city (35-45 minutes depending on traffic), but it’s totally worth it. The cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and creative menu make it a must visit in Montgomery County.
Cooper’s Mill Bethesda, 5151 Pooks Hill Rd, Bethesda, MD, Website
Ooh, I would love to try this place. Everything looks delicious, and I am totally enamored by the kale salad in that little pot!
Cooper’s Mill Bethesda looks like a casual yet sophisticated restaurant – I love seafood so this is right up my alley and the photos make everything seem even more appetising! I hope to go to DC win the summer to visit a few friends so I’m bookmarking, thanks 🙂
I’ve never thought of visiting Washington for the food, but it looks pretty good! I’m from the prairie so I don’t know my seafood but I’d be willing to give it a shot! If I’m ever down, I’d be sure to check this place out! 🙂
That sounds awesome. My mom lives in Manassas and the rest of my family lives in Oakton and we always struggle with where to eat. Me being from New Orleans, I am kind of a food snob. We will have to take the drive over to explore because my mom loves Calamari and you had me at that Chocolate PB dessert shake thing!
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