The DC Survey: Michel Richard's Thoughts on the Democratization of Food

By Olga Boikess

The DC Restaurants survey is underway, and we’d love to hear your views on the area dining scene. To start your creative juices flowing, we’re also asking some of the Capital’s high-profile chefs and restaurateurs for their views.

Michel Richard is known for his whimsical, creative cooking. He’s also a prolific restaurateur with his high-end Modern French Citronelle in Georgetown, his New American/French brasserie Central in the Penn Quarter and in Las Vegas, his New American/French Michel in the Ritz Carlton/Tysons Corner, and the fast-food concept Meatballs, which his recipes helped inspire. Rumors are flying about his possible new ventures in Atlantic City and New York - but that’s another story.



What was the most exciting DC area restaurant opening in the past year? 
Fabio Trabocchi came back to DC and opened Fiola. He is serving wonderful creative food, and he has built such a beautiful restaurant.

When was the last time you ate out at a restaurant that wasn't one of yours - and what did you think of it? Name your rating for Food, Decor and Service.
My wife and I recently had dinner at Et Viola. I like it for its simple good food. The sweet breads are excellent. There are very few places you can get sweet breads in DC. I rate it 25/20/20.

What is the best thing about the DC area restaurant scene at the moment? And the worst?
The restaurant scene in DC has grown so much over the last few years. We [chefs] are working very hard to offer delicious food at a good price – as well as a nice experience. It isn’t easy in this economy. The economy has brought about the democratization of food. We make great food at all prices.

Did you think the Zagat reviews and scores for your restaurants [Citronelle 28/25/26; Central 26/21/23] in the latest guide were fair?
I am very proud of my restaurants and I always think we can do better, even though we got very good ratings. My job is to please the people who come to my restaurants - and this is their opinion, so it must be fair.

Do consumer comments, like those in Zagat reviews, affect your decisions about your restaurants’ operations? Can you think of an example?
People complain about the noise at Central, but I love the noise - so I guess the answer is no, not always. To me the noise is energetic and exciting. It’s like being in a big family home. When my kids all went off to college, the house was suddenly so quiet - I go to Central for the commotion.

You've heard chef Richard's faves - now go let us know yours by voting!