DINING EXPERIENCE:  I spent the weekend in Washington, D.C. and dined at Proof on Saturday night.  Fabulous restaurant with an extensive menu – everything from charcuterie and assorted cheeses, to homemade pasta, seafood and grilled steak.  Oh, and the wine!  The wine…

I’m still trying to remember to capture images of my dishes, prior to consuming them, so forgive me that my Proof pictures are scarce.  Know, however, that if you find yourself in Washington, D.C., Proof is a must.

After sharing a charcuterie plate with the table, comprised of duck pate with dried cherries, curried walnuts, and cornichons, I had the Wild Mushroom Bisque with crispy goat cheese arancini, sherry, and truffled parsley oil.  It’s rare for me to turn down a dish with truffled anything in it, so this was a given as my starter course.  The soup was excellent!  I enjoyed the fried goat cheese hidden within the arancini ball (risotto ball), but would have preferred the fried goat cheese only, sans risotto.

To be different, I ordered the Fresh Cavatelli with Heirloom Tomatoes, genovese basil, red onions, arugula, olive oil, parmesan for my entree.  (Note:  This dish was superb.  I ate every last morsel before realizing I hadn’t snapped a photo.  Oops!)

For dessert, I also ordered something different – the Raspberry Bread Pudding, with brioche bun, orange zest,  and vanilla ice cream.  (I’m regretting not ordering a cheese plate, as their selection was phenomenal.  For some reason, however, the bread pudding was calling my name!)  This was one of the top 5 bread pudding desserts I’ve ever had.  Fact.  The combination of the warm raspberries and the brioche bread with the ice cold vanilla ice cream was melt-in-your-mouth heaven.  My dad, a bread pudding enthusiast, would appreciate this dessert, too.

Back to the wine… we had two bottles of a delicious Oregon white wine and I neglected to jot down its name.  Regardless, I thought it was interesting to note that the wine had a glass cork versus a traditional cork top.

I saved it and brought home with me, as I collect wine corks from my travels (and the bottles I drink at home on my couch!).  All in all, our dinner at Proof was wonderful.  Great company, delicious fare and good wine!