ELLA REVISITED

We went to Ella tonight for a Mother's Day dinner. My sister is going to be out of town next week so we did an early dinner. I had been to Ella's earlier this year and I was not impressed. I thought the portions were very small for the price and the food wasn't up to expectations. Tonight I was skeptical but I have to say it was excellent. They increased the portions and the quality and preparation was up to expectaion. Of course not knowing that they increased the portions we ordered as if we would be getting small portions. There was 4 of us. We started out with 3doz oysters on the half shell. They were so good, my mother even ate a few. I think they have the best oysters in town. We then went on to Sweetbreads, and the short rib. We went to the salad course of lettuce(I can't think of the name of it) Pt. Reyes blue cheese, Japanese cucumbers and radish.. So good. We then had the Kona Kompachi a white fish grilled rare and the calamari. The Kompachi was just OK, not a whole lot of flavor but the Calamari was very good. We then had the Broccoli Rabe, the Papardelle Pasta. All these dishes were shared and everyone loved them. For Entrees I had the roasted chicken breast, my husband and sister had the duck breast and my mother had the lamb shanks. All were prepared as ordered, beautifully presented and tasted great. Of course you can't not have desert: Charlie and I shared the Cinnamon rolls and my mother and sister had the strawberries w/ tres leche cake. We actually had to go boxes..
I was very pleasantly surprised that it was so much better and I would now definitely recommend Ella. The wait staff is very knowledgeable and professional without being stuffy. Our waitress as a lot of fun.

_Eileen_

Ella Dining Room and Bar
1131 K St.
443-3772