Below is the original review when I made my trip into Jaleo in DC. I have since returned last weekend as we celebrated my son’s graduation from college. We had a wonderful tapas meal for 10, all gluten and dairy free and a lot of vegetarian treats for my son who is also vegetarian. The food was delicious! I had both dishes pictured here and so much more. It was a feast! Oh and the chef who created this wonderful restaurant just won Chef of the Year from the James Beard Foundation. Not too shabby.
Spinach, Apple and Raisin Dish from website
Review:
We recently made a trip to downtown DC to Jaleo restaurant. It’s a Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant. I heard their menu noted gluten free and dairy free choices so I was excited to go. It was also the night of the American Idol concert. So much excitement in one night.
Before we went I downloaded their menu so I could review it and have an idea of what they served. I looked for items that I thought would be gluten free and sounded good to me. When we arrived I asked for the gluten free and dairy free menu. They brought out two menus. One with the gluten free items and the other with the dairy free items. I’m not sure why they couldn’t make these notes on one menu.
Torta Jaleo from their website
So I took the menu I had downloaded, printed and brought with me and started making notes. I marked which items were gluten free and which were dairy free. When one had both, I circled it. Now I could see what my choices really were. I picked Shrimp with Garlic, Spanish Omelet with Potatoes and Onions and a Homemade Pork Sausage with sauteed White Beans.
When the Shrimp arrived it looked like and smelled like they had used butter. I asked and was assured there was no butter. Well it didn’t have butter but it tasted like it. The combination of oils and brandy made it taste like butter. I could have eaten 4 more plates of that. Scott ordered the Mushrooms with Garlic. They were to die for. I couldn’t get enough and kept stealing his meal.
So this restaurant was a big hit and I can’t wait to go back. Their menu has 67 items. It is full of vegetables, seafood, meats, and vegetables. Some are gluten free, some are dairy free and some are both. There are more Jaleo restaurants in Bethesda and Crystal City.
Jaleo is under the direction of Chef Jose Andres and the Jose Andres Think Food Group. They also own Cafe Atlantico, minibar by Jose Andres, Zaytinya, and Oyamel. We’ve been to eat at Cafe Atlantico and it was spectacular. I’ll post that review soon. I can’t wait to try out the rest of his offerings.
If you have been to any of these restaurants please share your experience.
Disclaimer: The reviews I post are my opinion and based on my experience. Just because I have a certain experience does not insure you will have the same experience. I cannot guarantee any meal anywhere, except in my own kitchen. Please eat out at your own risk.
