Prime
location meets prime cuts at the new BLT
Steak, which New York-based
chef Laurent Tourondel opened
near the White House in November. Designed by Michael Bagley, the 115-seat
dining room holds as many as 300 for receptions and features a vaulted ceiling
and a herringbone-patterned walnut floor. In the main dining room, slick ebony
tables reflect the soft glow of orange votives, and suede booths lend a cozy
feel. Photographs of Washington cityscapes and large blackboards highlighting
the day’s specials punctuate the cream-colored walls.
A raw bar occupies one end of the spacious mahogany bar, and a glassed-in wine room will eventually house 600 different bottles. French doors separate a 24-seat private room equipped with a full audiovisual system. Tourondel’s menu features Japanese Kobe beef, dover sole sautéed with butter and capers, crispy Gruyère-cheese popovers, and a signature appetizer: tuna tartare served with avocado and soy-lime dressing.
A raw bar occupies one end of the spacious mahogany bar, and a glassed-in wine room will eventually house 600 different bottles. French doors separate a 24-seat private room equipped with a full audiovisual system. Tourondel’s menu features Japanese Kobe beef, dover sole sautéed with butter and capers, crispy Gruyère-cheese popovers, and a signature appetizer: tuna tartare served with avocado and soy-lime dressing.

Photo: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Photo: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

The private dining room at BLT Steak.
Photo: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

The main dining room at BLT Steak.
Photo: Stacy Zarin Goldberg