Tucked away in the vibrant heart of Union Market, St. Anselm stands as a beacon of exquisite dining. As a hospitality writer, I’ve graced many a table, but my recent lunch at St. Anselm was a standout experience.
The restaurant’s setting weaves a tapestry of old-world charm with contemporary flair. The gracious and well-versed staff ensured a flawless dining sequence from the first bite to the last sip.
Our meal commenced with the Blue Crab Deviled Eggs harmoniously paired with Burrata. The velvety texture of the Burrata, accentuated by cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomato pesto, was a delightful counterpoint to the robust and savory deviled eggs. The brioche added a hint of indulgence, making each mouthful a celebration of taste.
The Veggie Seeded Sourdough was an absolute treat. Exclusively available on Fridays, this dish is a testament to the art of sandwich-making. The garlic aioli, luscious avocado, sprouts, and cheddar melded together, offering a sumptuous and refreshing bite.
The star of our meal was undoubtedly the 16 oz. Ribeye. St. Anselm’s commitment to ethically raised meats, devoid of hormones, antibiotics, and steroids, was evident in every succulent bite of the ribeye.
We indulged in the Crispy Fingerling Potatoes with the best ranch sauce and the velvety Creamy Spinach to accompany the ribeye. Both were impeccable choices that elevated the main dish.
The sweet finale featured the Carrot Cake with its luscious cream cheese frosting and the decadent Chocolate Cake layered with rich chocolate buttercream and draped in a dark chocolate glaze.
Yet, the true highlight was their exclusive ability to bring you St Anselm Madeira. If you didn’t know, Madeira is a fortified wine made in Portugal from the Madeira Islands, located off the coast of Africa. This wine was a sensory delight with its deep-rooted history from the 1600s. The tale of Madeira is as captivating as its notes. Originally fortified for maritime travels, the wine evolved, unveiling intricate flavors that garnered immense appreciation. Icons like George Washington, Betsy Ross, and Thomas Jefferson were known to relish Madeira. It’s even speculated that Madeira graced the tables during pivotal moments in early American history.
St. Anselm’s curated ensemble of rare Madeira, some with a lineage spanning over 150 years, is a nod to the wine’s illustrious past. Guided by their Sommelier, Jack Zarecky, we savored the intricate layers of this exceptional wine.
St. Anselm is more than a dining spot; it’s a gourmet retreat. Whether you’re a food lover or a history enthusiast, this place resonates—a top recommendation for those seeking a unique dining experience in Washington, DC.
St. Anselm (stanselmdc.com) is part of the STARR Restaurants group, featuring unique restaurants with a proven commitment to excellence like Le Diplomate, El Presidente and the beloved New York City restaurant Pastis, coming to the Union Market District in Washington, DC.
