Located in Federal Triangle between 10th and D street Northwest, right in front of the Archives station on the green line, Central Michel Richard is a reminder for Washingtonians, lawyers, politicians, couples, tourists, etc that Washington, DC has a lot more to offer than politics and scandals.
To say that downtown DC has some of the best restaurants would be an exaggeration, there is so much to eat for all different prices in this tiny, populated city.
Central Michel Richard however is one of DC’s best upscale dining locations in Downtown without breaking the bank. It is no wonder it was the winner of the 2008 James Beard Foundation Award for Best New Restaurant.
Headed by the great Michel Richard, Central is just an example of what great staff service, beautiful ambiance, and amazing food can do to a diner—pure joy.
Many diners have mixed feelings on Central but one point did stand out: their fried chicken platter.
But before I tell you about this fried chicken controversy (looks like politicians and chicken share something in common) let me tell you about their amazing gougeres.
Ever since my trip to Brazil a couple years ago I’ve loved pao de quiejo. The buttery cheesy warm goodness that goes into your mouth are enough to bring a smile to your face but its actual bread not just cheese.
That’s why I love the cheese puffs here at Central. Its not just fried cheese rolled up into a ball like mozzarella sticks or bread sprinkled with cheese it’s an actual mix between cheese and bread.
Since everything is mixed together it allows the little puffs of delight to have a chewy but firm texture making each bite harder and harder to control until oh no, they’re gone.
I’m not exactly sure what type of cheese is used but it does make for a smooth not too strong cheesy experience.
As many would say going to Central and not ordering the delicious bites of joy is just not the Central experience you should have.
Ok so the fried chicken controversy: paying over $20 for fried chicken when you can find fried chicken all around DC for under $5? (Granted, it may not be the BEST chicken but at the end of the day, its chicken right?)
To Centrals credit their chicken is indeed one of the best dishes they offer. And I would honestly prefer to pay for their chicken instead of having 4-5 different chicken pieces from the ghettos of DC and not enjoying it.
It’s not fried chicken drenched in a million calories of cooking oil; it’s flaky, buttery, tender goodness. With its skin being so flaky and thin, along with its tender, juicy inside texture, you’ll be sure to fall in love with fried chicken and not think twice about ordering fried chicken at an upscale restaurant.
Perhaps my favorite part of this dish is their delicious buttery mashed potatoes. They are just the best things whipped up in Central’s kitchen (ok not best but one of the best).
Now call me crazy but while everyone is raging over their fried chicken and burgers I am a lover of their mashed potatoes.
Perhaps because its my favorite side and not everyone can get it right, I do wish that their portions were larger, especially because the chicken portion is very large.
I honestly suggest visiting Central at least once in your life. Not only will you become addicted to their delicious cheese puffs but also the beautifully decorated restaurant will definitely make you happy you chose this place for your cheesy cravings.
Cheers to Michel Richard!
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