Dinner and Cherry Blossoms, Wandering Waiters
At the end of a warm spring day a week or so ago, with cherry blossom petals drifting through the air, we decided to take in a nice dinner on the Georgetown waterfront.

We were initially tempted by the nearby "Tony & Joe's Seafood", but we looked at their menu, and had a quick chat with a table of patrons there. They suggested that we'd be better off at Sequoia, and fortunately we took their advice.

The dining area is spectacular, the trees outside were ablaze in lights, and the Potomac provided a very scenic backdrop. The decor and ambiance is very tastefully done, making me feel a little underdressed. We had been planning to sit outside, but the cooler evening made that impossible.

Quite a number of items on the menu tempted us -- even if the burgers seemed out of place to me -- but we finally settled on a couple of appetizers: a plate full of delicious mussels, and the well-executed duck and pine nut dumplings. For mains we split an order of the rack of lamb, which was traditional in preparation, done to order, and tasty. Couldn't resist dessert, either, and went for a tart berry concoction which was a nice, if fairly ordinary finish.

There were definitely problems with the service, which detracted from the dining experience. We were never sure about who our server was, and it seemed that our server wasn't too sure either. We kept getting handed off to various folks walking around the restaurant, which led to multiple orders for items that didn't come, or came very late. It's not good when servers keep walking by the table, meeting your eye, and never stopping.

Sure, I'd go back. But it would be for the food and the view.    [28 Apr 2003 18:53:45]

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     ­bcwine   

Excellent food but disappointing experience
We took good friends to dinner there last night and while the food was excellent, the experience was not. After a reasonable wait, drinks were brought but the martini consisted of warm gin in a wine glass with one olive on the side (the worst I've ever seen) and we were told no more Jack Daniels so we ordered a replacement. After about 20 minutes, the waiter returned for our food order but had to be reminded our friend was still waiting for his drink. Then, during dinner, we had to ask for little things like rolls and were not asked about coffee refills during deserts. The place was busy but we all left with the feeling that the experience was far from what we expected - given the hype and price.    [27 Jul 2003 14:36:36]

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     ­Dave   

It isn't McDonalds!
Everyone knows you go to a fast food restaurant during peak dining times to get the freshest prepared food (who wants a burger sitting under a heat lamp for 2 hours!) Sequoia IS NOT a place to experience for the first time on a Saturday night in June at 8PM. The place holds like 1000 people. Is is fun at that time, you bet! Are you going to get the same level service as a very good, 50 seat restaurant...don't be silly. If you want to experience this beautiful place with incredible views and very good food, go during the week or in the cooler months. I do all the time, and love it!    [28 Sep 2005 12:18:57]

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Recommended Dishes: Sea Bass

     ­mg, DC Native   

Winter Menu is Fabulous
No summer crowds or loud dining room. The winter menu is wonderful. Very inviting; more intricate items. The caesar salad is a picture, the tuna entree is superb. The pork chop is fit for royalty, and each and every dessert is as great tasting as it is beautiful.    [05 Feb 2006 15:00:54]

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     ­A Loyal Customer