The original BLT is in New York City, but its sister restaurant here in DC is very popular and offers the most fabulous steaks.

I enjoyed an excellent dinner with attentive service here on a busy Saturday evening.  I think every table was occupied, which is always a good indicator.  And these were locals eating here.

I started with a little selection of very tasty Charcuterie consisting of Speck, Chorizo, Soppresata, Brochiola and truffle bread.

The Tuna Tartar was my obvious choice for an appetizer which was presented as an extraordinary cube with crisp shallots on top and a layer of avocado underneath sitting in a soya-lime sauce. The plate itself was resting on a bed of ice which gave it an almost refreshing and quite unique taste.  Some of the other choices included East & West Coast Oysters, Cobb and Caesar Salad.  You are spoilt for choice when it comes to the steaks.  I chose the 10oz American Wagyu Skirt but they also offer a 10oz Hanger, 16oz Filet, 22oz Rib Eye, 40oz Porterhouse (for 2), and braised Short Ribs.  There is also a good selection of fish and shellfish.  My steak came with a selection of sauces: red wine, peppercorn and chimichurri.  All the steaks are USDA Prime or certified Angus and broiled at 1700 degrees and finished with a herb butter. I have to say mine was tender and tasty as was the accompanying spinach.  I must give a quick mention to their Popovers, which are just like our Yorkshire Puddings.  They even come with a mini recipe card so you can make them at home, but make sure you invite lots of people over as the recipe is for 12...

I should just add that BLT also offers a good value Dinner Blackboard Menu which changes daily and has a choice of 2 appetizers, 2 mains and sides and 2 desserts.

I briefly met Zahra Fardshisheh, the pastry chef and had pretty much the last of the Key Lime Pie.  She also said I should try the Blueberry Lemon Meringue Pie, which comes with a lemon sorbet.  I didn’t eat it all, but it was scrummy.

BLT has a very comprehensive wine list containing about 350 different types of wine.  I counted 10 whites and 14 reds available by the glass and far more by the bottle, coming from the US (Napa Valley, Washington State) as well as Chile, South Africa, Australia, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.  Troy, their very knowledgeable Sommelier suggested a wonderfully smooth full bodied 2006 Spanish Priorat Clos Roja.  He explained that the list was fairly new as they are trying to give a more international feel.  I thought they did well to keep some prices at a quite acceptable level.

The bar has a popular daily Happy Hour where all snacks and drinks are just $5.  The Cucumber Cooler is their signature house cocktail and is excellent.

Opening times.  Happy Hour: Monday to Friday from 5-6:30pm.   Lunch: Monday to Friday 11:30am to 2:30pm.  Dinner: Monday to Thursday 5:30pm to 10:30pm; Friday and Saturday 5:30pm to 11pm.  Closed all day Sunday.