Jennifer Sergent

Senior Communications Writer | Perkins Eastman

Frank Ruta’s Artful Spring Menu at Capella

I was flattered yesterday to be included in an exciting group of DC women creatives at a brunch to celebrate chef Frank Ruta’s Spring menu at the Capella in Georgetown—my first time dining at the Grill Room. Our hostesses were Corie Sue Morris of Bitches who Brunch (below, fourth from right), and Tiffany Rioux (below, far left), Capella’s director of sales and marketing.

capellagroup

I know, this is not normally a place you come to read about food, but Chef Ruta is legendary in this city, and his dishes are like art, especially when he’s using spring’s fresh palette:

The Grill Room Salad
The Grill Room Salad

 

A platter of oysters with tender spring greens
A platter of oysters with tender spring greens

 

OK, not exactly spring, but who can resist this burger (Ruta became famous for it at Palena), topped with a hen's egg and truffle cheese?
OK, not exactly spring, but who can resist this burger (Ruta became famous for it at Palena), topped with a hen’s egg and truffle cheese?

 

Freshly squeezed orange juice
Freshly squeezed orange juice

 

Lemon sorbet and a dreamy caramel/chocolate terrine
Lemon sorbet and a dreamy caramel/chocolate terrine

 

Being a group of women who are all in social media, no one ate a thing until we had all thoroughly photographed the food. This is Corie Sue with a nice angle on the madeleines, served with meyer lemon marmalade.
Being a group of women who are all in social media, no one ate a thing until we had all thoroughly photographed the food. This is Corie Sue with a nice angle on the madeleines, served with meyer lemon marmalade.

 

When I wasn’t eating, I was taking in the gorgeous dining room, lit by sunlight coming in off the C&O Canal.

dining-corner

 

diningroom

 

greenorchid

 

champagne

The best part about this gathering was meeting new friends in the creative space around DC—and finding new blogs to follow! Here’s a partial list—I hope you’ll check them out:

Ashley Adams of Chicville USA, a fashion, lifestyle and decor blog.

China Rae Riddle, the blogger behind The Hungry Lobbyist.

Tammy Gordon of Florida Girl in DC (a woman after my own heart—I used to cover Florida issues in DC for Scripps Howard News Service).

Carlene Thomas of Healthfully Ever After, a healthy living blog.

Katie Urban of A Touch of Teal, a design and lifestyle blog.

Teri Clar, the interior designer and stylist behind Nafasi Interiors.

Jennifer Lavallee of Bella Jenna, a collection of custom stationery, greeting cards and invitations.