Thursday, September 9, 2010

JOHNNY'S HALF SHELL in Washington DC

The newly located Johnny's Half Shell near Capitol Hill now ranks among my favorite spots in Washington DC. They combine Chesapeake Bay and Gulf Coast influences for an inspired menu. I had lunch at the bar on a sunny afternoon in August and it was just about perfect - Maryland crab cake followed by shrimp and grits with a cold Anchor Steam. My companion ordered the fried shrimp 'po boy - half order is plenty - and it was delicious. The menu is gigantic and features oysters and wide variety of seafood specialties: grilled halibut, Mississippi catfish, fritto misto, and Chesapeake boulliabaise. Great music, too: jazz and blues from the 40s and 50s. Big, beautiful space with a huge dining room and two terraced areas. Johnny's Half Shell is the bomb. 400 North Capitol St. N.W.