Washington Post
September 2, 2007

Travel Postcard From Tom

By Tom Sietsema, Washington Post Food Critic

The name is apt. Splendido -- candlelit, rosesprayed and dressed up with mirrors and modern art -- is one of the city's most seductive places to dine. Visible behind a curtain-framed window in the back, chef David Lee pampers the palate with dishes that use some of the best local ingredients (look for meat from the revered Cumbrae Farms), preparing them so "the flavors speak for themselves," as he puts it. Lamb loin served with sweet-pea-stuffed ravioli and a silken scallop paired with smoked pork belly underscore Lee's unfussy elegance -- and restrained ego.