Ris Lacoste to Leave 1789
And just a week after they dropped the no-beluga caviar bomb on Georgetown! It is sad times, Washington, sad times indeed. Ris Lacoste, the august and admired chef of one of DC’s premier restaurants, 1789, has told us that she plans to leave her post at the end of the year. Where will we get a margarita scallop ceviche? Where will we get a roast chicken that plucks the feathers off Palena’s? Where will we go?!? Excuse us while we go cry into our Malbec.

In all seriousness, this is a great loss for 1789. Ris’ cooking is always superlative, her commitment to using ingredients from local farmers and producers is shockingly firm, and — above all — she’s just really nice. Fortunately, she plans to take advantage of all her upcoming free-time to open her own place. Phew!

In the meantime, DCist urges all of our readers to scrimp and save for an all out dinner at 1789 before the reigning D.C. food-fight queen takes flight. It will be one of your best meals in Washington, and it’s worth doing at least once. Now that Ris’ departure has added some fuel to the fire, find a hottie and treat him or her to a great meal. Or go Dutch, we don’t care, just go.