Le Diplomate - DC

Original review below. Updated review:

Food, as always, is amazing at this bistro in downtown DC. One might take a look and think it is a 'hole in the wall', but it's patronized by quite literally everyone and their mother, including politicians and presidents.

Unlike the last review, the past several times I've been, they not only have presented the absinthe in Pontarlier style glasses, they also offer absinthe spoons with sugar cubes, as well as bringing out a full fountain. Service is MUCH improved. Not an extensive list, but good enough.

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The food last night was unbelievable. I still can't get over how good the bread was.

My only complaint would be the absinthe service. If you're going to go through the pretense of having absinthe service on the menu, it would be wise to offer the proper preparation. My absinthe came as a one ounce dose at the bottom of a regular water glass, served with two other smaller glasses, one with water, and one with ice.

The first issue with this presentation: it is cumbersome and messy to pour the water into the absinthe glass. I'd recommend a small carafe or something similar instead, to make it easier to pour.

Second issue: not enough water. I was only given about 3 oz of water, which would bring the absinthe to about a 2:1 water to absinthe ratio. Properly prepared absinthe needs at least 3 parts, and sometimes as much as 5 parts water. The end product should be about the same ABV as wine.

By serving it in this manner, you're virtually guaranteeing a lack of repeat absinthe business. A stronger presentation with the right amount of water will not only please the customer, but will generate more interest from surrounding diners, leading to more purchases. :)

Overall, the food is incredible. I hope they improve their absinthe service, as the ambiance would be perfect.