Poste Delivers

Springtime in DC is a season I look forward to each year. As the Japanese Sakura trees (cherry blossoms) create an almost fairytalesque feel throughout the city with their fluffy pinkish-white blossoms. Now my third spring here in DC, and I find myself layering up and shuffling an umbrella from hand to hand while dodging raindrops along DC's red brick sidewalks. I never mind a few drops especially when it washes away that blasted pollen - it's the cold that is annoying.

Monday, May 17 was yet another cold and rainy day in our nation's capital. That morning, I slipped on my red heels, Banana Republic red cardigan sweater, dark gray slacks and black jacket and stepped out into the chilled air. Why I attempted to style my hair I will never know since the weather had its own style ideas called "How frizzy can we get Lisa's hair? Let's call it the Chiapet look. Fuzzy, funky, fresh."

My day consisted of waiting for bus after bus be it getting to work to running errands during lunch and lastly...waiting more than 25 minutes for the Circulator! Under my nifty blue and gray Georgetown University umbrella, I stood at the bus stop shivering and questioning myself - why was I making an effort in this dreary weather? I was on a mission. Oh yes, when I am on a mission there is no stopping me.

My part-time gig is being a DC Wine Rep for Fabbioli Cellars out of Leesburg, VA. My mission, and third attempt to meet with a manager at Poste Moderne Brasserie and find out if they'd like to reorder Fabbioli's wine. This past January I met with one manager who said a table had ordered our Raspberry-Merlot the night before. In February the restaurant went through reno and in April when I visited they were swamped! They say third time is a charm - so true about that cliche!

By the time 20 minutes rolled around at the bus stop, I considered clicking my ruby red heels three times in case they could whisk me back home. I turned left to cross the street and catch my own bus back home...when the Circulator literally rounded the corner in front of me! I took this as a sign, I had waited long enough...

Once at K Street and 17th, like Carrie Bradshaw in her heels slapping the New York City streets, with umbrella overhead, I headed toward Farragut North Metro Station and got off at Gallery Place Metro in Chinatown. Poste was across the street. I had one of those "Gawd, I love the city!" moments and happier to not have to worry about my car. Poste is connected to Hotel Monaco and housed in the original 1841 General Post Office.

Stepping into the hotel with its retro green and red colors, high ceilings, glowing green chandeliers, puzzle piece mirror on the wall...I felt like I stepped back in time - while it embodies both a class and elegance, I loved the 60s vibe. They just needed a red shag carpet and a picture of John Lennon on the wall.

Poste was straight ahead through the swinging door. I introduced myself to the hostess who called, Adam, the manager on duty. I waited patiently taking in the beautiful restaurant. Adam walked out from the back wearing a dark sharp thin pin stripe suit and friendly demeanor. We shook hands as I introduced myself and asked if they have any Fabbioli wine in stock. While they were currently out - he knew the two wines they carried and said they were interested in local wine and namely, Fabbioli Cellars. We chatted a bit about wine and he gave me a quick tour of the restaurant, showing me the courtyard bar and briefly explained how they have a garden where they grow their own herbs.

The mere fact they grow their own herbs tells me they care about quality. This also reminds me of Mudd's Restaurant in San Ramon, California that had their own garden. As a kid, I spent my summers at Mudd's Summer Nature Day Camp, learning about edible plants all thanks to Mudd's garden. I will never forget sneaking off with friends to the garden to steal raspberries or making fresh brewed mint tea.

The bartenders were friendly and talked me into these truffle oil fries with parmesan cheese. Who knew wine and fries would go together? I ended up striking up a conversation with a real estate gentleman from Boston. He informed me that Poste uses their fresh herbs to make homemade infused vodka's. Creativity. I love it!

In between introductions and the tour Adam talked me into having a drink. Since it was still early I figured I could enjoy a glass of wine and make a few other sales calls before hoping back on the metro. The rainy weather kept business slow that night as I found one spot left at the bar. I scooted onto the rather comfty bar stool and ordered a French Cab-Franc. Next thing I know, Adam comes around behind me at the bar with four large wine glasses and two bottles of wine. We tasted two other Cab-Franc's both of which I think were from California? A 2006 Palazzo Napa Valley and a 2007 Treffino (something tells me I didn't spell them correctly). The 2006 had more spice tones and less fruit, while the 2007 was well-balanced both in tannins and fruit (the fave). By this time, I was feeling rather good and enjoying this surprise wine tasting on the bar. He poured me a glass of the Treffino and went back to work. I had never been treated with genuine hospitality by a restaurant manager. Poste is class all the way around. Looking forward to warmer weather when I can bring friends to the courtyard bar!