All words: Brittany Martin

All photos: Franz Mahr

J&G Steakhouse, inside the W Hotel, may be nestled at the bustling corner of Tourist Street and Office Worker Lane – but they have managed to create a relaxed and inviting patio space for leisurely outdoor lunches, dinners, and drinks. The secret to their new-for-2012 redesign and expansion of the patio is some very strategic shrubbery which dissuades those who would spy on diners as they pop the addictive truffle-cheese-jalapeño croquettes into their mouths by the mini-cast-iron-skillet-full – while still allowing for some prime people watching.

Those croquettes – hot and gooey, with just a nice touch of spice and topped with a lime-infused finishing salt – are a signature dish at J&G and, while technically not on the patio menu at lunchtime, the sweet and obliging staff are willing to whip up a batch upon request. The lunch menu generally focuses on lighter fare than one might expect from someplace with “steakhouse” in the name – though a variety of steaks, lobsters, and such are available if that is what you fancy. Otherwise, the fare skews toward seafood, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. A $19 Express Lunch option includes one’s choice of two dishes from a selection – and they guarantee you will get back to your office before anybody notices your “meeting” ran long.

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Thursday 07/27

Hypnotist Flip Orley @ DC Improv

$17

No two Flip Orley shows are the same, which is why he's been a DC Improv favorite since the 1990s. Flip uses hypnosis to turn audience members into the stars of the show. He leads volunteers through twisted scenarios, getting reactions that are almost beyond belief – and he does it all without humiliating anyone. Whether you’re on stage or watching from the audience, Flip’s show is unforgettable. And no, we weren’t hypnotized into writing this.

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The salads, perfect for warm, sunny days, are particularly good. An entree-sized shrimp salad with bright tender greens and unctuous avocado is topped with a Champagne dressing and decadent butter-cooked shrimp that taste quite a lot like lobster at a smaller price. From the sandwich selections, the crabcake is a winner and even the grilled portobello is well-considered, topped with arugula and parmesan, and avoids the trap of the after-thought vegetarian entree option.

Special patio drinks are featured – from the herbaceous and sweet non-alcoholic sparkling thyme lemonade to ginger margaritas available by the pitcher. Should sipping on that pitcher last you past lunch, the patio switches over to an afternoon lounge menu from 2:30 to 5pm, with a more limited selection of snacks to accompany/justify your classy outdoor day drinking (including burgers, caesar salads, salted caramel ice cream sundaes topped with peanuts and popcorn). The full dinner menu becomes available again at 5:00.

Everything at J&G is beautifully presented and the light touch of Asian influence keeps the food fresh and modern without being over the top. Combine that with a relaxed but elegant outdoor space and you have a perfect summer afternoon destination.