Standing behind the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. is proof of great food and gorgeous wines in a simple and elegantly rustic atmosphere. “Proof” is one of the growing number of restaurants in the country that has an enomatic wine preserving system. This system allows you to sample many different wines before or during dinner, rather than ordering by the full glass. A visit to the bar before dinner sets the stage for a lovely evening with colleagues. Behind the bar stands over 30 bottles that are perfectly preserved in order for you to sample wines you may never think to order.

A perfect first course is the Chef’s charcuterie board with amazing selections of meats that may include Pate Campagne with Sour Cherries & Pistachios, Duck Terrine with Apples & Cognac, Bresaola, Finocchioana, Artisanal Salumes, Saucisson de Paris or Rossette De Lyon and many others. You may also order these and many other sliced nibbles individually.

Perfectly complimenting these meat selections are options for lovely cow, goat, sheep and blue cheeses. Divine tastes like Tilsiter, Pont-l’Eveque, Lincolnshire Poacher, Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, Pecorino Ginepro, Pipe Dreams Demi-Sec, and Roquefort Societe go well with the charcuterie. Ask for the perfect wine pairings with these selections and be sure to share with the table. Even the plainest of eaters will find a meat and cheese they enjoy. Also, the Proof wine list is extensive and diverse and ripe for exploration. Proof Wine List

Moving onto dinner, there are so many more opportunities for small tastes. The simplest sounding dish of chilled tomato soup is actually a mouth-watering flavorful treat. The “spicy little meatballs” (no matter what comical Italian accent you use when you read it on the menu) are a serious taste to be reckoned with…preferably with a warming Cab in your arsenal to wash them down.

The soft-shelled crab or ceviche are terrific small plates for those in need of a quick seafood fix. For the land lover, a highly recommended small plate is the warm 'hen of the woods' quiche, which many ‘real men’ at the table will eat, and enjoy. Warm flatbreads with different topping are also great small selections.

If you’d like to get right down to it, the entrees feature Pekin duck breat, pan roasted black pearl salmon, grilled hanger steak, pork loin, and gnocchi are just a few of the main dishes that you and your colleagues will likely find delicious.

Throughout the meal, expect much feedback that is no where near the business topics you likely will intend to discuss when you make your plans to visit Proof. It’s okay. Leave it alone. Enjoy the moment and leave the shop-talk for coffee and dessert.