There's a beautiful post-storm sky today in DC that begs for a patio dinner at RIS. The best of the local farmers markets is being featured, with tomatoes, green beans, berries, and peaches. Today we have white peaches, in our White Peach Pie, with raspberry sauce and peach sour cream ice cream.

Chef Sarah tells us to keep an eye out for eggplant and squash, coming soon.

Calling all ice cream connoisseurs! Unusual flavors are popping up that go way beyond basic vanilla. At RIS, it's Peanut Curry and Buttered Popcorn, as featured here in the Washington Post Express. Flavors change periodically through the week based on Chef Chris's ever-changing inspirations. Have a flavor profile you'd like to taste? Unlike the Good Humor Man, we do take requests.

Thanks, TripAdvisor diners! You have ranked us #3 in Washington, DC restaurants. Visit our page and read the reviews. Where would we be without our loyal fans?

As you know, Rush Hour at RIS has always been relaxing, with specials from 4-6:30 at the bar. Starting today, we are happy to offer those same great specials from 9:30-11pm during Late Bite. For all you dedicated workers who sit at your desks well into the evening, Late Bite offers the same great deals after the sun goes down. We may not offer tax relief, but this deal is a break for everyone.

How apropos that today, the beginning of Restaurant Week, is Julia Child's 99th Birthday. I think that every chef, whether in a restaurant or as the home cook, feels her influence. She paved the way for women chefs including our Chef Ris, who created “Cooking for Julia” a documentary that aired in 2002 on PBS celebrating the 90th birthday of Julia Child.

Julia's last book, My Life in France, ended with

"... thinking back on it now reminds that the pleasures of the table, and of life, are infinite - toujours bon appétit!" That about says it all.

Happy Birthday, Julia! Thanks for all of the recipes and the memories.

Restaurant Week starts Monday, August 15. We are so excited to share our special Restaurant Week Menu with you. We will also offer our full menu, but our daily specials like Meatloaf Monday are taking a break to make room for the offerings of Restaurant Week. We look forward to seeing you all this week!

Restaurant Week is August 15-21. RIS is participating with a lovely menu featuring Olman's Guatemalan Gazpacho, Grilled Quail and Key Lime Semifreddo, among other offerings... Spaces are filling quickly! Call for preferred reservations, (202) 730-2500. We look forward to serving you!