Primrose has always been a Brookland mainstay for wine and French bistro food, but it recently had a modern upgrade by new executive chef Patrick Benton, a Maryland native with Kinship, minibar, and Café Riggs on his resume. His plates, like a vegetarian version of French onion soup or beets laced with chile oil, match up with co-owner Sebastian Zutant’s collection of unusual, exciting wines. The space feels like a fancy Parisian bistro transformed by co-owner Lauren Winter of D.C. design house Edit Lab, who put up a tin ceiling and projects in-motion art pieces on the wall.
Primrose was originally a wine bar, so be sure to consult Zutant on what to sip. Or ask about the impressive chartreuse (and other French herbal liqueurs) collection that they mix with spirits like mezcal to create original cocktails.
Benton’s new five-course prix fixe ($80) is more than worth the price. He has started incorporating surprise off-menu dishes, like seared duck with a rich cranberry sauce. Don’t skip the $40 beverage pairings, as Zutant will surprise you with skin-contact wine, crazy varietal mixes, and intricate stories for each course.
An eclectic group dinner for wine enthusiasts. The meat lover can get a smash burger coated in Gruyere, while vegans delight in small plates and mains like charred eggplant covered in warming ras el hanout seasoning.
Dining and Cooking