REVIEW: Panache, Dupont South

First time I was here was about 5 years ago at an industry party and wound up dancing on the benches with other fellow servers and bartenders well past midnight- flash forward to noon today and I was at a business lunch figuring out how Driven Inc can help green ACS.  Either way, the food there is delicious.  Is it all sustainable?  Definitely NOT but with some picking and choosing there's plenty to eat.  Swordfish, Atlantic salmon, ahi tuna and chilean seabass are SERIOUSLY overfished and often times before they reach sexual maturity.  They were all on the menu.  I chose the pasta special, and for me to say it was great says so much considering I'm such a pasta snob.  Slightly al dente, penne with chicken, basil and dried chorizo in a vodka sauce.  Very very nice. Portions are the appropriate size and the 'patio' seating is key.  Check it if youre in the neighborhood and need some place nice since there aren't too many- just try and stay away from seafood whose populations are at the brink of collapse.  If youre not sure GO HERE and type in the name of a fish youre curious about or print out a "fish card" to keep in your wallet.  It makes a difference. Panache 1725 DeSales St 202.293.7760