This week’s Womply merchant spotlight is on 15 ria, which is located inside the Doubletree Washington DC in Logan Circle. Not only does it feature award-winning contemporary American cuisine, but it also features an elegant dining atmosphere, and you’re sure to have a great experience here. In addition to serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch, 15 ria also has a fantastic bar and dessert menu that you can’t pass up. Furthermore, 15 ria caters special occasions such as weddings and parties. As Doubletree’s official catering provider, 15 ria is the perfect choice for tasty dishes and excellent service at any special event held at the Doubletree.

Another wonderful characteristic of this boutique-style downtown DC restaurant is its focus on using market-fresh and local products, thus incorporating the freshest regional ingredients into its meats, seafood, and side dishes. Feast on a cocoa-chili dusted New York strip steak with mashed potatoes, sugar snap peas, and a Merlot reduction for dinner or indulge in a Vermont mascarpone stuffed french toast topped with seasoned berries and warm Virginia maple syrup during Sunday brunch. We encourage you to also top any meal off with a delectable dessert such as the chocolate hazelnut truffle torte if you have room.

15 ria has outdoor terrace seating as well as an intimate bar and lounge area in addition to its main seating area. Choose your atmosphere of choice and enjoy one of the signature cocktails such as a Blueberry Smash made with Bacardi Limon, fresh mint, and blueberries or a pint of a first-rate microbrew. 15 ria also makes a delicious cocktail with a bourbon infused pear–a must try!

Womply got the great opportunity to chat with Patty, 15 ria’s restaurant manager. Below she tells us about some of her favorite dishes, experiences with customers, and what it takes to run a successful restaurant. We were thrilled to speak with Patty, and we hope that you enjoy reading our exclusive interview with her.

Womply’s Interview with Patty from 15 ria

What is your name and title?
Patty Taye, Restaurant Manager

How long have you been working at this restaurant?
Just about 5 years.

What is your favorite thing about working here?
I love customer service.  Working with others to make sure each guest is satisfied with their meal, drinks, and dining experience is wonderful.

What is your favorite dish here?
My favorite dishes are the Fritto Misto, Pan Roasted Chicken Breast, Lamb Shank and Crab Cake Sandwich. The Blackened Rainbow Trout is also fantastic!

What characteristics of the dish make it your favorite?
The Blackened Rainbow Trout has a lemon-chive save with chesapeake rice pilaf and jumbo Lump crab cake, making the dish even tastier with two different kinds of fish.
The lamb shank is mouth watering, and the meat falls apart on the bone. It is cooked perfectly to make the meat nice and tender.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever eaten?
The best thing I have ever eaten was Chicken Cigarette.  The presentation and flavor was to die for.

Care to share a tip on how to run a successful restaurant with us?
Running a successful restaurant is knowing your customer, knowing your staff and the surrounding.  If you know your surrounding (neighbors, friends, family, company, metro station), it will help you know what type of customer will visit the restaurant.  

What was one of the most enjoyable experiences you’ve had with a customer?
Having to take an order that’s not on the menu and delivering it.  To see the customer smile because we delivered something they have been wanting to eat is always a great experience.

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15 ria is located at 1515 Rhode Island Avenue, NW in Washington DC.

A special thanks to Patty for taking the time to chat with us!