Back in 2008, when we published the results of our first survey, Eric Ziebold's restaurant barely fell into the Top Local Choice category. Given his background as a former second to Thomas Keller at the French Laundry, that didn't really make sense; at worst the combination of his talent and training should have yielded a rating of Recommended. There has been a distinct uptick in positive reviews since then, and the restaurant has now finally earned that rating, with comments like "food that is creative and full of flavor - Eric Ziebold is probably the best chef in D.C. now." Ziebold's mentor's influence is evident in dishes like butter-poached lobster with poached currants and toasted pine nuts, while Ziebold's own personality shines in a mille-feuille of prime Midwestern beef with bone marrow bread pudding.