recently, i had the pleasure of dining at the palm, that hallowed sanctum of the d.c. political elite, for the first time. i’ll get straight to the point. i was treated to a tasting menu of caesar salad, lobster bisque, steak and lobster, a side of creamed spinach, and a pumpkin crème brulee for desert. i can see why people have been flocking here since 1972, when president george bush sr. (then the u.s. ambassador to the united nations), encouraged thepalmto expand from new york to the capital city. the steak was cooked perfectly medium rare and it was so tender, a knife was barely necessary. it was the best steak i have had yet in d.c. the lobster was similarly succulent, and all of the deserts, sides, maker’s mark manhattan, and wine were perfect as well. thepalmisn’t one of those d.c. power spots with so-so food (they definitely exist). no, this is a place with great food that attracts the city’s crème de la crème for that reason. for those of you who have never been,