Grill Nights At Occidental

Chef Rodney Scruggs hits the grill on Occidental's patio.

I'm a firm believer that food somehow tastes better outdoors, preferably in close proximity to a smoky grill.

If you're with me, you'll want to check out the Occidental’s new Wednesday Grill Nights, when chef Rodney Scruggs leaves the restaurant stove for a roomy grill on the patio. Starting at 5 p.m., Scruggs is serving a special menu of dishes off the grill to diners on the patio and patio lounge.

Each Wednesday alternates between standard grill fare — bison burgers, strip steak and yellowfin tuna — and the chef's take on a New England clambake with Maine lobsters, clams and mussels. For more info, call the restaurant at 202.783.1475.