FamousDC gets invited out a lot–Black Tie and Boots, 4th of July on Duke Cunningham’s yacht, your cousin’s roommate’s nephew’s Bar Mitzvah, tractor pulls, etc. And generally, we turn everyone down. Because we’re busy. And because we hate to change out of our sweatpants. But sometimes you gotta suit up, get out of the basement and explore your surroundings. We did just that when TravelOnion.com and the Park Hyatt Washington invited us to a special behind the scenes tour of the hotel and its restaurant, Blue Duck Tavern (BDT).

Before reporting on the good (there’s a lot), the bad (there’s not much) and the ugly (if our hostess for the day was any indication, no one working at the hotel fits that description), we’d first like to say that the Hyatt had us at hello. We didn’t let the cat out of the bag until we were already there, but BDT has been a go-to date spot for FamousDC for years (in fact, Famous already had a reservation for dinner the day of the tour).  Still, we had never been upstairs to one of the rooms (blame our dating skills, not the food), and wanted to know what makes the place tick.

Put simply, BDT and the Park Hyatt are more than a restaurant and a hotel; they are purposefully designed, detailed, high-quality experiences. We’ll start with BDT. Everything–from the massive doors evoking local architecture to the artisan menu–works together to create a seamless feeling of comfort and contentment. The Shaker-style tables and chairs and the walk-through kitchen make you feel like you’re eating in some one’s home–only you’re not worried about spilling your wine on the carpet.

We started with breakfast with our hosts, and while we’re not big fans of the meal in general (unless it includes an order of bacon for the table), we enjoyed the crab omelet and the pastries. I’m sure it helped that we were seated at the chef’s table–the same table the Obamas chose to celebrate their first wedding anniversary while living in the White House. The real highlight, though, was dinner.

The quality of each dish–from the charcuterie board (the best in town–though Sonoma is a close second) to the churned-in-house vanilla ice cream, really comes through. Dinner highlights included a cold beet salad (which was both sweet and fresh), a melt-in-your-mouth duck confit spaetzle “mac and cheese,” and a dessert that combines FamousDC’s favorite ingredients–chocolate, Makers Mark and fire. That’s right, a warm chocolate cake with MM flambe. Simply amazing.

The service is equally impressive. We certainly were treated well because we’re Famous–but no better than we were treated on earlier, less conspicuous visits. If you have the opportunity, request to be seated in Michael’s section. He’s a DC native (ask him for a history of the District’s synagogues), knows how to pair a wine, and will keep you laughing the entire meal–while at the same time giving you the space to enjoy your fellow diners’ company.

Now the bad news: BDT isn’t exactly cheap (especially if you succumb to the excellent wine selection, which we did)–and with most of us on the fed payroll getting Scrooged by President Obama until 2012, we need every penny. However, there are ways to keep down the costs. Food at BDT is served family style, and a group of four reasonable people will be content with two appetizers, two main courses and two sides. And if you’re really watching your budget, the full menu (as well as a lounge menu) are available in the bar. So go ahead and order the warm chocolate cake, wash it down with a Makers on the rocks and walk out with enough change in your pocket for a cab home. You can get a glass of wine for around $10, so there’s no need to break the bank on vino, either.

Now, on to the hotel. Beyond the bar and restaurant, the Hyatt has a lot to offer. There’s a tea cellar (which is really an extension of the bar) that offers all kinds of interesting teas. They’re on display in a glass case, and to be honest, really confused us (we like Lipton). Prices range from under $10 a pot to $300 a pot (if you’re spending that much on tea, come to FamousDC headquarters, and we’ll kick you in the kneecaps).

The Hyatt really hits its stride in the rooms, which go well beyond “oh, wow, this is big and nice.” The attention to detail is truly impressive (the coffee table books included a tome on Shaker furniture–remember the restaurant table and chairs?), and the amenities were incredible. Think a television wall that rotates between the office and the bedroom, and a walk-in slate shower room. You kind of feel like you’re walking through an issue of Architectural Digest.

The Hyatt is also a “DC experience” kind of place. The Willard is tired, the Mayflower is well-past its glory days and the W insists upon itself. The Park Hyatt simply *is*.

Which brings us to our recommendations:

BDT is good for: major celebrations, dates, holiday meals (they have seasonal buffets for each holiday), drinks (and flambe) at the bar. BDT is

NOT good for: meals you want to go quickly, meals you want to suck.

The Hyatt is good for: your parents who want the real DC experience, a special celebratory evening–say an anniversary.  The Park Hyatt is NOT good for: your younger sister’s 8th grade school group.

To learn more about the Park Hyatt Washington and BDT, visit their website or blog (which includes info on some pretty sweet deals, especially their $75-$110 New Years three course dinner), follow them on twitter (@BDTavern) or become a fan on the old Facebook.

Hugs, FamousDC