Before I left for France, Marriott HQ called and invited me to a tasting of their new Bistro Menu. You know me, you want to fly me up to DC, put me up in a hotel for a night and feed me? I'm in! Seriously, I was very interested in hearing how the new Bistro they are rolling out throughout the US in their Courtyard Hotels was coming along. I had experienced one first hand in Carolina Beach, NC and thought it was a fabulous idea. The Bistro concept is a Panera meets a Starbucks idea. Some restaurants are considered Bistro Plus restaurants that offer table service and an extended menu at night. The Courtyard where I stayed in D.C. is a Bistro Plus so we were able to sample the food (my dinner pictured above - Maryland Style Crab cakes - YUM!) in the actual hotel versus the corporate test kitchen where the Tasting Panel was held. (Although I loved the kitchen and the chefs!)

Breakfast is their most popular time, as you can imagine and since the Bistro replaced their buffet breakfast, I was pleased to see that the menu, quality and taste of the food had stepped up considerably. I sampled a delicious oatmeal with brown sugar and fruit topping and egg white sandwich on a brioche roll, either of which would be perfect for a quick bite to eat before you head out for the day whether your trip is business or pleasure. They serve Starbucks coffee as well as just about anything else you could want first thing in the morning.

Lunch and dinner options are more elaborate, but just as quick to get and eat. Among the women on the tasting panel the Falafel sandwich was very popular. The younger folks thought the Ramen noodle salad was good, but reminded them too much of desperate college food. For me, I loved the Ramen noodle salad, college nightmare food is still Dominoes Pizza.

The other sandwich options were just as you'd expect, which in my book is a good thing. No need for surprises, right? The French Dip was a good size since it was not on a huge hoagie as often served and the Turkey Burger was, well, OK. But I'm prejudiced against turkey burgers because they are a big why to me. I mean a "real" hamburger is only about 60 calories more, so what's the point? But not surprisingly, most of the panel enjoyed it.We tried a bunch of other items that were both inventive and flavorful. One item they were still working on for the fall was an Apple and Chicken Salad, that when they get the right dressing, will be a huge hit, I'm sure. I was impressed with the thought and creative flair that has gone into the menu planning and know when I travel for business this type thing would be huge for me.

Besides the great food at affordable prices, the redesign has included work spaces and communal tables all with plugs for your electronics. No more crouching in the corner to plug up your laptop at the closest outlet, there are plenty to go around. Have you tried the new Bistro at the Courtyard yet? Tell me what you think. For me it's a definite improvement and a business thumbs up.

(Marriott did pay for me to visit their HQ as well as my stay in the Courtyard. This has not effected my review in any way. All photographs are of the actual food I tasted and reviewed.)