Looking for a good restaurant to go to this weekend? Then this post is for you.

I had a chance to be part of a local blogging team that is promoting our fair city of Washington in preparation for the Public Relations Society of America’s 2014 International Conference, Oct. 12-14, at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.

My post is on D.C.’s dining hot spots near the hotel and elsewhere around town.

Many thanks to Sheri Singer for organizing and editing our blog series. You might enjoy her post on “D.C. Fun Facts.” And thanks to the entire PRSA-NCC host committee!

Here are a few excerpts from my post, but you’ll need to go to the ComPRension website to get the list of “good eats.” Bon appétit!

It used to be the Washington dining scene was known mostly for its downtown “power-lunch” spots, formal dinner parties along Embassy Row or the dives on Capitol Hill for starving congressional staffers.

Then a funny thing happened in our nation’s capital. Ambitious young chefs started moving in and opening interesting new eateries. Ethnic neighborhoods blossomed, and there was suddenly a vibrant restaurant scene. Add in D.C.’s Southern roots and an emphasis on farm-fresh ingredients, and you have a gastronomical mixing bowl.

Today D.C. ranks #8 in “America’s Best Restaurant Cities” by Esquire magazine. In fact, the TV show Top Chef taped a season in D.C. And many D.C. area chefs have participated in the 12 seasons of Top Chef competitions, including Bryan Voltaggio, Mike Isabella, Spike Mendelsohn, and Carla Hall–a host on  ABC’s The Chew.