Americans have a longstanding tradition of unsuccessfully bringing the outdoors inside:

• Running on a treadmill may result in whooping cough.
• Domed baseball games feature 78% fewer runs scored.
• Captive primates learn to speak, then to insult.

Rock Creek Mazza broke the trend when it successfully planted a giant, artificial oak tree in the middle of its dining area. The move has delighted customers and yielded countless benefits including:

• Tree serves as a backup roof.
• Tree infuses dishes with tasty leaves.
• Branches prepare tableside guacamole.

Details

Today’s deal gets you $35 worth of healthy, calorie-conscious food and drink for only $15 at Rock Creek Mazza, located at 5300 Wisconsin Ave., NW. Rock Creek’s mission is to create “mindful dining,” a concept based on preparing imaginative meals with local, sustainable, and organic ingredients.

Chef Ethan McKee populated Rock Creek’s menu with many tasty dishes, including pan-seared Alaskan cod (Israeli couscous with Nicoise olives and pine nuts), braised beef short ribs (purple top turnips, wilted spinach, potato puree), and roasted Amish chicken breast (spring vegetable medley, pearl onions, red wine sauce).

Reviews

The Washington Post says Rock Creek Mazza “offer[s] dishes that go easy on the fat, sodium and calories.” Ninety-five percent of Urban Spoon reviewers like Rock Creek Mazza, and Yelpers and OpenTablers give it four stars. Here’s what they’re are saying:

• Food- Excellent. This is definitely 5 stars. The gnocchi was fantastic!! The pear salad was yummy as well. The molten cake was the best I have had. It seemed everyone else loved there [sic] food as well. All of the food is fresh and served in proper (small) portions. The last page of the menu includes nutritional information if you want it. – Jeff S., Yelp
• The service was perfect. Very prompt and pleasant without being overbearing-they definitely win points from me for that! The food (which is pretty much the most important part, right?) was delicious and healthy. They provide nutritional information for most items on their menu…Parking is available in the lot below the Mazza Galleria, and Rock Creek validates for up to two hours. It is also easily metro accessible from the Friendship Heights stop on the Red Line. – Jed S., Yelp
• The health-conscious menu is limited but every dish seems inventive and tasty. There is always a delightful amuse-bouch. On this visit it was a small cup of soup and it was a treat. The breads are quite good and served with a puree rather than butter. Everyone at my table enjoyed their entree and the first-course salads. – Open Table user