Recipe: French Lentil Salad
From Black Forest Cuisine: The Classic Blending of European Flavors, Running Press

Salad:

4 cups French lentils
2 carrots, peeled and cut into strips about 2 inches long and 1/8 inch wide
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and chopped
2 large cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1 dried bay leaf
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
9 slices lean bacon, chopped

Dressing:

1 bunch fresh chives, chopped
1 red onion, peeled and finely chopped
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Restaurant review: Willow
4301 North Fairfax Dr.
Arlington, Va.
(703) 465-8800

Willow is a fantastic addition to Ballston, where fine dining and formal settings are a rare breed. The food is billed as French-Northern Italian, but chef Tracy O'Grady seems to enjoy ranging further afield. The bill of fare isn't deep, but small shifts in ingredients and dishes keep the solid core of the menu fresh.