Patriotic Plates: Dining on the 4th of July

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THE ICONIC IMAGE of July 4th celebrations focuses on the backyard: burgers, dogs, pasta salad. But not everyone wants to spend the day out in the sun and working the grill. Plenty of area restaurants have prepared fun red, white and blue themed meals as well as elegant buffets. Air conditioning is free of charge.

For a low-key, slightly conceptual taste of Americana, Extra Virgin in Shirlington has all the colors covered. The featured music: the blues. The featured food: Caprese salad (red tomato, white mozzarella) and pasta (red sauce, white pasta). Dessert is a light, red, white and blueberry parfait. And — here's the kicker — all dishes are $7.04.

Pizzeria Paradiso has a back-to-college theme with a "frank and beans" starter, barbecue chicken pizza and plenty of American beers on draft. This special lasts through July 7. Of course, though, free beats all. If you spring for the $14.50 red, white and blue martini at Town & Country in the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, its 10 p.m.-to-midnight buffet is free.

The mess of crowds on the Mall is almost unbearable, but viewing fireworks from across the water can be a calming alternative. Choose Indigo Landing's second seating, from 7 to 9 p.m., and you can linger on the deck after the buffet dinner to watch the sky light up over the Potomac. The $75-per-person spread includes sliced hickory-smoked prime rib, grilled salmon and roast pork loin. Caesar salad, grilled corn on the cob and mashed potatoes round out the classic sides.

And if fireworks from across the river sounds like the right start, fireworks from 14 floors up is another story. Dinner starts at Revival, the new restaurant at the Key Bridge Marriott, where the buffet highlight is sautéed-to-order soft shell crabs. Dessert, a separate offering, includes crème brule, fruit parfaits, mini French pastries, root beer floats and a chocolate fountain. The full meal is $50,; it's $25 for dessert and fireworks display.

Now, convincing your friends that an air-conditioned environment and a prepared meal is available on Independence Day will be the toughest part of your holiday weekend.

» Extra Virgin, 4053 Campbell Ave., Arlington; 703-998-8474.
» Indigo Landing, 1 Marina Drive, Alexandria; 703-548-0001.
» Pizzeria Paradiso, 2029 P St. NW; 202-223-1245. (Dupont Circle) 3282 M St. NW; 202-337-1245.
» Revival at Key Bridge Marriott, 1401 Lee Highway, Rosslyn; 703-524-6400. (Rosslyn)
» Town & Country at the Mayflower Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-347-3000. (Farragut West)

Written by Express contributor Stefanie Gans
Photo courtesy Marriott