Despite the heavy competition in its bustling Barracks Row location, Garrison stands apart with farm-fresh food and modern-rustic good looks. The brick patio, lined with flowering plants and aromatic herbs, makes a good first impression, and heat lamps extend the life of alfresco dining. Inside, abundant wood defines the look, which subscribes to the Scandinavian, less-is-more school of thought. Area farms dictate the menu, but for hyper-seasonal selections, note the handwritten daily specials. The cooking style is ramped up American: smoke-infused potatoes are balanced by a pungent ramp aïoli; and green chickpea-crusted Chesapeake blue catfish is matched with a rhubarb coulis. Strawberry short cake parfait is like springtime in a glass. - MICHELIN guide inspectors