8407: More than just the numbers

8407 isn't geared towards high schoolers, but don't let that stop you. Though the restaurant's sophisticated décor and mildly expensive menu are clearly targeted toward an older audience, 8407 ultimately delivers what any person looks for in a dining experience, regardless of age: good food.

Even the most architecturally ignorant person can appreciate the design of 8407, which is named for its address on 8407 Ramsey drive. The restaurant's appearance and atmosphere create cozy elegance. The first floor is a casual lounge with flowers on the tables and giant couches for children to play on; soft green semicircular benches line the exposed brick walls of the more formal upper floor. Peaceful music plays, and the ceilings show an impressive array of light fixtures, from little pink teardrops hanging from a wire to what look like fireworks in chandelier form. The artistically arranged liquor bottles in the center of the restaurant are another tip-off about 8407's usual age range, but students with an eye for design will certainly enjoy the view.

The restaurant's commitment to making things pretty yet practical comes in part from its chef, Pedro Matamoros, who left the nearby Nicaro to start 8407. Matamoros told "The Washington Post" that part of the reason he left was a desire to make simpler food. While the menu certainly has enough unusual choices for the adventurous eater, those looking for a classic dinner will be pleased with the chicken sandwich or the restaurant's legendary burger and fries, most of which are delicious.

The prices may be something of a concern for students, however, as salads cost $7-$9, seafood costs $8-$10 and desserts range from $7-$13, and there is no denying that 8407 can't beat a lot of neighboring restaurants for cheapness. Those looking for a meal of extremely good value should try the $10 hamburgers for a delicious yet reasonably inexpensive option.

For those interested in a lighter meal, 8407 boasts a wide spectrum of soups and salads. The fig salad is a mixture of complementary elements of appearance and taste, which makes it both beautiful and delicious. The wonderful aesthetics of the green lettuce in its sour dressing against the sharp white cheese and the red sweet figs are enough to make customers wish they brought a camera. The heirloom beet salad is even more stunning; delivered on a long rectangular plate, it is a variety of breathtakingly colorful beets toned down by lettuce, fava bean shoots and pine nuts on a bed of sweet cream. On colder nights, try the sweet yet spicy butternut squash soup, topped with a stemlike drizzle of herbs. It goes fantastically with the three types of bread - delivered by the extremely fast and accommodating staff—baguette, tomato and parmesan as well as cranberry and walnut.

And anyone with a sweet tooth will love 8407's dessert selections. Ranging from more traditional items like crème bruleé to basil ice cream, 8407's menu will satisfy all eaters. On the bizarre—but definitely not bad—side is the goat cheese flan, a sweet-sharp cheesecake-like concoction served with blueberries in syrup and vanilla ice cream. The mango soup, an explosively colorful dessert with tropical fruit and coconut sorbet swimming in a mango "broth" is also a refreshing treat.

True, with the menu's pricing, 8407 is meant more for the adult crowd, but the restaurant's charm could appeal to anyone. Any Blazer looking to spent some parent-child bonding time, impress a date, or simply enjoy a more formal meal should visit 8407. With beautiful surroundings, wonderful service and interesting and tasty food, Blazers are sure to leave happy.

8407 is located on 8407 Ramsey Avenue in Silver Spring. It is open 11:30 a.m –10:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. – 12 a.m on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Sundays.