After a long summer hiatus that left me searching the city for another restaurant that makes burgers from filet mignon, the casual eatery off the lower lobby of The Jefferson Hotel finally reopened last week with a new menu and a new chef.

While T.J.’s has kept that old-boys-club feel with lots of leather and wood, Chef James Schroeder has reinvented the menu, keeping the old favorites like the aforementioned burger and the popular Crab Cake Sandwich, while adding a few inventive appetizers, sandwiches and entrées that are sure to find a place on that list soon.

Schroeder didn’t have to travel far for his new job. He’s been the Sous Chef at the hotel’s fine dining outlet Lemaire for the past eight years. On his way downstairs, though, he brought some of that aesthetic with him, which shines in dishes like Herb Roasted Jumbo Scallops with Silver Queen Corn, Surry Sausage and Peppadew Peppers.

On the salads and starter lists, a new Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese is a nice addition to the Caesar and Mixed Greens options, and the Warm Roasted Garlic Hummus with Parmesan and Peppadew Peppers made me a convert.

Schroeder’s Hanover Tomato Gazpacho is to-die-for: a tangy and refreshing bowl of creamy bisque-like soup full of pine nuts and feta, and topped with crème fraiche. If you’re craving something spicy, go for the Slow Roasted Pork Quesadilla, stuffed with pulled pork, smoked Gouda, cider-braised cabbage and chipotle sour cream.

Appetizers and salads are in the $7 to $11 range, and portions are generous. The Quesadilla could easily double as a lunch plate. Schroeder has upscaled the sandwiches as well, with additions that include a Griddled Roast Beef & Swiss with caramelized onions, mushroom, and horseradish ($12) and a Grilled Chicken with warm brie, balsamic onions and baby greens ($11).

The new Roasted Vegetable and Hummus Tortilla Wrap ($10) is a welcome addition for vegetarians. New lunch entrées include the Jumbo Scallops ($21) and a House Fettuccine ($16), both of which show up on the dinner menu as well.

In addition to T.J.’s popular dinner Cheeseburger with Black Truffle Oil and Oyster Mushrooms ($17) and the obligatory New York Strip ($30), the dinner menu features the "best of” from the lunch menu and a wide variety of fish from Grilled Atlantic Salmon ($24) and Mahi-Mahi ($27) to Pan Seared Virginia Rockfish ($26).

The Maple and Brown Sugar Brined Pork Chop with Smoked Gouda Mac ‘n Cheese and Southern Collard Greens ($23) is sure to get the vote of our Southern state Senators and Representatives who hang out here after sessions.

Mom always told you, "You get what you pay for," and while T.J.’s is a bit pricier than your standard chain restaurant choices, the quality of the food makes it more than worthwhile to drop an extra couple of bucks.

The standout on the dessert menu is the Butterscotch Crème Brulee, with a velvety smooth consistency and perfectly crunchy crust. The cellar holds 100 bottles and 30 wine by-the-glass choices, including non-vintage ports and sherries, while the bar has a solid selection of the single malts and single barrel bourbons our politicos love.

A paired-down All Day Dining Menu is served until midnight, making this a great choice for après-legislating, as well as post-event partying.

As Virginia is poised to become a player on the national stage in our approaching presidential election, T.J.’s is sure to be a hub for the political debate. And, even if you’re undecided about who to vote for this fall, T.J.’s should be on everyone’s ballot.