Check it Out: Bob's Noodles 66

For starters, I feel I do need to admit that being out in Rockville this particular gem definitely pushes the limit on what can be considered “eating the district.” Now that's out of the way though, Bob's Noodles 66 is so far beyond worth the trip that you would be a fool not to drop by for a bite.

Flanked at 305 North Washington Street by an alarmingly-ethnic candy shop and a liquor store, Bob's Noodles lies nestled in the middle of a in a nondescript, Rockville strip mall. Its quirky neighbors aside however, the restaurant itself is as unassuming as it might be. No flashing light or bright colors here, just a name odd enough to give someone a moments pause, written in an equally odd (and oddly appropriate) cursive typeface. Unsurprisingly, things are not much different on the inside; with all the usual trappings of an Asian restaurant, Bob's is pretty vanilla. When I ate there it was at 4 pmish however – the restaurant was understandably empty – and as such the bulk of the staff had busied themselves with chopping up a heap of leek-like somethings at a nearby table. It seemed to slow the service down a tad, but we were in no hurry so it gave the place a welcome dash of home-cooking intimacy.

Last paragraph not get you revved up to make the hour plus trek out to Rockville? I'm not surprised. I haven't talked about the food yet. Anyone who has been fortunate enough to eat “real” Chinese / Taiwanese food knows that it's infinitely less greasy than its sauce-heavy American counterpart. The result being delicious food that packs a ton of flavor but doesn't leave you feeling bloated and foolish afterward. I was brought to Bob's by a friend who regularly frequents the joint, so I just let him handle the ordering. Largely unfamiliar with Taiwanese cuisine I had no idea what to expect from oyster pancakes, mapotofu, sizzling flounder, an sacha noodles. What I did know is that this place was legit. The food arrived and was incredible; interesting new flavors and textures coupled with huge portions and cheap prices to make Bob's one of the more memorable dining experiences I have had since coming to DC. In short, whoever this “Bob” character may be, his noodles are on point.

Yes its a hike (Metro ride + bus ride + 10 minute walk), but if you even remotely like Taiwanese cuisine, its one that's well worth your time. Suck it up and get going, Bob is waiting.

Check it Out: Hook

Ever since I stumbled across Georgetown's Tacklebox a year or so back, I had been dying to try its sister restaurant (and neighbor) Hook. Where Tacklebox represents the family-style, quasi soul food, end of the seafood spectrum, Hook is all class. Located in Georgetown, right on the main drag (M St.) between Wisconsin and Potomac, it's central location makes it the perfect place to either wrap up a day of shopping, or kick of a night at the bars.


While they do offer the odd steak or salad, the real draw here is the fish. The flavors are delicious, but more importantly (in my opinion at least) they are combined in interesting ways. Anyone who pairs raw mahi mahi with pickled watermelon is ok in my book. The menu is set up in such a way that there are four courses (Crudo, 2nd course, 3rd course and desert respectively) but its ultimately up to you how it all goes down. I started with a Crudo dish; 1 type of fish served raw in 3 small portions, each accompanied by its own unique garnish, and then had 2 appetizers (the tuna tartare and the blue mussels) as a main course. All three were great, especially the mussels which were served in a Thai inspired red curry / coconut milk broth.

I'm a sucker for well-done interior design, so in addition to the food, I couldn't help but appreciate the stellar job that was done on communicating the restaurant's aquatic theme throughout the dining rooms / bar area. Blue and white tones blend with soft lighting and fantastic photographs to great effect. Its almost worth the price of admission in and of itself.

The prices are on the steep side, but not prohibitively, so if you're looking to splurge on some fantastic seafood, this is your place. Who knows, you might even get hooked. (sorry for that, I couldn't help myself)

Check it Out: Thai Kitchen

For a good part of my life, I had foolishly overlooked Thai cuisine as no more than Pad Thai and Tom Yum soup. It was tasty to be sure, but never enough to ensnare my senses the way that other things had. As such, up until this summer, I had carried on woefully ignorant to the vast, untapped, and tasty world of complex flavors and tantalizing textures that is Thai cooking. The turning point came around early August, when some friends and I decided to check out a little known joint way out by 5th and Georgia named Thai X-ing - the food was far better than I could have ever imagined, and ever since then I’ve been on a pretty serious Thai food kick.

Located just north of Foggy Bottom on M St. between 23rd and 24th, I had passed by Thai Kitchen countless times. Never really motivated to drop in either on account of the garish orange gate that guards its street-level entrance, or my aforementioned indifference to Thai cuisine. Ultimately however, a few weeks back, it appeared that I had exhausted the rest of the area’s meager restaurant offerings, and as such, I opted to bite the bullet and check it out.


At fist glance the dining room is - for lack of a better word - funky. The semi-subterranean restaurant is replete with an enormous gaily-colored bar, faux plants and the kind of kitschy art that one comes to expect from this breed of ethnic eatery. The whole spectacle bathed in soft light that gives it a decidedly (and appropriately) vintage feel. And I mean absolutely none of that in a negative way.

As for the food itself (sorry for rambling), its fantastic. I’ve gotten the Panang Chicken Curry the handful of times that I have eaten there and still can't get over how awesome it is. I’ve also gotten their Tom Yom soup with is tasty as expected (albeit mushroom heavy), and have heard good things about the noodle dishes as well. I would say that the ambiance at Thai Kitchen alone is well worth the trip, but to eat food that delicious (for 10-15 bucks a head), I wouldn’t hesitate to travel twice as far or pay twice as much. The portions are more than generous as well, so come hungry.

You may have noticed that I don’t usually comment on a restaurant’s service. In my mind, if its good, its good, and if its truly bad enough to warrant a comment, than there is really no reason for me to recommend you go there. That said though, I am going to make an exception in this case, because the service I’ve consistently enjoyed at Thai Kitchen has been phenomenal. The waitstaff is attentive (glasses always full and what not), and the food comes out so fast at times suspect that they read your mind at the door.

Thai Kitchen is everything I could have hoped for in a local Thai spot; great food, great service, and great prices. If you’re looking for something new, something delicious, or something that's just plain awesome, you need look no further than Thai Kitchen.

Fresh Grounds: Leopold's Kafe & Konditorei

There are meals that satisfy the stomach, others that charm. While both can be fantastic in their own right, occasionally there are those times where delicious food combines with perfect weather and picturesque settings to create a truly memorable dining experience.

Last Thursday I was thusly blessed when I decided to stop by Leopold's Kafe & Konditorei (which, for obvious reasons, will henceforth be referred to simply as Leopold's). Found out in Georgetown just beyond the intersection of M and 33rd, Leopold's is actually located down a little alley on the south side of the street. This placement just off of the main drag is fantastic because it affords the cafe the convenience of Georgetown, without the oft unavoidable Georgetown affectedness. To be honest, as it is a cafe faithfully in the Austrian tradition, one would not be remiss to forget mid-meal that the little square was in Washington DC rather than some quaint European village.


The service is excellent, the restaurant itself is spectacularly decorated, and the food was delicious. I only went there for breakfast, so I cant speak to the rest of the menu, but if the Joghurt Musli (Yogurt-parfait granola with fresh berries) that I enjoyed is any indicator, than I assume you would be hard pressed to go wrong at Leopold's. The prices on some of the entrees can be a bit on the steep end, but for breakfast my friend and I paid about 20 bucks total for two coffees and two food items.


If you haven't gathered, this place is awesome, but to be honest words could never do the place justice. You owe it to yourself to check it out, so on that note I'm going to wrap this up, and you should make your way over to Leopold's Kafe & Konditorei.

Check it Out: Goody's Corner Eatery

Loyal readers, in my search for the best meals in DC, sometimes it possible for me make a mistake. Overlooking a place in favor of extolling the virtues of another. But in the name of quality, and all things delicious, I am not too proud to admit it; in fact with this post I plan on doing just that. A month or two back, I reviewed the restaurant Alberto’s, even going so far as to declare it my favorite pizza in the district. Well friends, while Alberto's still serves up a mean slice, I would be remiss not to tell you that I have found a new favorite in the form of Goody's Corner Eatery.

Located literally right next door to Alberto’s, Goody's is a recent upstart on P Street. In fact I wandered in a number of weeks ago searching for a sandwich and was disappointed to learn that they only serve pizza. After a less than satisfactory experience at Alberto’s however, I had promised myself that the next time I craved pizza Goody's would be my destination.


I held true to my word, and as pizza cravings are certainly not an infrequent affliction of mine, it was this past weekend that I first experienced the goodness that is Goody's. While the pizza was amazing, Ill get back to that, because people were mores. Angelina, the woman behind the establishment greets you the moment you enter with a smile and a warm personality that makes you feel as if you had instead walked into the kitchen of your favorite aunt. She is one of the most wonderful people I have met in all my experiences with DC restaurants, but not only is she is friendly, she's serious about her pizza too. This 30 year kitchen veteran loves her customers and pulls out all the stops to make sure they walk away happy.


And walk away happy you will. The pizza is amazingly fresh (hand-tossed and made with top-notch ingredients) and the portions are more than generous. A quarter of a pizza will run you no more than $5. It is light and cheesy with a delicious crust, and unlike at Alberto’s next door, you can sit and enjoy it in-house.

Pizza is best when it is made with love, and at Goody's that is the main ingredient. Next time you find yourself in Dupont, take a chance on Goody's and their wonderful pizza, you won't find disappointment anywhere on the menu.

P.S. Tell Angelina I sent you.

The Sunday Dinner: Lime Time

A day late on this one, but last monday I had some friends over for a meal I think that you might like to try out yourself:

Curried Chicken Skewers with a Lime-Apricot Glaze and Lime-Scented Rice




I was drawn to the recipe in the first place, for no other reason that that I like limes, and as the names might suggest these dishes have them in spades. Throw an apricot glaze into the equation (how could something cooked in any sort of fruit glaze not be good?) and the deal was sealed.

Ideally the chicken ought to be cooked on a grill, so as to give it that perfect caramelized taste, but if you're like me and lack access to such things, the broil setting on the oven will suffice.

Another great aspect of the dish is that, as the chicken is skewered, its is a great way to feed a big group. Just pass around a plate of skewers and everyone can grab one or two. Same goes for the rice (which is awesome by the way).

To go along with this symphony of powerful flavors you're going to need a wine that can hold its own. I paired mine with a bottle of Dr. Jebediah Drinkwells Meritage (which for those of you who don't know is a blend of 5 different red varietals) and it packed more than enough punch to keep from getting swallowed up by everything else. It hails from Paso Robles, California, but you can score a bottle at the Trader Joes on 25th.

Check it Out: Kotobuki

Sushi. Some love it and can’t get enough, while others just can’t get past the idea of eating raw fish. Me, I fall into the former category (though I’m not trying to pull a Jeremy Piven here, no thanks mercury poisoning). As such, a few weeks ago I was thrilled to discover my new favorite sushi place in DC: Kotobuki.

Located at 4822 MacArthur Blvd., NW, Kotobuki is only a short walk from George Washington’s Mount Vernon campus, and offers amazingly fresh sushi at a reasonable price.

While Kotobuki is the upstairs neighbor from upscale Makoto, a rather high-end, intimate Japanese joint, Kotobuki has a decidedly more laid back and casual vibe. Just as you walk upstairs you get your first treat (for me at least), because playing over their sound system is music exclusively by The Beatles (early Beatles to be precise). I went with a friend and we waited for less than 10 minutes before being seated.

I was extremely hungry so I ended up ordering a miso soup, and two maki rolls (splitting a 3rd maki roll). The food was prepared quickly, and it was all delicious. The miso soup (not usually my favorite) was incredibly light and flavorful. And the sushi itself was overwhelming. Every roll that I tried was excellent, but I’d have to say my favorite was the Spicy Tuna. Generally one of my favorite rolls, Kotobuki did it to perfection. The food was delicious and it wasn’t outrageously expensive. Two and a half rolls, a miso soup, and a Sapporo ran me close to $20, but I was full and satisfied.

If you’re tired of settling for sub-par DC sushi make the journey to Kotobuki, its a trip you won’t regret.

Fresh Grounds: Bourbon Coffee

All things considered, I'm probably more of a "tea person", but there is just something about coffee shops that transcends the beverage around which they are built. Whether its their haloed place in the American morning routine, or their inexplicable knack (Starbucks excluded) for pulling off the cliched "coffee shop" ambiance time and time again, there really is no denying their allure. Even more so is this the case in a city, where their warm atmosphere and inviting armchairs often constitute the closest thing in town to reading around the fireplace.

While I had passed Bourbon Coffee a handful of times over the summer, I managed to resist dropping in for a cupa until about a week ago, when my partner-in-coffee finally made it back to DC for the semester. It always looked like a neat spot from what I saw in the windows, and now I am pleased to be able to say, that in this case, looks are not deceiving. Located on L Street, between 21st and New Hampshire, Bourbon Coffee is (from what I understand) the first, and at the moment, only, US location of what was originally a Rwandan chain. Opened in late 2008, Bourbon offers five varieties of "crop to cup" African beans (as well as a litany of other coffee shop staples) in a comfortable open atmosphere, replete with a fantastic assortment of handmade African art.

I had a cup of their Virunga coffee, aptly named for the Virunga Mountain Region from which it originates, as well as a blueberry scone. As one could assume, the coffee was terrific, and I was pleasantly surprised to find the scone to be the perfect combination of chewy and flaky as well.


Foggy bottom really only boasts a smattering of solid coffee joints, so next time you're feeling the need to take a break from the grande carmel mocha-somethings, I highly recommend Bourbon Coffee as a quality local alternative .

Check it Out: Thai X-ing

Have you ever had a dining experience, where merely obtaining your meal was such a complicated and involved process, that you began to wonder if “this meal could possibly be worth all this hassle”? Well folks, a few weeks ago, I had just such an experience. My patience was tested, my hunger too. In the end though, it all paid off, and the results were phenomenal. It didn't hurt either that the cuisine was Thai (one of my all-time favorites). The scene of the crime: one Thai X-ing.

Located on 5th and Georgia NW, in a townhouse basement, this tiny, and I mean tiny (only 13 customers can eat-in at any one time) gem of a restaurant is the very definition of a "hole in the wall". The first time I stumbled across it, I had been on the hunt for a late night dinner and inadvertently wandered into this basement restaurant. My attempt to order dinner was met with the news that I needed to call back tomorrow between noon and four. Confused and feeling a lot like a tourist I backed away and pledged to unravel the mystery of Thai X-ing.


With a renewed sense of purpose, the next day I called back and finally (after getting a busy signal about 20 times) was able to leave a message with my order and the time I wanted to eat. Slightly perplexed, but still intrigued, I began to wait, until about an hour later I finally received a call back. I wanted to pick up my food around 7 but was told that that time would be no good and that 8 was better. Again this amused me, but by this point I was beginning to learn that this sort of waiting game was par for the course at Thai X-ing, so when I arrived at Thai X-ing later that night around 8:15 and was told to come back in half an hour I just rolled with it. At 8:45 I came back and waited yet another half an hour, this time I was permitted to wait inside the restaurants "lobby", and from there I was able to observe the owner / chef of the establishment preparing my food in the kitchen not 15 feet away. The tantalizing aromas wafting from the depths of the basement were becoming almost too much to bear, when at long last (now an hour after I had arrived) my food was ready and I could take it home.

When I got home I was curious. This food better be more than good (more than great for that matter) after all the trouble I went through to get it. And when the time finally came for me to eat it ,much to my relief, it was amazing—beyond amazing. I ordered a Shrimp Himalai--Stir-fried shrimp with cashews, celery and snow peas, which was delicious. The ingredients were fresh, flavorful, and each bite was full of delicious vegetables and juicy shrimp. The portions aren't enormous, but for $11 it wasn’t too expensive either.

Despite the hassle, the food was totally worth the wait. With Thai X-ing patience certainly is a virtue, so if you have a day to commit to getting amazing Thai food, Thai X-ing is well worth the adventure.

Check it Out: Cafe La Ruche

As far as certain types of restaurants are concerned, stereotypes are all but unavoidable. When I say rib joint, (I'm guessing) your first thought is not lace tablecloths and oyster forks, nor does the mention of a sushi bar conjure up an image of self-serve, buffet style dining. To the extent that this is true though, no cuisine carries more baggage than that of the French. Perhaps it's a little self inflicted, perhaps its entirely unfounded, but in the mind of the masses, pomp and pretension go with French food like peanut butter goes with jelly.

There is nothing wrong with that of course, a little refinement never hurt anyone (or any meal for that matter), but there is also something to be said about a warm, "eating in the company of friends" kind of atmosphere, and to an extent, the two aren't mutually exclusive. Located in Georgetown, south of Wisconsin, on 31st street, Cafe La Ruche is a shining example of that fact. As the name might suggest, it is in fact a purveyor of French cuisine, but surprisingly (to me at least) the atmosphere was anything but stodgy. From the walls bedecked with Parisian street signs, to the flags hanging from the rafters, the vibe is much more local watering hole than anything else. That, coupled with the presence of apparent regulars reading books while waiting for their meal, or shooting the shit with the friendly proprietor, is enough to make one believe that they are off at some tavern in the French countryside rather than sitting squarely in the heard of urban Washington.


As far as the food goes; for starters, it being a French restaurant, I enjoyed a bowl of onion soup (a personal favorite of mine), and then as an entrée I had a pork chop. Both were hearty, delicious, and most importantly unencumbered by any frivolity or over-the-top presentation. Good food; nothing more, nothing less. The prices aren't all that awful either (especially for Georgetown) so if your looking for a nice spot to spend a night out, head on over to Cafe La Ruche for a meal that ought to satisfy your soul as well as your stomach.

Check it Out: City Buffet

It is a common mistake to assume that Chinese food is Chinese food is Chinese food. Sure, the flavors are always roughly the same, and the dishes offered from menu to menu differ about as much as the seasons in Cali, but when it comes to quality, that is where you see some separation. We've all had bad chinese food. The kind of shopping mall food court abomination that always smells like a great idea, but leaves you feeling bloated and foolish by the time you're half finished. Yes, it does serve its purpose from time to time, but not in a million years would you refer to it as a quality meal. On the other end of the spectrum, there are the great chinese restaurants, ones that use top quality ingredients to great effect, and might actually serve you the kind of (real) Chinese food food one would find were they sitting down for a meal half a world away. City Buffet is by no means the latter of those two, but its closer to that end than the other, and featuring an all you can eat buffet for just under $10 thats all right by me.


Located on 14th Street between L and M, I stumbled across City Buffet a week or two ago on my lunch hour while looking for an Au Bon Pain I had passed a few days earlier. Amused by the incredibly non-descriptive name, I was compelled to take a closer look. The place was packed, and I was hungry enough, so I stepped inside, payed my eight bucks, and set off directly for the buffet. The food looked good, but admittedly, at the time, the prospect of all-you-can-eat anything seemed appealing. In the end it was the selection that ended up being the real deal breaker. I piled my plate high with just about every spring roll, dumpling, chicken dish, and soup that I could have dreamed of, and then set to work.

Having never even heard of the place before, and going in expecting nothing, the food was actually pretty good. Not amazing. But with the only limit being my own appetite, doubtlessly something that I would pay $10 for. Especially when you consider that had I made it to Au Bon Pain that day the same $10 would have gotten me naught but a sandwich.

If you work in the area, and your stomach is growling for a real meal, than check out City Buffet. Rarely in DC does ten dollars go so far.

Local Flavor

In case for some reason you were unaware, the greater DC area is home to almost 20 weekly farmers markets. Wonderful news for anyone with an interest in cooking, as the freshest ingredients are more often than not found in such places, and at prices that make the likes of Whole Foods tremble in their boots. It's not just produce either, many of the area's markets offer a staggering selection of meats, breads, seafood, spices, flowers, etc. as well, so there is no reason not to check them out.


In a recent poll by American Farmland Trust however, a trio of the area's markets took top spots among the nations best, so it appears that when it comes to farmers markets, the district has got not only quantity, but quality as well.

Check it Out: Scion

When I sit down in a restaurant and first look at the menu, I usually feel that I can get a good handle on how much I am going to enjoy my meal but the number of dishes that catch my eye. The more the better. If I am still torturing myself over whether to go with one alluring entree over another right up until the waitstaff forces me to make up my mind, I do so with much greater confidence than if that pre-order period is spent scouring the menu for just one dish that strikes my fancy. That said, when I sat down at Scion a little over a week ago, the staggering number of attractive options boasted by the menu (the lunch menu at that) set my mouth to watering, and in this case, it turned out that looks were not deceiving.

Located at the intersection of 21st and P, Scion had been open for just around two weeks when I went there, but it didn't seem to be falling victim to any of the usual recent-start pitfalls. The food came out quickly, and I was there for an early lunch, so the place wasn't too busy. While the restaurant itself may be new, the restauranteurs certainly aren't novices. Run by the offspring of the folks behind Jenny's Chinese Restaurant, and Jenny's Asian Fusion, Scion's proprietors have a rich background in the biz, and though the cuisine leans towards American, flavors inspired by their Asian roots are woven throughout the menu.

The food was tasty, and for the quality of ingredients you get, rather inexpensive. I had a kobe burger, and my mother (with whom I was dining) had a grilled chicken / asian pear panini for a little over $20. Far, far less than I have paid for similar meals elsewhere. The portions aren't enormous, but I left feeling more than satisfied.


The dining room is simple and tastefully decorated, and there is a large patio area for eating outdoors on days where the weather permits. One other thing that really struck me, though admittedly it has nothing to do with the food, was the music. While most restaurants play it safe, serenading you with innocuous instrumentals or classic standards, at Scion I was entertained instead by the likes of Outkast and Lupe Fiasco. As I said, not really a big deal, but I don't think that I could name a single other place that I have eaten at where I got to hear the music that I would have chosen myself, and needless to say I was impressed.

It's just a short walk from the Dupont metro stop, so next time your stomach is yearning for something a little different Scion might be exactly what you're looking for.

Check it Out: City Lights of China

Chinese food for me equals comfort food. Being Jewish, nothing says Christmas to me like gathering with relatives and chowing down on Chinese food from my favorite Chinese restaurant. It’s a tradition that I hate to miss out on; so coming down to DC I had to find a suitable spot that could give me that same feeling of joy as my favorite restaurant back home (shout out to Bernard’s in Brookline, MA). Considering that, more often than not, DC’s Chinatown leaves a lot to be desired, I figured it wasn’t going to be the easiest task. But, if you face a similar dilemma, than fear not dear readers, because I once again have the solution - City Lights of China.

Located in Dupont Circle on Connecticut between R and S this cozy little restaurant serves delicious Chinese cuisine for reasonable (albeit a little bit high) prices. The food is amazing, and they always prepare my favorite dishes to perfection. In my mind, there is very little better than pan-fried dumplings (also known as Peking Ravioli), but making them right is difficult. The dough shell and meat ratio is complicated and easy to screw up. A dumpling that is too doughy just won’t do. The dumplings created by City Lights of China however are light, savory, delicious, and as a result make a perfect appetizer.


For the main course I go for Sesame Chicken, and again they City Lights does it right. Its light and crispy, not too heavy, and while the chicken is lightly fried, the sauce is not overwhelmingly thick and syrupy, but still sweet, so it comes together fantastically. All of this will run you around $20, which for a really good Chinese food meal (and the definite possibility of leftovers), is well worth it.

If you love Chinese food like I do, and are looking for a more refined meal than those served by the usual dime-a-dozen Chinese take out spots, than I recommend you head over to City Lights of China. I’m guessing you won’t be disappointed.

Check it Out: Tackle Box

Now I definitely don't want to say that image is everything. When it comes to restaurants the quality of the food is obviously the first concern. That said though, when a restaurant makes a little effort as far as the atmosphere is concerned, it doesn't go unnoticed. The difference between bare white walls and a stab at authenticity can be the difference maker between a good meal and a great one.

Stepping into Tackle Box (located in Georgetown on M Street between Potomac and Wisconsin) transports the aspiring diner 700 miles north to a "Lobster Shack" built in the New England tradition. From the weathered, wooden picnic tables, to the nets and vibrant buoys hanging from the ceiling, this place certainly doesn't skimp on decor, and while the food itself is hearty and delicious, the room in which you enjoy it does nothing but compliment the experience.

The menu offers a broad selection of seafood, as well as sides to go with it, and has meals that cater to just about any budget. My personal go-to is the "Maine Meal" which includes 1 fish, 2 sides and a sauce for $13, but for $9 you can get the same set up with one less side, and if your money is really burning a hole in your pocket, than you can splurge on a lobster pot - a cornucopia of piscine treats - for $40 a head.

If seafood is your thing, and and an impromptu trip to the north is out of the question, than the Tackle Box may be just what you're looking for.

Check it Out: The Rib Pit

It's amazing, but for some reason it seems that the most painstakingly planned dinning excursion can never hold a candle to those magnificent meals that you just happen to fall in to. I'm guessing it has something to do with the lack of expectations, or perhaps the thrill of discovery, but time and time again it's true. I bring this up, because earlier this week I had the pleasure of enjoying just such a meal. It all started at about 6 o'clock, with a group of my friends sitting around going back and forth over where we ought to get dinner. The debate was centered mostly around all the usual suspects (chipotle, Pho, sushi...), until one person threw out one of our longest running questions; "is there anywhere in DC where you can get decent barbecue?"


Barbecue sounded like an intriguing option, so after a short stint on google we set off for the intersection of 14th and Randolph Street - the home of The Rib Pit. Its a bit out of the way (a metro + buss ride from just about anywhere), so fortunately we had a car, but 15 minutes later we had arrived. When I say that going into this we know nothing about the place, I couldn't be more sincere. For instance we did not know that there was actually no dining room (we ended up eating on the stoop across the street), or that we would be paying through a safety-glass turnstile, but most of all, we had no idea that we had just stumbled across one hell of a hidden gem.

In a city like DC, where even the smallest sandwich will set you back 6 or 7 bucks, I was floored when my "Super Combo 2" (2 mammoth pulled pork sandwiches + healthy helpings of both greens and mac and cheese) cost me all of $10.50. Oh yea, and included in that was 32 ounces of the tastiest iced tea I've had in a long time. This place is a steal. Even if the food had been mediocre it would be... and it's far far from it. The barbeque sauce is on the sweeter side, which suites me just fine, and the sides for great too. My one friend got their candied yams, they were delicious, and we would have got what was sure to be a spectacular sweet potato pie had they not been fresh out that the time.

There was so much food that I was actually able to bring one whole pulled pork sandwich and most of my mac and cheese home with me for lunch the next day. Two whole meals for $10, aint nothing wrong with that.

If you yourself are looking for decent barbecue in the district, eating on a budget, or just like damn good food than put The Rib Pit on your list of places to check out. It's well worth the trip.

Check it Out: Guajillo

For starters, don’t get me wrong, I love Chipotle and Qdoba (and honestly, who doesn’t). Occasionally though, I am in the mood for “real” Mexican food, and when that particular craving strikes, fast food Mexican just won’t cut it. At times such as this, for my money, the place to go is Guajillo (pronounced Wa-Hee-Yo), a little gem of a Mexican joint located in Rosslyn at 1727 Wilson Blvd (astoundingly in the same mini-strip mall as Pho 75 and Ray’s Hell Burger).

I have been a handful of times, and let me tell you, this place is the real deal. Their food is delicious and affordable. The atmosphere is friendly and cheerful (I went this past Cinco de Mayo, and the place exuded a festive, welcoming spirit that encouraged everyone to celebrate together). The wait staff is knowledgeable and accommodating.


To say that the food itself is mouth-wateringly good, would be selling it short. When I went last I ordered a Beef Chimichanga, and it was spectacular. The lightly fried tortilla had a good balance of fillings, not letting one overpower the rest, and it came with ample portions of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side.

And as if you weren’t sold yet, it was reasonably priced. For $10 you get a solid meal (or, if you aren’t feeling ravenous an excellent lunch or snack for the next day). Being particularly averse to Tequila I cannot comment on their margaritas (though I heard they were strong), so I personally paired my Chimichanga with a fine Modelo Especial beer (my favorite Mexican beer) and it complimented my meal nicely.

If you’re searching for a fun, friendly, delicious Mexican food experience, take a trip south of the (DC) border and check out Guajillo.

The Sunday Dinner: Chowder Power

It's the 5th of July. The day after. By now your belly must be full of barbecue and your firework quota met for yet another year. Suffice it to say, you've celebrated, and as such are probably not too keen on diving right in to the kitchen. If you are the resilient type however, and a little bit of home cooking is exactly what you need to get your life back in order, than this hearty Sunday Dinner should be just what the doctor ordered.

New England Clam and Corn Chowder with Herbs


Ingredients (serves 4 to 5)
5 thick cut slices of bacon - cut into half-inch pieces
1 large onion - chopped
3 large carrots - peeled and chopped
1.25 teaspoons of dried thyme
.75 teaspoon crushed and dried rosemary
4 tablespoons of all purpose flour
4 cups of whole milk
1 (8 ounce) white skinned potato - cut into half-inch cubes
3 (6.5 ounce) cans of chopped clams in juice
1 (8.75 ounce) can of corn kernels - drained
chopped fresh parsley

Fry the bacon in a pan over medium heat until it gets crispy, and then take it out of the pan to drain on a paper towel. Throw the onion, carrots, thyme, and rosemary into the pan to sautae in the left over bacon grease for about 5 minutes, sprinkling with salt and pepper as you see fit.

Next, transfer all of that into a big pot and add in the flour, stirring for 1 or two minutes until its mixed up evenly. Once you've done that, gradually add in the milk (stirring constantly) as you bring it to a boil.

Reduce to medium heat, and continue to let it cook until it reaches your desired thickness. Make sure to keep stirring throughout. Once you have that, add in the potatoes, the corn, and the clams (with the juice) and then bring the whole thing back to a boil one more time.

Bring the temperature back down again to medium-low and let the chowder simmer until the potatoes are cooked (about 10 minutes). Again, keep stirring so it doesn't congeal, and toss in some more salt and pepper.

When its all done, sprinkle on the bacon and chopped parsley, then serve up healthy portions in big bowls with hunks of fresh-baked bread. If that doesn't stick to your bones, than I don't know what will.

This is the original recipe as seen in bon appetite. For the most part, its the same as what I put up here, with the exception of a few ingredient / cooking changes, so check it out too if you're so inclined.

Check it Out: ???

Typically, when we recommend a place to eat, we are offering up a name. The name of a restaurant, the name of a bar, however obscure the establishment itself may be, it is at the very least identifiable (and as a result googleable and yelpable too). This time around however, there actually is no name to offer, so a location is pretty much all that you’re going to have to go on.

Anyone who has visited DC is familiar with the ubiquitous yellow carts that are deployed daily throughout the District to meet the hotdog/soda/snack food needs of the masses. They are everywhere, and everywhere that they are, they are identical. So imagine my surprise when on my way to work the other day I passed by just such a yellow cart, and was greeted not by the usual morass of potato chips and drink coolers, but the aroma of delicious Korean food frying away in a pan.

Yes, every (work)day, just off the intersection of 14th and L Street this anonymous little oasis of savory street-side food can be found providing a terrific lunch to the handful of area workers hip to its existence. The menu is delightfully simple; beef and chicken in spicy and mild varieties, as well as a smattering of no more than 3 or 4 other options. Each is served over rice with a side of kimchi for no more than $8.


…and that’s really all there is to it. It’s simple, quick, and tasty. What more could you ask for?

Check it Out: Bagels Etc.

One of my absolute favorite foods in the world is bagels. I know that I could eat a bagel for just about any meal of any day, and I’m fairly confident that you could too. Don’t take this to mean that bagels are bagels are bagels though, because without a doubt, there is nothing quite like a bagel fresh from the oven.

I always enjoyed going to my local bagel eatery at home (shout out to Café Bagel-Dedham, MA) and chowing down one of their fresh delicious offerings. So it again was to my chagrin to discover that at first glance D.C. lacked a really great bagel option. However, it was my luck when about two years ago I discovered just such a bagel place worthy of my patronage. The place is called Bagels Etc, and like Alberto’s Pizzeria it is located on P Street in between 22nd and 21st Streets. While I can’t say that it surpasses my home favorite, it does satisfy a much-needed delicious bagel fix.


The bagels are fresh and affordable, but a bit on the small side, so I usually go for two bagels if I am really hungry. When I went last time I got the #1 breakfast special: a bacon, egg, and cheese (cheese extra) sandwich on an everything bagel. The bagel comes with a small coffee and small orange juice. Their bacon, egg, and cheese offering has a perfect balance of ingredients so that one does not overpower the others. The everything bagel that I got also had a good, even variety of toppings, and the second was a cinnamon raisin bagel with honey walnut cream cheese. This was a delicious and sweet compliment to the egg one.
Both bagels with the coffee and juice ran me just under $8 (Bagels Etc. is cash only) and more than hit the spot.


The staff is friendly and gets your food to you quickly. They have seating inside and outside so you can enjoy your meal outside on those beautiful weekend mornings. For those of you like me who have been suffering bagel withdrawal, Bagels Etc. is the cure.

The Sunday Dinner: Cooking in the Great Indoors

I love living in the city. The convenience of having anything and everything that I might want within arms reach is tough to beat. While there are those obvious advantages though, being surrounded by an endless sea of concrete and macadam day in and day out can take its toll. Some days, I'd love to be able to escape the urban sprawl and stretch my legs in the great outdoors, but unfortunately, between internships and jobs that's not really an option. Why then, not go for the next best option and pretend? To that end, the inspiration for this week's Sunday Dinner is is the camping experience. You might not be out in the wilderness, but you can certainly eat like it.


There may not be any food that says "camping" quite like hot dogs, but there's no way that I'm going to tell you how to make those. And as some of my best outdoor dinners have been of the stew variety, I think this recipe forHopi Corn Stew would be one that will set the mood nicely.


And most importantly for desert, the Coup de Grace of all camping food - smores. If you don't know how to make smores, than there is something wrong with you. But just in case, they are a melted graham cracker-chocolate-marshmallow sandwich, and while its customary to do the cooking over an open fire, I'd caution against attempting that in your kitchen, so set the oven to broil and stick them in there open-face until the marshmallows turn a little bit golden on top (see the picture for an example).

Check it Out: Alberto's Pizzeria

To start, let’s make it clear that everyone likes Pizza. Whether you eat it all the time or only on occasion, doesn’t matter. Very few of us (if any) actually hate it. Unfortunately though, if you’re like me, there is a good chance that DC has for the most part let you down. I don’t know what it is, but finding good pizza for a good price is like searching for buried treasure. However it is for that reason my friends that it’s with a warm heart that I can say I’ve found the treasure-Alberto’s Pizzeria.

With locations in Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan (I’ve only ever been to their Dupont location), Alberto’s is both a delicious and affordable late night pizza place. From Thursday-Saturday they are open until 5am, and to top it off, they also offer free delivery.

Its Dupont branch may be harder to find at first. Located on P and 20th the entrance is down a flight of stairs. On the weekends they have the music blasting and there is always a diverse crowd gathering to get some great pizza after a night at the bars. The atmosphere is friendly and much less rowdy than the crowd over at Jumbo Slice in Adams Morgan. After a fire nearly a year ago they reopened with a remodeled interior that allowed more space to eat. There are no tables at Alberto’s, only countertops to stand and eat your slice, which keeps things moving nicely.

The pizza itself is wonderful. This past trip I went for a slice of pepperoni and per usual, it did not disappoint. Each slice is a quarter of a pizza, so eating more than one is unnecessary unless you’re starving. The ingredients are fresh and the balance of cheese to sauce is excellent. Their crust is thin, my personal preference, and while its crispy, its not too crispy (it still maintains a doughy quality). They offer parmesan, crushed red pepper, and garlic salt for additional flavoring (be careful to make sure that if you want parmesan it is not garlic salt, a costly mistake I made once).


It costs just under $5 for a piece of pizza, but considering it is the equivalent of two normal slices it’s fairly affordable. Next time you’re hungry in the wee hours of the morning; bring a friend, grab a slice, and enjoy.