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.

Elsewhere in the World of Food

No, these links may not pertain to DC specifically, but food is a universal experience, is it not? As such, here are a handful of food-related links that I think you might be interested in.

The Cynical Cook is a terrific food blog written by a former Washingtonian, and good friend of mine, Andrew Dunaway. Though he may not live in the city any longer, I can attest to the fact that this man knows his food, and The Cynical Cook is a great source for a wide range of culinary tidbits ranging from recipes to reviews of restaurants throughout the southern United States. If you like food, and I'm guessing you do, its definitely worth a look.

In other news, the results of the 2009 Zagat Fast Food Survey were released recently, and are also worth checking out(though they may not be very surprising).

Lastly, lifehacker.com released a collection of their best recipes that has some delicious looking dishes on it.

The Sunday Dinner: Minty Fresh

While I am always open to trying new things, when it comes to food, I certainly know which flavors I prefer. I am also a firm believer in the school of thought that if two things taste good in their own right, than there is a good chance they are going to taste fantastic together (obvious exceptions to this rule being ice cream, pickles, etc.) That said, when I came across this recipe for honey mint glazed chicken I was rather intrigued. I liked mint, I liked honey, who doesn't like chicken? I could only imagine what they would taste like all thrown in together. Turns out, pretty damn good. So for this weeks Sunday Dinner track down a grill near you and try this recipe on for size. It's simple, tasty and perfect for a summer night.


Honey Mint Glazed Chicken

Aside from the chicken, I also made a bit of rice, but just before it was done cooking I mixed in a watered-down version of my leftover honey mint glaze, and I feel that it gave the rice a slightly sweeter flavor that complimented the chicken nicely.

As for a drink to go along with the meal; your grilling, so beer should be a no brainer. Perhaps try something a little creamier like Boddingtons, a pub ale from Manchester, England.

Check it Out: Ollie's Trolley

American and Mediterranean may strike you at first as somewhat of a culinary odd couple, but think about it. When a gyro is what you’re jonesin for, all the falafel in the world isn’t going to satisfy you half as much as a side of fries. I have fond memories of a late-night watering hole back in my hometown known as Steak and G’s (short for Steak and Gyros), where throngs of highschoolers flocked night in and night out for a bit of the greasy goodness.

Since coming to DC, I have looked high and low for an establishment that would be able to fill this gyro-and-fry sized hole in my heart, but for the most part had been largely unsuccessful. Most quality gyro joints brand themselves as purveyors of traditional Mediterranean fare, and as such would balk at the suggestion of throwing french fries into the mix.

Monday however, when I was headed out to lunch (destined for a place that turned out not to exist), I had the fortune of settling for a little out of the way spot by the name of Ollie’s Trolley. Located on L Street between 15th and Vermont, Ollie’s Trolley is as quirky as the name might suggest. Serving up that almighty combination of American and Mediterranean at a pace that can’t be beat, I got a gyro and some of their “famous 24-spice seasoned fries” in no more than 5 minutes. I ate it. I loved it. You will too.

And at about $10 for the whole meal, this is one hole in the wall that won’t leave a hole in your wallet.

*also, there appears to be another establishment by the name of Ollie's Trolley located at 12th and E. I can only assume that they are under the same management as the bear the same name, but for the sake of integrity I can only vouch for the one on L.

Check it Out: Steak & Eggs

Ever found yourself at 3am needing a study break or coming out of the bars and thinking “I could really go for some breakfast right now?” Say what you will but the answer is yes. We've all been there. But fear not, because while the choices are limited, let me tell you dear readers I have your answer. Osman and Joe’s Steak ‘n Eggs Kitchen—known more commonly as simply Steak and Eggs—is a 24-hour breakfast/diner/eatery. Located at 4700 Wisconsin Ave. just north of Tenleytown this place founded by friends Osman Barrie and Joe Vamboi does breakfast right, and more importantly at any hour.

The first thing to say about Steak and Eggs is don’t go in expecting a 5 star meal. This place is the definition of a diner; greasy spoon, hole in the wall, etc. If the weather is nice you can sit on the patio, but in the winter the restaurant is limited to a counter with stools (as well a place like this should be). The best part of the experience is that the kitchen is right in front of you, so you get to see your food being prepared while you sit chatting with friends.


While they do serve more than breakfast I have yet to eat anything but, nor would I ever want to. Their breakfast is wonderfully greasy, and at a reasonable price. I usually go for the original Steak and Eggs—which comes with two eggs any way, an 8 oz. steak, home fries, and toast. All of which runs just under $15. If you’re in the mood for something a bit sweeter, they have amazingly rich chocolate milk.

Yes, The food never fails to hit the spot, but at the end of the day, the best part of Steak and Eggs is the atmosphere. I recommend you either go late on a cool summer evening and sit outside, or brave the "dining room" and allow yourself to be hypnotized by the frenetic pace of the cooks as they take orders, cook, and plate dishes rapid fire. The two experiences are as different as night and day, but in their own special ways neither will not disappoint.

The Sunday Dinner: Purple Pasta Eaters

Pasta is great. I'm pretty sure there is no one out there who would disagree with that statement. The one really shortcoming that I can see as far as pasta goes is that once you've seen it you've pretty much seen all of it. Sure you can mix the sauce up, and dishes like ravioli or lasagna can throw you a curve ball on occasion, but honestly, when was the last time you were surprised by pasta? Before I tried out the recipe for this week's Sunday Dinner a few weeks back, I probably wouldn't have been able to answer that question, but red wine spaghetti has a taste as unique as its purple hue, and if you have any free time in the kitchen this week or an inclination to do a bit of culinary experimentation, than I'd highly recommend you check it out.

I think the flavor of the red wine pasta is at it's most robust when it's fresh out of the pot, so while you are finishing up with the cooking a batch Double Tomato Bruschetta would make an excellent appetizer / pre-meal snack.

The Red Wine Spaghetti is of course the main attraction. The linked recipe is what I based my dish on, but I skipped the broccoli and instead added diced tomatoes, as well as chicken sausage (that i fried in a the pan along with the garlic). I finished it with a handful of toasted pine nuts sprinkled over the top.

The red wine flavor of spaghetti is pretty powerful, so I would suggest against pairing this dish with any more alcohol, but if still water is to pedestrian for your palate why not grab a bottle of San Pellegrino.

Check it Out: Pret a Manger

This summer, as I have been making my first foray into the daily DC work-day routine, I have been growing more and more acquainted with the intricacies of the lunch in the city. What has stood out to me the most, is that with the bulk of the city’s considerable working population flocking to feed within a roughly two hour span, speed is king. Not fast food (which often makes you question the true definition of food) but food done fast.

Pret A Manger is perhaps the perfect example of that latter school of though. An Import from England, Pret is now found stateside in DC and NY, the Washington Location just outside of the Farragut West Metro stop at 18th and I St. All the food, which consists of soup, salad and sandwiches; those cornerstones of the mid-day meal, is prepared fresh daily from equally fresh ingredients and laid out on racks so that you need do nothing more than walk in, grab your grub and go. There is nothing complex about eating here, in fact seating is limited so you really cant, and the beauty of it lies in it’s simplicity. They had more swanky offerings, I bought a pretty standard ham and swiss and it was terrific. The fact that it was choose-what’s-there rather than made-to-order was actually relieving. Taking the guesswork out of what is so often a weary ordering procedure.

The name might imply otherwise, but Pret A Manger is nothing fancy. Just good, fresh food. So if you have limited time (or patience) and want to eat well I’d recommend you check it out.

Check it Out: Pho 75

Do you remember when you discovered your favorite food? Have you ever subsequently discovered a food that made you question yourself? Well in my case that answer is yes. About two months ago I discovered pho—Vietnamese noodle soup. I was taken to Pho 75 in Rosslyn by a friend who espoused its virtues. Since that first fateful trip I have lost track of the number of times I have immersed myself in the delicious world of pho.

Upon entering Pho 75 you might not expect it to be home to delicious foods. It is a large, unassuming, cafeteria-like room. If you were looking for something fancy the décor could be considered lacking. Apart from the scattered pictures from native Vietnam the walls are mostly bare. That is except for the wall dedicated to the Best Bargain Awards Pho 75 has received, for the last 21 years. Since Pho 75 first opened its doors in 1987 it has been receiving praise for its awesomely delicious and awesomely cheap fare (its cash only). That said however, the food itself is the real reason for coming.


A glance at the menu reveals that you only have to make a limited number of choices. Large or small bowl? What kinds of meat? Do I want a drink besides water? After making your choice (I usually go with a large number 9 and a Ca Phe Sua Da—Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk) you can sit back and wait for your food to arrive. And within a matter of minutes, arrive it does (I have yet to wait for longer than 10). Upon receiving your bowl and garnishing it to your liking with the provided bean sprouts, hot peppers, thai basil, and fresh lime you must then make a decision on what is arguably the most key element to a good bowl at Pho 75—the sauce ratio. The two sauces provided are a plum sauce and Sriracha hot sauce. The ratio varies. If you want a spicier bowl, as I do, try more Sriracha and vice versa if you prefer it to be sweeter, like my regular partner in pho does, you will use more plum sauce.


In case you hadn’t gathered, the food is fantastic, but more importantly Pho 75 is all about the atmosphere. On one hand, it’s a place built for camaraderie and shared experiences, but at the same time it can also be very personal. From what you order, to what sauces you use, to even how you eat it (chopsticks and a big soup spoon are your weapons of choice) each person has their own unique way of eating pho, and for that reason I won’t presume to tell you how you should eat your bowl of pho at Pho 75. That’s for you to decide.