Eat The District

Check it Out: Sichuan Pavilion

2010-06-12T10:02:00.000-04:00

So its been about 2 months since my last post, and I apologize for that, but the truth of the matter is that I haven't eaten any food since mid-February... really, I promise.

Well, maybe not. The real truth is that I've been busy. Like really busy. So busy, that despite having discovered a host of fantastic new eateries in and around the District, I have had nary a moment to share them with you fine folks. Some spots however demand that time be made, and I count Sichuan Pavilion among their number. This place is the cat's pajamas, for real.

also, sorry for the lack of pictures, but every time I've been my priorities have been elsewhere - namely eating.

Nestled next to the Radio Shack on K St. between 18th and 19th, Sichuan Pavilion falls decidedly at the good end of the Chinese food quality scale I laid out a while back. Which is to say not greasy, not stuffed with MSG, and above all, not Americanized. I was brought there initially by my friend Bo, whose friend's friend (who was actually from China) had said it was far and away the finest Chinese food he had been able found in the city. Usually these friend-of-a-friend arrangements end in tears, but considering it was Foggy Bottom-based (and thusly didn't require a metro ride) I was willing to give it a try. At least I wouldn't have to travel too far to have my hungry hopes dashed on the table. Judging by the tone of the previous paragraph though, I'll leave it to you to figure out how it went.

Every time I've gone, I've ordered the Ma Po Tofu, and boy howdy, if it isn't a little bit of terrific. I was jumped in to the Ma Po Tofu game by my friend Taylor, when we went to Bob's Noodle 66 out in Rockville back in November, and it has quickly become my go-to dish at Chinese restaurants that serve, you know, actual Chinese food. There is something about the spicy, gooey goodness that I just can't get enough of. I've also tried a few of my friends' dishes, and they were all on point as well. In fact, I imagine it's all pretty good. You can check the menu here, if you're so inclined.

The restaurant itself is best described as rich. Replete with sumptuous red carpets and Shan Shui on the walls, even without the food the experience alone would be well worth the $15 you will likely end up spending. The service is terrific. Even the tea you get with your meal seems more flavorful than usual.

I may sound like a proud mother, but Sichuan Pavilion sits securely among the best eateries that I've stumbled upon during my time in DC, high-end or not. So, considering the pittance they ask in return for what is easily some of the finest Chinese you will have in this city, It would be criminal for you not to at least check it out. Just make sure to give me a call when you do, because I'm always down for a trip to the Pavilion.

The Happiest Hour: Part 1

2010-05-01T12:41:00.007-04:00

More often than many of us would like to admit, after a long day cooped up at the office/classroom/library-cubicle, the big hand's arrival at 5 on the clock can't come soon enough. Its not that we don't enjoy our work (or so we keep telling ourselves), but once the day starts winding down, and the sweet smell of freedom begins to waft distractingly through the office like cookies fresh out the oven, the last thing on our mind is the pile of papers in the inbox. You know - a grass is always greener type of thing.

Sweet though the prospect of escape is however, sometimes just just breaking free isn't enough enough to wash away the workday wear. But fear not dear readers, we at Eat the District have just the fix: The Happiest Hour. Everyone knows that nothing takes the edge off like a nice stiff drink, so to that end we have sifted through the city's many specials to bring you only the finest drink deals the district has to offer. The next time a vicious case of the Mondays has you down, take heart, the Happiest Hour is right around the corner.

For starters, the establishment many have lovingly dubbed “GW’s cafeteria” may always hold a special place in our hearts, but let’s be honest – sometimes you just don’t feel like waiting upwards of twenty minutes at Nooshi so you can run into everyone you’ve ever met and never want to see again while attempting conversation over the raucous clangs of sake bombs detonating around you. Fortunately, a similar yet significantly chiller alternative can be found two doors down at Singapore Bistro. While this particular establishment may once have been the setting of many an awkward frat party, the happy hour scene is a different story entirely.

From 4 pm to 7 pm Monday through Saturday, you can get $3.95 flavored martinis and glasses of wine and $2.50 beers and hot sake – deals that somewhat resemble those offered at Nooshi. However, unlike its more popular neighbor, Singapore Bistro has food specials too. They have a pretty extensive 99 cent nigiri menu as well as special maki rolls and a $1.95 order of edamame. The first floor tends to be the most relaxed, but if you find yourself seated on the second or third floor, you can sake bomb away without really bothering anyone.

In the event you’re seeking a slightly more refined escape, you need not look further than Washington Circle. Circle Bistro, located in the One Washington Circle Hotel, offers moderately priced specials Monday through Friday from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Each delectable libation is served up by Jane, a wiry old lady with a delightful British accent who I secretly wish were my grandma. All martinis and specialty cocktails are $6 and domestic and “almost premium” beers, rail drinks, and wines by the glass are half price.

I would highly recommend the “Silly Goose,” a sweet and smooth mix of vodka, Hypnotiq, and white cranberry juice, not only because it’s scrumptious but also because it’s blue! Their burgers are also half price during happy hour, but the rest of the food is rather pricey. It tends to be very sparsely populated so bring your own entourage and enjoy the classy depart from your usual college bars.

That should provide you with a few weeks worth of diversions (unless you're one of "those" people), so until next time, bottoms up!

The Sunday Dinner: Inspired Fajita Edition

2010-02-16T10:22:00.007-05:00

About a week ago, having just gotten up, I stumbled bleary-eyed into my living room to a television set still aglow from the night before. The emblem in its lower right corner indicated the food network, so I, not yet able to muster the strength myself, opted to slump down and watch someone else slaving away in the kitchen. The lesson for the day was how to prepare the perfect, home-made tortilla chips and guacamole, which, according to the impossibly cheery lady on the screen were quick and simple to boot.

Perfect guacamole you say, and simple too? I like all these things, do go on cheery lady of the morning.

It turned out that she was not lying, so all day afterwards visions of a mexican feast began slow cooking in my mind. Guacamole would of course be invited, Fajitas too, and rice. No, just any rice won't do. Cilantro-lime rice. Now were talking.

With the meal in mind, several friends and myself set off that evening to Trader Joes, and returned rearing to cook armed with a bagful of fresh ingredients and an appetite to match.

The Guacamole: As the lady on the TV told me, a great guacamole needs nothing more than 2 or 3 avacados, mashed up and drizzled with a whole lime to keep from browning. Mix in a half an onion (finely diced) and a pinch or two of salt and you're done. Sure tomatos and garlic are nice, but sometimes simple is better.

The Cilantro-Lime Rice: Starting with about 2 cups of regular old rice, we mixed in around 2 tablespoons of salt, half a cup of chopped fresh cilantro, a pinch of garlic powder, and then squeezed a lime and a half over the whole concoction.

The Fajitas: For the Fajitas, we started with a pre-packaged carne asada flank steak, threw it in a cast iron pan, sprinkled it with lime and cooked it along with garlic, chopped onions and peppers. Once done, we diced it up and served it alongside the cilantro lime rice, shredded cheese, sour cream, etc. on a warm tortila. Done and done.

A couple of Pacificos (with limes of course) washed the whole thing down in style.

The meal was truly as simple as it sounds, and almost criminally tasty, so if you're looking for some culinary inspiration of your own, the search stops here.

Fresh Grounds: Chinatown Coffee Co.

2010-01-22T12:20:00.007-05:00

Yea yea, its been a few months since our last post, but hey were busy people, so these things happen. That said, two months off means we've got two months worth of great DC eats queued up and ready to be served. So if your stomach has been growling for something new, something exciting, or something thats just plain tasty, than check back over the next few weeks and let eat the district help soothe the savage beast.

For starters, I'd like to present another entry in to our "Fresh Grounds" series: Chinatown Coffee Co.. Located in Chinatown on H St. NW between 4th and 5th, Chinatown Coffe is the third and latest offering from the people who originally brought you Murky Coffee. Serving top quality beans delivered all the way to the district from Chicago-based roaster, Intelligentsia, the joe is more than adequate. I had a cup of "Ethiopia Yirgacheffe" which supposedly had notes of chocolate, apples, and strawberries. Now I'm not so sure about all that, but it certainly was tasty. The baked goods, provided by the likes of Whatsa Bagel,Hawthorne Pastry, and Bakeshop(who just opened a new store out in Clarendon fyi) were fresh and complimented the coffee nicely.

The building itself has a very cool, contemporary vibe (that is not even remotely communicated by their potbellyesqe logo), with plenty of space to people watch while you enjoy a cuppa.

These days, coffee is an integral part of many of our mornings, and while there there may be a Starbucks conveniently located on every corner, independent jobs like Chinatown Coffee exist for a reason: they're great. So if you find yourself around chinatown and desperate for your daily dose of caffeine, than Chinatown Coffee Co. is well worth a visit.

Check it Out: Bob's Noodles 66

2009-11-18T12:12:00.005-05:00

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

2009-10-30T16:35:00.004-04:00

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

2009-10-08T12:31:00.005-04:00

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

2009-09-26T10:38:00.005-04:00

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

2009-09-22T11:20:00.018-04:00

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

2009-09-21T11:57:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-16T14:19:00.024-04:00

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

2009-09-14T04:06:00.005-04:00

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

2009-09-08T11:27:00.008-04:00

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

2009-09-07T15:34:00.004-04:00

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

2009-08-17T13:39:00.005-04:00

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

2009-08-13T09:01:00.005-04:00

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

2009-08-03T17:01:00.006-04:00

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

2009-07-27T15:22:00.002-04:00

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

2009-07-23T13:34:00.006-04:00

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

2009-07-09T11:31:00.002-04:00

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

2009-07-07T12:08:00.004-04:00

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

2009-07-05T08:44:00.007-04:00

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: ???

2009-06-26T11:27:00.003-04:00

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.

2009-06-23T12:54:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-21T14:11:00.009-04:00

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

2009-06-18T09:13:00.004-04:00

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

2009-06-16T10:22:00.005-04:00

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

2009-06-14T09:55:00.003-04:00

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

2009-06-11T12:21:00.005-04:00

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

2009-06-09T14:34:00.004-04:00

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

2009-06-07T11:03:00.005-04:00

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

2009-06-04T14:14:00.003-04:00

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

2009-06-03T13:16:00.008-04:00

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.

The Sunday Dinner: Mumbo Gumbo

2009-05-31T10:24:00.004-04:00

Sorry for the absence, but last week I was down in South Carolina - sans internet - on vacation with the family. While there though, I was inspired to try my hand at a southern favorite that would be perfect for this week's Sunday Dinner. I am speaking of course about gumbo. A food that most are familiar with by name, but fall short when it comes to actually describing the dish. A soup? A stew over rice? Whatever it is, it's delicious, and for that reason if you're lookin to do some cookin I'd highly recommend you check this recipe out.

Andouille Sausage and Shrimp Gumbo

In case you don't notice it, the recipe yields 12 servings, so just a heads up but you will probably want to adjust the measurements accordingly. Also, I added okra in place of the celery and that worked out quite nicely, so feel free to play around with what you are throwing in as far as vegetables go.

For a beverage to pair with your gumbo, the linked website recommends a good beer, and while I can't disagree with that, if you're in more of a wine mood you ought to think about a Malbec, like this one, that you can find down at Watergate Wine & Beverage

Check it Out: The Brown Bag

2009-05-19T10:14:00.001-04:00

The lunch break; most fickle of all noon-time meals. Long enough to lure you out of the office, but never quite long enough to allow for a truly satisfying sit-down experience. Time is tight so you go for what's easy. Understandable, but all to often that means greasy, uninspired creations that more resemble cardboard than food. Fear not however, because there is a solution in the form of The Brown Bag.

With four location across the greater Washington area, including two downtown at 818 18th St. and 1099 14th St. respectively, The Brown Bag specializes in high quality lunch fare made fresh and more importantly fast. Since 2002, they have been feeding the city a scrumptious selection of soups, salads, sandwiches and even omelets. All made in-house daily and prepared to order.

As per the name, it's essentially like bringing your favorite lunch stuffs from home - minus the making it yourself part.

Take my word for it, this is good stuff. So next time you're slipping out of the office for a quick bite skip subway and do the Brown Bag thing.

Check it Out: Sequoia

2009-05-16T11:10:00.002-04:00

As surely as summer follows spring, come this time of year, scores of DC residents begin flocking in droves to enjoy the sights and sounds down at the Georgetown waterfront. And for good reason, on a sunny day, there is hardly a better place to enjoy a light bite and a drink or two than on the patio of one of it's several seafood oriented restaurants.

While I had passed it countless times in my travels to and from Georgetown, this weekend I had the pleasure of actually sitting for a meal at Sequoia. A member of the Ark Restaurant group, and one of the larger, more well known of the waterfront establishments, Sequoia boasts a robust menu centered - though not exclusively - around all manner of seafood. I had a couple of oysters as a starter and miso mirin seared salmon for my main course, both of which were very tasty, and while the fish certainly isn't coming out of the Potomac (god forbid), its fresh enough. Along with the food we also ordered a bottle of Hugel Gewurztraminer 2006, which had a subtly-sweet flavor that complimented the fish nicely.

The Sequoia's service and decor are what you would expect from an upscale Washington restaurant, and the waitstaff is knowledgeable about the menu and more than happy to offer suggestions where needed.

As has become the norm of late it started pouring shortly after we got there, so understandably we decided to dine indoors. If it ever stops raining raining though Sequoia has a spacious patio that looks like it would be perfect if you're looking to eat outside.

Sequoia is a popular spot, so if you are planning on eating there I would highly recommend making a reservation (especially on the weekend). It certainly isn't one of Washington's little known eateries, but if you are in the mood for some fine seafood I would recommend you take a look at Sequoia.

Top of the Hops: RFD Washington

2009-05-12T12:41:00.003-04:00

In the wide world of beer, there are a handful of arguments that will never die. American microbrew innovation or European tradition, IPAs or Stouts, the list goes on and on. One truth universally accepted as such however is the superiority of beer straight from the tap over that found in it's bottled brothers. Yes, when it comes to beer, freshness is king.

That said though, your average bar offers roughly only a half-dozen draughts, one or two of which are usually of the mass-market (bud, coors, miller) variety. So while there may be a bump in quality, more often than not, the variety is decidedly lacking. Unfortunate? Yes, but thus is life - life without Regional Food and Drink Washington that is. Located in Chinatown, at 810 7th Street, Regional Food and Drink (known better as RFD) boasts the largest tap list in the district. The younger sister-establishment to the storied Brickskeller, in addition to their formidable stable of draughts, RFD also offers a solid dinner / snack menu (the majority of which is cooked A La Biere) and a rather gaudy selection of bottles to boot. Suffice it to say, these people like their beer.

When I was there last week, I enjoyed a glass of Leffe Bruin, a phenomenal Belgian brown ale, and a bottle of Baltica #6, a Russian porter with an incredibly unique aftertaste. The beauty of RFD is the freedom from limitation though, so if you find yourself in the neighborhood, drop by and discover something new. If you're not exactly a big beer person, or just can't seem to make up your mind, than the knowledgeable waitstaff are always glad to help you out with a suggestion.

If you are looking for good beer in the city, than look no further than RFD.

The Sunday Dinner: Summer Fun

2009-05-10T13:46:00.006-04:00

First, I'd like to apologize for our absence over the past week or so. It's the end of the semester, so I'm sure you know how it goes. That said, there is no such thing as a bad time to eat a great meal, and to that end I'd like to present the perfect meal to celebrate the start of summer.

Its always nice to have something to nibble on while you're cooking, so start off with some chips and a little Blueberry Salsa.

The Starter: Stuffed Poblano Chile Peppers

The Main Course: Fish Tacos

If you are feeling especially ambitious, check out this recipe forFresh Strawberry Gelato. Make sure you allow a bit of time for that one though, the recipe says that it can take anywhere between a few hours to a few days to firm up. However long it takes though, you can bet its going to be pretty amazing in the end.

Were talking tacos here, so skip the vino and grab some beer. Pacifico, Corona, Presidente, really anything from south of the border should do the trick, and you should be able to find it at any liquor store in the area. Don't forget the lime.

Save The Date: May 2009 Schedule of Events

2009-05-01T18:33:00.010-04:00

May 3
TasteDC's From Vine to Wine - Washington, DC

May 5
Cinco De Mayo - Everywhere

May 7-9
Heart's Delight Wine Tasting and Auction - Washington, DC

May 16
Fiesta Asia - Washington, DC

May 17
Taste of Arlington - Arlington, VA

May 17
Taste of Wheaton - Washington, DC

May 21
Wine and Art Night in Old Town Alexandrea - Alexandrea, VA

May 30
Savor: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience - Washington, DC

This Weekend Under $100: Nando's Peri Peri

2009-04-30T15:42:00.007-04:00

If the prospect of rainy days has your mind wandering off to more exotic climes, than allow me to offer up a remedy. This weekend I recommend that you start your evening off by heading to Chinatown, specifically the intersection of 7th and Eye, where you will find Nando’s Peri Peri. To put it as simply as possible, Nando’s is a Portuguese-style restaurant that serves up a mean flame-grilled chicken. As opposed to being waited on, you order up at a counter in the middle of the restaurant, and while grilled chicken may sound a tad simplistic, you’d be surprised. Selecting from a wide array of different cuts, spices and sides you get to personalize your meal in any way you see fit, and all of the food is fantastic so you can do your own thing without the fear of fouling up the flavors. I personally enjoy the half chicken with the “hot” spice, but the real fun here lies in building your meal exactly how you want so like LeVar Burton says, “don’t take my word for it”. That being said the butternut squash and grilled corn is pretty damn good too.

After dinner is it’s not raining, take a nice leisurely stroll on over to the E Street Cinema for their 9:35 showing of Tokyo!, a unique portrayal of the famous city done in three distinct segments, each part of the triptych being directed by a different individual. In this case Michael Gondry, Leos Carax and Bong Joon-Ho respectively.

Nando’s Peri Peri is about $20 a head, and figure $10 for each of the tickets, so all said and done your looking at about $60-$70 evening.

Sure, it might not be the same as hopping on the next flight to St. Barths, but I’m pretty sure you’ll have a fine time nonetheless. Hell, you might even learn a thing or two.

Elsewhere, In The World Of Food

2009-04-29T04:26:00.004-04:00

This isn’t necessarily DC food news per se, but I felt that it was worth mentioning regardless. Recently, I stumbled across a pair of pretty neat websites during the course of my online wanderings, both of which featured a ton of great information that I feel culinary-minded folks like yourselves might appreciate.

The first of these being Chowhound.com, a region-specific food message board that, among other things, plugs one in to an extensive and knowledgeable community of area foodies. Having trouble tracking down that key ingredient for your favorite recipe? Post said dilemma on Chowhound and you’ll probably come out in a better spot than you were when you started. I was personally drawn there in my attempts to find a decent currywurst in the district, so the possibilities really are endless. Check it out.

The second website was Beeradvocate.com. A self described "global, grassroots network, powered by an independent community of beer enthusiasts and industry professionals who are dedicated to supporting and promoting beer" Beeradvocate is one of the most extensive online beer communities that I have come across. It hosts a wealth of information concerning all of beer's many facets from production techniques to top regional breweries, so if beer is your beverage of choice, check this one out too.

The Urban Breakfast: Jimmy T's Place

2009-04-28T09:29:00.002-04:00

As you might expect, I like food. All kinds of food; be it fried chicken or foie gras there’s a good chance that I’d like it in my stomach. That said though, for my money it doesn’t get much better than breakfast. There is something earnest about a heaping plate of bacon, fried eggs and toast that appeals as much to the palate as to the soul. Unpretentious, you bet, but that’s the beauty of it. I challenge you to show me another dish that is as delicious at 8 in the morning as it is in the middle of the night. The Urban Breakfast is for all of you like-minded folks out there who see nothing wrong with waffles at the dinner table or eggs in the sandwich. We know what the score is, and there’s a whole world of great grub out there waiting for us.

I would be lying if I wasn’t just a little bit partial to breakfast of my own design, but that aside there is something also to be said about the je ne sais quoi of a true breakfast joint. I’m not simply talking about breakfast in a restaurant, rather those charmingly worn local gems that exist for breakfast’s sake. Last Tuesday I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled across just such a place out in Capitol Hill.

Jimmy T’s Place , located at the intersection of 5th and East Capitol, is a temple to all that is sacred in the breakfast universe. From the coffee mugs stained brown by years of use, to heavenly odors wafting from the open kitchen, every inch of it’s cozy first-floor dining room oozes authenticity and local charm. Just check out the official website and I have a feeling you will get a good picture of what kind of place this is. Decidedly a morning establishment, Jimmy T’s only open from 6:30 until 3:00 on weekdays and 8:00 to 3:00 Saturday / Sunday, so don’t plan on dropping by too late.

If I need to tell you what to get there than you don’t need to be reading this, but trust me when I say that a trip will be well worth your while. It is breakfast isn’t it?

Check it Out: Greek Deli

2009-04-26T14:13:00.017-04:00

Remember the Soup Nazi character from Seinfeld? The brutally efficient, yet immensely talented sous chef of a small New York soup shop. His cheap, delicious food was as renowned as his quick, unbalanced temperament. I am happy to say the the Soup Nazi is alive in well right here in DuPont's Greek Deli. Kostas, the bombastic owner, operator, and mascot of the restaurant seems to channel this character. Standing at the end of the long lunchtime line, you can already hear him berating his staff or a first-timer. Someone mistakenly confused the deli for Nooshi next door and asked Kostas what kinds of sushi he served. He screamed back, "DO I LOOK JAPANESE?" A man asked Kostas for hot soup to which he yelled, "WHAT? DO YOU THINK I SERVE MY SOUP COLD? MCDONALDS IS DOWN THE STREET!" All of this before he informed his staff, made up mostly of family members, "WHY DO I PAY YOU? TOO SLOW, TOO SLOW. ALL FIRED," and went outside to smoke a cigarette.

Aside from the entertainment, people return to Greek Deli time and time again for the superb and authentic food at an unbeatable price.

They serve an extensive menu of Greek delicacies. I typically stick with the Gyro Platter. A delicious pita stuffed with seasoned meat, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, feta, and drizzled with tzatziki sauce. It is served with huge portions of Orzo salad and Greek style string beans. All of this for just $8.99. Also popular is the Spanakopita (delectable spinach and cheese pastry), Pastitsio (a Greek lasagna of sorts), and their Greek meatball special. The portions are huge and typically all around $9. That's the reason the lunch line stretches out the door every weekday. No worries though, the line moves quickly as Kostas and his staff mean business (expect a 5 minute wait from the end of the line). Swing by, between L and M on 19th Street, pick up lunch, save half for dinner. Enjoy delicious and authentic Greek food with an authentic Greek temperament.

Cab Savvy: The Mighty Malbec

2009-04-26T13:31:00.013-04:00

The sun is shining, the weather is warm, and the AC units have yet to be turned on. Given the heat, many of us flee from the arms of Dionysus into those of Anheiser Busch. We choose watery lager to fight the heat over its richer, bolder cousin: wine. While I am certainly not advocating destroying the great American tradition of summer beer and barbecue, our love for wine need not hibernate until the cooler months. Mallbec is a wine perfectly suited for the summer. It is rich, dark, spicy and yet not overwhelming in this type of heat.

While interest in this wine is new, the grape itself certainly is not. It has been grown and used in France for centuries, generally blended into the popular French Bordeaux. At some point, an enterprising Frenchman carried some vines over to Argentina. The grape found a new home in the Mendoza region there, and quickly flourished. Argentinian vineyards have carried Malbec to new heights. In fact Argentinian wine and Malbec are almost synonymous at this point. While fewer and fewer fields are devoted to it in France, Argentinians continue to plant the grape in greater and greater numbers. Aside from its delicious yet not overbearing taste, Malbecs are surpisingly cheap. Most great bottles can be found for between $10-15. This is likely due to the fact that for all its allure, people still don't really know about it.

I recently picked up a bottle of Bec Fin Santa Cecilia from Best Cellars in Dupont. It's the only Malbec they're carrying right now and it's only $9. This admittedly wasn't the best wine I've ever had, but I can say it's one of the best $9 wines I've ever had. It poured a deep plum purple. The smell and taste were heavily of fruit. Blackberry, chocolate, and pepper all came through. It was tasty and rich, but not overwhelming even in the heat.

This wine can be enjoyed with a nice steak, or even at an outdoor barbecue. It's a summer wine, something to enjoy in these warm afternoons that is still tasty and complex. As the weather heats up, keep cab saavy.

The Sunday Dinner: Time for Tacos

2009-04-26T13:09:00.004-04:00

Its been a bizarre couple of weeks as far as weather is concerned, but between the biblically-epic rain storms, the unseasonable cold, and the odd sunny afternoon or two, it appears as if Summer has finally come to stay. Today the mercury broke 90 for the first time this year, something that will must likely become a painfully regular occurrence as we move forward into May, but before you let the DC heat get under your skin why not escape the heat of the kitchen for a little outdoor cookin.

The Starter: Sausage Stuffed Peppers

The Main Course: Pork Tacos with Poblano and Tomatillo Salsa

And if you want to get a bit fancy with the Tomatillo Salsa, check out this alternate recipe for an interesting, grilled, take on the dish.

To wash it all down, skip wine for this meal and instead grab a sixer of Negro Modelo. It’s a dark, more complex cousin of Corona, that manages to pack in more flavor without sacrificing smoothness. You should be able to pick this refreshing beverage up at any respectable liquor store in the DC area.

Top of the Hops: The Saloon

2009-04-23T13:03:00.002-04:00

"Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."

Benjamin Franklin made a lot of memorable statements throughout his life, but there is something about this gem that seems to stick with you. It's probably the truth in it. Despite that little hiccup in the '20s, alcohol has always held a place in American society, and while wine is nice, and spirits certainly have their purpose, I feel that in the pantheon of beverages beer is tough to beat. It can be refreshing. It can be complex. It's great with lunch, dinner, and every once in a while even breakfast. Above all else though, it's great with friends. That said, "Top of the Hops" is a celebration of all things beer. Be it a particular brewery thats caught our attention, or an area bar that sets itself apart from the rest, you can be sure that if you find it here its worth a look. Or rather a sip.

The first such establishment that is without a doubt worth a visit is U Street's The Saloon. Located almost directly across the street from the U St. Metro stop, this homey little tavern trades the high-energy atmosphere found in many of the area's bars in favor of one much much more relaxed, and in my opinion, much more enjoyable. The absence of any ambient music or flashing televisions leaves a refreshingly calm aura about the place, and that, along with The Saloon's communal seating, open the door to great conversation; something that goes with beer like bread with butter, but is an increasing rarity in today's bar culture.

The bar itself is great and all, but its The Saloon's selection that really seals the deal. With an incredible selection of top quality draughts, and an even more impressive bottle menu of hard-to-find European imports, The Saloon boasts if not one of the city's most extensive beer list, than certainly one of its finest. I was pleasantly surprised to find one of my favorite beers, Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse Dunkel, on the menu, and that was on the tame end of things. So whether you are a fan of the stoutest stouts, or only drink the palest of ales, I would be very impressed if you didn't discover something new and delicious to try.

The beers are roughly in the $10/per neighborhood, so its not the cheapest place to grab a pint, but you definitely get what you pay for. You can get a bottle of Heineken anywhere, but if you're looking for something new this weekend, swing on over to The Saloon. It's worth the trip.

Check It Out: Loeb's Deli

2009-04-21T12:17:00.004-04:00

Sandwiches are awesome. Whether you’re standing in line at Subway, tucking in to some $20 swank-wich piled high with top-shelf toppings or even whipping one up yourself, you do so with the confidence that unless something has gone horribly wrong along the way it’s going to be pretty damn good. There is something in the way that sandwiches can flit so effortlessly between simple to complex without losing anything in translation that sets them in a class of their own as far as food is concerned.

Despite this though, like bratwurst is to Germany or wine to France, sandwich snobs always seem subscribe to the belief that delis (particularly of the New York variety) are the end-all be-all when it comes to the matter, and while I’m personally partial to my own creations, they do have a point. The problem with so-called “New York style” delis though is… you guessed it, they’re tough to find outside of the big apple. It’s a shame for most, but Washingtonians can take heart because for almost 40 years Loeb’s Deli has been providing Foggy Bottom with some of the finest lunch fare in the District. Located near the intersection of I and 15th, Loeb’s is decidedly a lunch joint, only serving weekdays from 6:00 to 4:30.

One’s relationship with their sandwich of choice is an intense and personal one, so I certainly won’t presume to suggest what you should get at Loeb’s, but I always go for a Reuben and a bowl of Matzo Ball Soup and the combination has yet to fail me thus far.

If your lunch break finds you in the area, or looking for something new, head over to Loeb’s Deli and get your sandwich on the way it was meant to be done.

Check it Out: I-The Indian Experience

2009-04-15T11:22:00.003-04:00

Some of my favorite meals have been the ones that I least expected. While anticipation is nice, it can even come close to the feeling of excitement that you enjoy after a particularly satisfying surprise. Yesterday I had that distinct pleasure when a friend of mine introduced me to I-The Indian Experience.

Located in Foggy Bottom just off the intersection of 16th and L Street, you enter into the restaurant beneath a vibrant magenta awning before immediately descending down a precipitous flight of stairs to the dining room below. As I had never before had the pleasure of dining there, my surprise at the cavernous subterranean scene which greeted me was matched only by that at the dimly-lit, wood-paneled, almost surreal vibe the place gave off. Almost as if i had somehow stepped back into some 1920's speakeasy or something.

The ambiance aside though, we had gone there there to eat, and the entire walk there had been spent listening to my friend enumerating the many virtues of The Indian Experience lunch buffet; Its 12 bucks. Its delicious. Some of the best i've had. Its all you can eat. Did I mention that its just $12? Suffice it to say I was a tad wary, sure it sounded great, but there had to be some sort of a catch. There isn't. Its every bit as great as it sounds, and if you even remotely like Indian food you owe it to yourself to go. Served every weekday from 11:30 until 2:30, the buffet features about six or seven different dishes of various curried and chili varieties with all rice and naan you might need to chow down how ever you may see fit. There is a dinner buffet too from 6:00 until 9:00 every weeknight as well, and though i have not yet sat for it, I can only assume that its every bit as good as the lunch one.

This place is great, between the food and setting i just dig it, and Im sure you will too. Just remember to bring your appetite because you better believe you're going to need it.

This Weekend Under $60: Chopsticks

2009-04-10T12:12:00.008-04:00

To say that sushi is sushi is a gross generalization. Anyone who has experienced both prefab faux-crab grocery store pseudo maki and the fresh nuanced creations of a true master, knows that a world of difference exists between the two. In no way do I mean to denigrate these mass-market offerings, but truly fresh sushi is a sublime experience, and one that shouldn’t be missed.

That being said, I am always on the look out for establishments in the DC area that consistently serve quality sushi, and one restaurant that has impressed me to this end is Chopsticks of Georgetown. Located south of M on Wisconsin this cozy little Japanese restaurant offers terrific food at reasonable prices, and while everything on the menu is enjoyable, it’s the sushi that really sets this place apart in my eyes. I’ve had nothing but good experiences there, so I was astounded so see all of the negative reviews that Chopsticks has received on yelp, but to each his own I guess. The seating is limited so if you are planning on going shoot to arrive a little earlier than you normally would to ensure that you can get a seat.

After dinner there is no reason to let the evening’s Japanese vibe die, if some adult beverages are what you seek, why not fix yourselves up a jar of Sparkling Sake Lemonaide (recipe at the bottom of the page), a refreshing take on the traditional Japanese rice wine that’s the perfect drink for spring. Now, drink in hand, what better way to cap of your evening than by kicking back and enjoying Sofia Coppola’s expat classic Lost In Translation

Introducing The Back Room Cigar Bar

2009-04-08T11:25:00.003-04:00

You read internet food blogs. Don’t even try to deny it, because I’ve caught you red handed. You’ve learned to love food and flavor to the fullest, and that a good meal can be so much more than a chance to fill your belly. You’re the kind of person who values food as a full cultural experience. You scoff at those unenlightened fools who would shy away from a good streak tartare, a bowl of tripe-laden Phở, or decadent sweetbread over risotto. If you’re anything like me, you love food with a complexity of flavor, the experience of coming together with friends over a good meal, and you certainly aren’t afraid of a little hedonism, every now and again.

That said, I have a proposition for you. Listen carefully, and hear me out.

You should start smoking. I’m certainly not talking about cigarettes, narcotics, or even something that you should be doing with any regularity. I’m talking about pushing your palate’s horizons a bit further, and learning to occasionally enjoy a good cigar. Much like a meal, these masterfully blended stalks of hand-rolled tobacco and happiness can provide a unique opportunity to come together with friends, and a complexity of flavor to rival any cabernet. For me, cigars offer an hour to spend clearing my thoughts, a chance for great conversations with friends, and a way to relax on warm evenings. But all of these benefits, in one way or another, come from a specific aspect of the cigar smoking experience. They come from the act of contemplating the subtle and complex development of flavor in each cigar. Every smoke, when properly enjoyed, calls to mind flavors reminiscent of everything from leather to chocolate, and each cigar provides the opportunity to clear your mind entirely of the day’s concerns, and focus only on the taste’s development, and the company shared. If you’re anything like me, if you too are a reader of internet food blogs, you understand that complex flavors are, in and of themselves, a transcendent experience, and an excellent way to relax.

In the coming months, you might be hearing from me more often. I’ll post here, maybe every other week, and provide you with exciting tales of my own cigar-related exploits, with full reviews of any stogies enjoyed. Maybe I’ll even throw in a scotch pairing or cigar-friendly lounge critique, if the mood strikes me. Until then, please, continue appreciating food and flavor for everything they have to offer. The world is a crazy, backwards place, where nearly everyone takes themselves far too seriously, and food not seriously enough. In my opinion, you, and nearly everyone else, could probably benefit from a good cigar with close friends. Do me, the rest of the world, and yourself a favor. Have a smoke.

The Sunday Dinner: There's Nothing Like A Pizza

2009-04-05T14:17:00.005-04:00

There is a lot of great food out there. From the heartiest of home-cooked soul foods to the most nuanced dishes haute French cuisine has to offer, the range of great choices can be a bit daunting at times. That said there are a few constants, foods that are so universal in their appeal and consistent in their quality that no matter what the circumstances they're going to hit the spot time and time again. Disagree if you must, but for my money if anything belongs in that category pizza does. As a child it's cheesy goodness represent the ultimate treat. As a teenager, its the the ideal late-night snack. Finally as an adult you discover how unexpected, top-shelf toppings can turn this old standby into a truly "grown up" meal. Face it, there's nothing quite like a pizza, so this week why not whip up one of your own. Included below are three recipes that I'm sure you would enjoy, but if your feeling daring why not try a concoction of your own design. As long as you don't get too abstract with it its tough to go wrong, this is pizza after all.

Smoked Salmon Pizza

Goat Cheese Pizza

Pear and Prosciutto Pizza

Save The Date: April 2009 Schedule of Events

2009-04-05T03:03:00.000-04:00

Sorry for being a few days late on getting this posted, but here, as always, are the events that you should keep your eyes open for this April.

April 8
Lunch With A Legend - Washington, DC

April 9
Cocina De Coprodeli 2009 - Washington, DC
Advanced Wine Studies: Oak and Smoke - Washington, DC

April 12
Easter Sunday Champaign Brunch - Washington, DC
Spirit Of Washington Easter Lunch Cruse - Washington, DC

April 16
Grapes With The Apes - Washington, DC

April 26
Carpenter's Shelter Cook-Off - Alexandra, VA

April 30
Advanced Wine Studies: Barnyard Elegance

This Weekend Under 100: Paddle Boats and Urbana

2009-04-02T13:47:00.010-04:00

The Cherry Blossom festival has arrived! Spring weather (ha), the flowers are blooming and the tourists along with them. The view along the tidal basin is one of the most gorgeous things about this city. If not for the tourists, I would say this is one of my favorite times to be in the district. Far too many of us get too caught up with the goings on of work, school, and other activities to make the short walk down to the Potomac to absorb the beauty, warmth, and light of this wonderful event. With that in mind, this weekend under 100 takes you down to the blossoms and later to one of my favorite restaurant spots in DC.

Now what's the best way to see these fantastic cherry blossoms? What's the best way to really take in the true beauty of the tidal basin? Paddle Boats. Yes, I know, only tourists use the paddle boats. Yes, I realize that they are likely the most absurd form of aquatic transport ever envisioned. But they still remain the easiest and the most cost-effective means of taking in the Cherry Blossoms. For a mere $8, the price of shampoo, you and a friend can spend an hour out in the tidal basin. While they are pretty strict on the hour time-limit, trust me, there's no way you're going to be able to stay out there longer than an hour. I'm no slouch, I don't smoke, and I get out and run every once and a while. But in all honestly, I was dying, my legs burning and my breathing heavy after just about 20 minutes. Granted my partner wasn't doing much work but that's beside the point. Spend an hour enjoying the blossoms. I would suggest heading down there later in the day, around 4 or 5pm. Enjoy a paddle, and after returning the boat sit down and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

I'm sure this bit of cardio will work up an appetite. From the tidal basin hop on a quick cab or if you're still feeling sprite make a walk out of it, and head up to DuPont Circle. Urbana is one of several Kimpton restaurants in DC. Connected to the Palomar Hotel, it reflects its sleek, hip, Mediterranean design. Dim lights, green highlights, black tables, and walls dotted with wine bottles. The food is also Mediterranean with a focus on Italian flavors. The wine list is extensive and diverse in price. You will find the staff friendly, helpful, and most importantly very knowledgeable. I would start out with the cheese plate, the beet salad, or the scallops small plate. My personal favorite being the beet salad. I have had both the duck and hangar steak there and have to say they were both terrific. Do not be alarmed by the fact that the duck looks nothing like duck and more like a delicious chop of steak, it certainly tastes like duck, and a fantastic one at that.

If of age, compliment your meal with their Cherry-Sour. A whisky sour made especially for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Also, finish off your meal with their special Cherry Blossom dessert: Chocolate Brioche and English Toffee Bread Pudding with Bing Cherries and Cherry Gelato. I can't say I have tried it but I wish to God I had as it sounds absolutely sumptuous.

Directions to Tidal Basin: Really? Walk south towards the water. Stop when you're wet.

Directions to Urbana: P between 21st and 22nd. Red line to DuPont and walk east or cab it up.

Paddle boats: $8
Appetizer: $10-12/each
Entrees: $24-27/each
Dessert: $10
Cherry-Sour: $10

Total: $88 plus tax and tip

Check it Out: The Black Rooster

2009-04-01T15:16:00.012-04:00

For some reason, the term dive-bar has developed a rather negative connotation in our culture. We think of dirty, uncomfortable, old-man bars when someone mentions a dive spot. But that's not all a good dive bar need represent. To me, it speaks of a comfortable, homey, small, friendly bar, where everyone in fact does know your name. Certainly there are some flops that aren't worth considering. But The Black Rooster Public House is one you should definitely check out.

This is one of the best pubs in the area. Yes, it is small. Yes, it is not well lit. Yes, it attracts a rather eclectic (read: older) crowd. But you will find a fantastic and lively atmosphere coupled with terrific and friendly service at this neighborhood bar. Having been a patron of this pub for quite a many months, I can tell you that the pub is either absolutely dead or absolutely packed. During the week, the happy hour professional crowd generally jams the place. They come for discounted drinks and great food specials. A pint of Budweiser or Bud Light is only $2.68, one of the better beer deals in town. All other draft pints (including Guinness) are one-dollar off. The food is perhaps the biggest draw. TO be honest, it is likely not the best food you will ever have. However for the price and quantity it certainly is one of the better deals. Tuesday night is my favorite for half-priced burger nights. Get a huge angus burger, with three toppings of your choice (Bacon, blue cheese, and fried onions for me) and fries for only $4.95. With a pint of the black stuff, you can have a fine meal for just $10 with tax and tip. Every weekday night has a different food special, all of which are worth looking into.

After enjoying your meal you can enjoy a game of darts for free, on one of their two boards or simply talk with the friendly bartenders or patrons. This type of atmosphere is a welcome change to many of the "hipper" but also colder venues in DC. Having enjoyed myself a bit too much on one Tuesday evening, I left my laptop at my table. The staff took it, locked it in the office, and I was able to pick it up the next day. I can't imagine many other bars in town where my laptop would have survived the night.

The Sunday Dinner: Nice And Light

2009-03-29T20:33:00.009-04:00

When the weather is as nice as it's looking like its going to be this coming week, the last thing you want is a stomach full of heavy food. To that end, this week if you find a moment and fell so inspired I recommend trying out this pair of tasty recipes that are light enough to enjoy but not to put an end to your evening. If you hadn't heard, the cherry blossoms are expected to be in full bloom about mid week, so why not eat early and head down to the tidal basin and enjoy the sunset.

The Starter Tangy Cucumber Salad

The Main Course Mint Pesto Pasta

A bottle of Smily Face White Wine is delicate enough to nicely complement the meal without overpowering it. You can pick one up at the Trader Joes on 25th Street for about $5.

Its Cherry Blossom Time

2009-03-27T14:52:00.002-04:00

Word on the street is its probably going to be raining intermittently throughout the weekend, but it’s spring in Washington, and that can only mean on thing: it’s time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Kicking of with the opening ceremony at 4:00PM tomorrow in the National Building Museum, the festival is going to continue on through the 12th and is going to include a ton of events that cater to just about anything you can think of. In addition to countless shows and tours, a handful of DC restaurants will be offering up special deals and cherry blossom inspired dishes through the course of the festival so be sure not to miss out on that.

The trees are predicted to be a peak bloom between the first and the fourth, so if nothing else you ought to make your way down to the tidal basin and take a few pictures. It’s worth the trip.

Weekend Under $60: What About Bob

2009-03-26T12:15:00.002-04:00

When it comes to music, there are a handful of artists who either by virtue of their talent or medium-changing creativity have an appeal that really transcends all genres. The Beatles, Marvin Gaye, Bob Dylan. Sure some people might not be their biggest fans, but nobody denies their genius. Bob Marley is another one who falls in this category, and to that end, this weekend if you're looking for an interesting night out on the tow you really ought to head over to the Govinda Gallery in Georgetown. Located north of M Street on 34th, for the past two months the Govinda Gallery has been presenting Soul Rebel: An Intimate Portrait of Bob Marley, a collection of David Burnett photographs that present a unique, intimate look at the life of the prolific artist. The gallery is open until 6:00 Tuesday through Saturday so I reccomend you check it out prior to dinner. It's really a special opportunity, and will only be open for a few more weeks, so I suggest that you check it out while you still have the chance. Plus admission is free so you can't complain about that.

From the gallery, make your way back down M until you reach 28th and Zed's Ethiopian Cuisine. Asside from his music, Bob Marley was well known for his affiliation with the Rastafari movement, a movement itsself which is inexhorably linked with the nation of Ethiopa. If you've never eaten Etheopian before you are in for an interesting experiance; the food is served family style on a central plate from which all of the diners can pick and choose as they see fit. As you would expect the flavors are exotic and the food tastes great. Its best when shared with a group of friends too, so perhaps this weekend put your date on hold and enjoy an evening out on the town with your buddies. At Zed's you can eat well for about $20-$25 a head, so if you don't already have a copy, put the money you saved towards buying Legend - The Best of Bob Marley and The Wailers off of iTunes, no music collection should be without it.

Admission to the Govinda Gallery: Free
Zed's: $20 - $25 (per person)
Total: $40 - $50

Fresh Grounds: Baked And Wired

2009-03-24T08:57:00.005-04:00

Standing out in Georgetown is a tall order. M Street is flush with chic eateries and gourmet gastronomical adventures wait around every corner. That said, when you offer uniquely paired, high-quality products like the folks at Baked and Wired the order gets a whole lot smaller.

Located on Thomas Jefferson down the hill from M, to simply refer to Baked and Wired as a bakery/coffee joint would be doing it a great disservice. Sure they’d be glad to sell you a tasty baked treat to go with your cuppa, but just wait till you taste that muffin, and oh what a cuppa it is. Offering beverages brewed from the high quality beans of Counter Culture Coffee that seem to be taking over the city’s best coffee spots, Baked and Wired has all the usual drinks, as well as an excellent selection of teas if that’s how you roll.

As far as the baked goods go, if you manage to make it over (regardless of whether its morning or night) you’re going to want to get a cupcake. Trust me. Not only are their bright colors and intricate designs appealing to the eye, but they’re delicious to boot. The cream cheese frosting has a subtle flavor that avoids the nauseating super-sweetness of your usual cupcake, making it a desert you can feel good about. Another think that struck me about Baked and Wired was its bright, open atmosphere. While the coffee shop usually engenders images of cramped, dimly-lit spaces full of deep armchairs ready to swallow you up at a moments notice, the vibe here is much more lively, almost like being outdoors. There is certainly something to be said for intimacy, but I felt that it was a welcome change.

Whether just starting your morning or wrapping up the day, if you find yourself in Georgetown with some time to spare, drop by Baked and Wired. You won’t regret it.

Cab Saavy: Grape and Bean

2009-03-23T08:41:00.016-04:00

Buying a nice bottle of wine and enjoying it in your apartment with some friends is always an enjoyable experience. However, there's something to be said for wine bars. Wine bars allow you to meet and mix with more people, not to mention not having to clean up after all those people in your apartment. Rather than constraining you to just one bottle, you are able to select among many different varietals sometimes accompanied by tasty food. You also have the added bonus of being able to drop the fact that you went to a real life wine bar in conversations. With that in mind, we bring you Grape and Bean, a cozy wine and coffee bar/shop in Old Town. The name, possibly referencing the Edna St. Vincent Millay poem, If you're anything like me the notion of two of my favorite things in one spot almost overwhelmed me. While certainly quite different poisons, coffee and wine both share a rich decadent flavor both powerful and complex.

We discovered this newly-opened gem after a nice dinner in Old Town. While it serves as a fantastic after-dinner coffee or wine spot, with a wide assortment of prepared food you could just spend all night there. I did not have the opportunity to enjoy the selection of coffee there, and as this is meant to be a wine column I will leave any mention of that to my friends in Fresh Grounds. The wine selection is decent without being overwhelming. They do not seem to restrain themselves by region offering European, American, and Australian alike. I settled on an $11 full glass of the 2005 Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon. They also offer half glass pourings around $5 or 6. The wine was quite good, fruit forward and dark with tastes of blackberry and pepper. Still stuffed from dinner I did not order any of the food, but the friendly staff served some anyways. They provided samplings of their delicious flatbread with gruyere and prosciutto. They offer a number of food selections designed to compliment their wines, mostly simple but delectable dishes such as these flatbreads but also a number of different cheeses. The best part is, as a wine bar and shop, you can buy everything you try here.

All of the wine, cheese, glassware, and even a number of beers are on sale from their retail section. Speaking with the owner, they also offer wine tasting events, mostly where they explore one region or varietal. On March 31, they will be doing a tasting of Italian wine varietals that a number of Eat the District staffers plan on attending. Be forewarned, this is a popular spot with not a lot of sitting room. However, if you are willing to be flexible, you will find a cozy yet warm and friendly spot to enjoy some wine, coffee, and food with some good friends.

The Sunday Dinner: It's Picnic Time

2009-03-15T16:07:00.007-04:00

When the weather is nice and the sun shining, there are few dining options more satisfying than a picnic. As such, this Sunday dinner deviates a little from our usual starter/main course formula and instead offers up a trio of tasty dishes that are just asking to be enjoyed outside. DC may not strike you at first as a verdant, picnic friendly environment, but between the mall, the arboretum and the countless other parks dotting the city you should have no problem finding some place to throw down a blanket, so without further adieu...

Crab Salad with Pear and Hazelnuts

Pesto Pasta Salad

Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Toasts

Along with all the food, I suggest you enjoy a bottle of Kung Fu Girl. The Washington State riesling has a sweet, delicate flavor that will compliment the light summer fare nicely. You can pick a bottle up at Watergate Wine and Beverage.

This Weekend Under $60: ShamRock Fest

2009-03-12T14:19:00.009-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! An interesting holiday where people of all ethnicities become Irish for twenty-four hours, devour salted meat, and drink heavily all in reverence for a Welsh missionary. That is not to knock the holiday in any way of course. I can hardly think of a better way to spend a weekend. With that Eat the District gives you ShamRock Fest, A popular venue that takes place in the parking lot of RFK stadium, hosting 33 bands, eight dance groups, 11 DJs and a heck of a lot of green beer. Many smaller Irish and Rebel bands will be performing, but the headliner is Flogging Molly: the band that evolved on the success of the Pogues and brought Celtic Rock to a mass audience. Along with the bands and other performances enjoy a number of amusement-park type areas complete with a climbing wall and 'pub games.' Tickets are available here for the all-day show on Saturday.

But with all these shenanigans taking place on Saturday, you will definitely need to stock up on some grub on Friday. Head to Mackey's Public House, one of DC's finest Irish spots. Along with traditional Irish brews, and a fantastic happy hour deal, Mackey's serves up hearty Irish pub food that's ideal for this weekend. As it's St. Patty's day I wouldn't choose anything but the Corned Beef and Cabbage but the burgers, steak pies, and Reuben's are all delicious. Sure it's not anything classy but it's hearty, filling, and ideal for St. Patty's Day. Have a great weekend, celebrate accordingly, and for the love of God please wear green.

Directions to RFK: Red line to Stadium/Armory and follow the hoard.

Directions to Mackey's: Quick walk to L between 18th and 19th.

ShamRock Fest Ticket: $24.99
Mackey's Meal: $12.99
Sixer of Guinness: $10
Total: $47.98 plus tax and tip

this Weekend Under $100: Marrakesh Palace

2009-03-12T06:41:00.005-04:00

If you are currently looking for something interesting to do this weekend, perhaps something a little exotic, than may I present a combination that is sure to please.

This Friday, start your evening by grabbing an early dinner just west of Dupont Circle at Marrakesh Palace. Located on P, just off 22nd Street, Marrakesh Palace serves up high-quality, authentic Moroccan cuisine, along with an equally authentic ambiance replete with traditional Moroccan decoration and hospitality.

You probably won’t want to leave, but after dinner, in the interest of time I suggest you cab it over to the National Geographic Live Theater at 1600 M St. for the 7:00PM showing of Marina of the Zabbaleen, a film that looks at the life of a young Egyptian girl living in a Zabaleen village. If you have never had the chance to make it to the National Geographic Live theater, it is an excellent venue and would be worth checking out in and of its self, but if your not sold yet, the screening will be followed by a discussion with the director Engi Wassef. Tickets go for $18 a head unless you are a member of the National Geographic Society, and you ought to be able to pick some up at the door without much trouble. Runtime is 70 minutes, so you would rather eat a late diner after the show has sufficiently whetted your appetite that would work as well.

Dinner: $20-$25 per person
Cab ride: $7
Tickets: $18 per person
Total: $83-$93

The Canadian Connoisseur and The Communist Langolier: Burma Restaurant

2009-03-10T22:40:00.009-04:00

The Myanmar, er, Burma Restaurant

A great part of living in DC is the access to the international community. It’s not exactly New York, where on any given street there can be a mini UN of restaurants, but if you look hard enough, you can find some real worldly gems to eat in the District. For instance, did you know that Washington has the country’s oldest Ethiopian restaurant? Or that you can get some fantastic Nepalese food at “Himalayan Heritage” on 18th street in Adams Morgan? Mmmmm, goat…… . But I’ll leave the description of my love for Caprine meat for another day and instead focus on my fantastic vegetarian feast at the Burmese restaurant last Saturday.

One of the many tragedies of the ongoing rule of the military Junta in Burma is that the world hasn’t gotten a chance to get acquainted with the rich history, culture, and cuisine of the ancient land that lies between India, China, Bhutan, and Thailand. Its official name, changed by the tyrants in charge of the newly constructed capital at Naypiydaw, is Myanmar - but it’ll be a cold day in hell when I refer to Burma as that. Unlike North Korea, which only allows a few tourists to go on guided tours once a year, it’s actually remarkable easy for Americans to travel to Burma and it’s a dream of mine to check it out someday. Meanwhile, I can at least get a small sample at the "Burma Restaurant” in Chinatown.

Yes, the restaurant’s location in a converted apartment on the second floor of a rickety old building creates a sketchy atmosphere. The owners try to put up pictures of Buddhist temples and some decorations, but to no avail. In fact, the place kinda reminds me of those skeevy cafes in Little Odessa (Brighton Beach in Brooklyn) – walking in is almost like venturing into Teddy KGB’s casino in “Rounders”. I can only imagine what the Burma restaurant must have looked like in the 1990’s before the MCI Center made Chinatown posh. However, what those places in Brighton Beach lack in ambiance is usually made up for it with delicious Perogis and vodka. The Burma Restaurant is the same way.

The lovely Canadian and I were entertaining a guest from the proletarian town of Cincinnati and wanted to show off our cosmopolitanism with a nice mix of exotic and delicious foods. The obvious choice, one that mixes the two, is pickled green tea leaf salad. If you read any other reviews about the restaurant they’ll always recommend this dish. It’s a flavor the likes of which I’ve never really tasted – a combination of nuts, salad, and tea leafs. The best part? The caffeine in the tea gives you a little energy boost! Next, we got served a huge plate of delicious “kausewe” (noodles). We ordered pickled bamboo shoots, a perfect addition to the Communist Langolier pantheon of weird foods but, sadly, they were all out of bamboo. Instead, the waiter recommended mustard greens and, for some reason, I really enjoyed the zesty taste of this plate. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that, to my everlasting shame, I was unable to finish the yellow and red pea soup that came next (I should have ordered the half-bowl that was available, but I was afraid of losing face in front of the girls. Damn Chinese values)!

Our bellies full and our palates satisfied, we waited anxiously for the bill. Fortunately, it wasn’t that bad either. Five dishes and a couple of beers for only $64 (plus tip) is certainly a decent price in DC. The place was absolutely packed, but the service was above average and the waiter got extra props for looking like a Shaolin monk - peaceful, but can probably kick your ass.

Burma Restaurant is located at 740 6th Street, NW (between G and H).
Make a reservation on Friday and Saturday nights – 202-638-1280.

The Burma Restaurant is one of my all time favorite restaurants simply due to the fact that you can’t get anything like it anywhere else in the District. Burmese food is so delicious and unique that it’s hard to even compare it to anything else. For this reason the Burma Restaurant is also one of my favorite places to take out-of-town guests when I want to show off the best and most diverse restaurants DC has to offer.

At Burma Restaurant I always have a hard time deciding what to order because just about everything on the menu sounds so intriguing – but there is something that I’m sure of every time. The one dish you absolutely cannot miss out on is the fermented green tea leaf salad. The tea leaves are imported from Burma in dried, compacted blocks. In order to make the dish, the leaves are reconstituted with garlic oil and then mixed with shredded cabbage, crushed peanuts, chopped tomato, sesame, fresh lemon juice, and garnished with crunchy roasted soybeans and cilantro. The salad is typically made with ground shrimp; however, it can easily be ordered without the shrimp as a vegetarian option. The mélange of flavors in this concoction is something I really can’t describe…just trust me that it is so unique and amazing that it will actually change your life! (I am sorry to say that we were so excited by the time it arrived at our table, we all dug in immediately, and it was gone before we even remembered to take a picture. To get a visual try to picture coleslaw mixed with pesto. Or better yet – just go there and order some!).

For our entrée our waiter recommended one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes - pickled mustard greens tossed with sautéed shrimp. If you’re noticing a theme here, you are correct – Burmese food often features pickled or fermented components. Believe it or not, though, they all have very different flavors. The mustard greens had more of a tangy taste that combined perfectly with the shrimp for yet another extraordinary dish. Any one of the “kausewe” (noodle) dishes also makes for a great addition to the meal. This time, we decided to try the bean thread noodles with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and spices. The description on the menu did not specify which spices, but I picked up on spicy white pepper as one of the dominant flavors.

An important thing to keep in mind while experiencing the Burmese adventure is that each dish arrives when it is ready, and there doesn’t seem to be any sort of method to the madness. Our huge bowl of soup (enough for the whole table) actually appeared last. The people who run the restaurant are extremely nice, and they actually seem to radiate a sense of calmness. (So much, in fact, that when you come into the restaurant, don’t hesitate to wander into the back room and find someone to ask for a table). From the bright yellow walls with old pictures, to the exotic new flavors, to the soft smiles – a visit to Burma Restaurant is a journey of senses that you’ll want to savor.

The Sunday Dinner: Spring Has Sprung

2009-03-08T10:14:00.001-04:00

For better or for worse, officially spring is upon us. Well, not officially, as it's not yet the 21st, but for all intensive purposes the bitter bite of winter is but a distant memory, and what better way to celebrate the new season than by dining outdoors. There is little argument that nothing pairs quite as nicely with pleasant weather than a bit of outdoor cooking, so this week if you get the chance, call your friend with the grill (or if you are that friend, be a pal and invite some others over) and start spring off in style.

The Menu:

The Starter Shrimp Ceviche

The Main Course Honey Mint Glazed Chicken

Wash it all down with a bottle of Wine That Loves Roasted Chicken from the San Francisco based Amazing Food Wine Company. You may not be roasting the chicken, but this mild red will compliment the delicate honey-mint flavors of the chicken quite nicely. You can pick a bottle up at Watergate Wine and Beverage.

This Weekend Under $100: Daniel O’Connell’s

2009-03-05T14:10:00.004-05:00

If you haven’t yet been to Alexandria’s Old Town, your missing out on one of the finest entertainment districts in the greater DC area. The third oldest historical district in the US, Old Town’s quaint collection of boutique shops and high end eateries spreads out down the length of its main drag King Street. Think Georgetown’s M Street, but with a slightly more bucolic vibe.

This weekend, for a lovely night out on the town, I suggest you make your way over to the King Street metro stop (located on the blue line), from which you can catch the free King Street trolley to the heart of Old Town. Start your evening off with a meal and a few drinks at Daniel O’Connell’s. The “modern Irish restaurant” serves a rather extensive selection of terrific Irish specialties, with dishes that can accommodate nearly any budget, from $13 Guinness braised short ribs to a $32 beef tenderloin.

As could be expected, on top of the terrific food they also have a rather well stocked bar where you can get a cold pint of your favorite Irish beer, but it’s the warm intimate atmosphere and the terrific service that stand out above anything else.

After dinner, take a short walk over to the Metro Stage on North Royal Street, and check out the 8:00PM showing of Cool Papa’s Party. Described as “to Sammy Davis, Jr. and Nat King Cole what "Dreamgirls" was to the Supremes” you won’t want to miss this musical tribute to one of America’s greatest performers. The show is running through the 15th so If you cant make it out this weekend you have still got a bit of time left as well.

If great food and good times are what your looking for this weekend, than Old Town is where you need to be.

This Weekend Under $60: The Watchmen & Taj

2009-03-04T15:33:00.015-05:00

One of the most anticipated movies of the year hits theaters this weekend, with the release of Watchmen. Here at ETD, we're not comic book nerds or anything, but we can certainly appreciate a good movie when we see one. And with a RottenTomatoes fresh rating hovering around 70% this movie seems set to please. An adaptation of Alan Moore's revolutionary comic series, Watchmen takes place in an alternate 1985, where tensions between the United States and the USSR are pushing the world closer towards nuclear war. In the midst of this, a mysterious figure is killing off ex-crime fighters one by one. Two of these ex-crime fighters investigate this plot, leading to a stunning conclusion. This movie may not fulfill the high expectations of die-hard fans of the comic, it may leave those of us who haven't read the comic with our heads spinning, but at the end of the evening this film will likely be a special effects roller coaster ride that should please just about everyone. Head over to AMC Loews 14 in Georgetown. You will definitely need to buy tickets for the show ahead of time due to its popularity.

Before or after the show, depending on when you can get tickets, walk back down M Street to Taj of India. Taj is possibly my favorite Indian restaurant in the city. They boast some of the best, most authentic Indian food I've had anywhere. It's not revolutionary, the flavors are nothing new, but it's Indian cuisine at it's very best. Start off with an order of Naan and an appetizer. I would recommend the Peshwari Naan, it's a bit sweet for some, but the mix of cranberry, almond, coconut, and raisins is delicious. The samosas and pakora are all solid appetizer choices as well. For the main course they offer an expansive menu of beef, chicken, lamb, shrimp, and vegetable dishes. My favorites are the Lamb Roganjosh or the Chicken Palak. Enjoy the excellent service, delicious food, and a great weekend.

Directions to AMC Georgetown: Walk along the river and enjoy the evening sights or down Pennsylvania and M Street, take a left on 31st St.

Directions to Taj of India: Take a left and head up 31st, take a right on M, Taj is on M St on the left side.

Movie Tickets: $10.50 each
Naan: $3-4
Appetizer: $4-6
Main course: $12-15 each

Total: $53.50 plus tax and tip

Check it Out: Bread N Brew

2009-03-04T13:26:00.003-05:00

Walking home from work, an interesting if not contradictory sign caught my attention: "Bread and Brew: cafe, coffeehouse, cocktails." I stood contemplating the odd conglomeration of coffee, pastries, and alcohol and decided that I could find nothing to object to. Walking in, the main floor looks like a traditional coffee house. Earthy and warm, it invites you to grab a latte, catch up on some reading, or simply relax for a bit. The room is fairly quiet, with only a few other patrons. Whether this is normal or simply because this is a new establishment, I can't say. The staff is as warm and friendly as the decor. While they are certainly not in any rush, you don't feel you need to be either. Though I only sat down to have a coffee, I ended up enticed by the fresh and scrumptious looking food at the cafe.

The menu is a tribute to local, fresh, organic produce. They offer a number of fantastic looking sandwiches, pizzas, and salads, along with a few entrees that change daily. I opted for a Squash and Goat Cheese Quiche. The $7 price-tag wasn't the cheapest but the slice was very generous and came along with a heaping and delicious organic salad. The quiche was completely home-made with a delicious fluffy pie crust. The spinach and cheese tasted as if it had been painstakingly prepared by some rustic Spanish woman, rather than a pleasant Washingtonian titled Chef Eugene. Downstairs at the bar they offer an interesting selection of wines accompanied by a number of small bar plates. While I did not have the opportunity to sample from the wine list, I will most certainly be making a return trip to do so.

Fresh Grounds: Tryst

2009-03-03T11:27:00.008-05:00

When it comes to beverages, coffee and alcohol are decidedly at opposite ends of the spectrum. That certainly doesn’t mean that they can’t compliment each other nicely though. Located In Adams Morgan, on 18th between Belmont and Columbia, Tryst has realized that fact and modeled themselves accordingly.

A self described coffeehouse-bar-lounge, Tryst serves up all of the standard breakfast baked goods, along with an assortment sandwiches, salads and small plates if you are looking for a more substantial snack. The full bar is worth a look too, and while there is a small section of “bar seating” the relatively spacious sitting area is filled with comfortable armchairs, couches and local art that’s actually for sale if something catches your eye. The living-room ambiance is a welcome departure from the usual coffeehouse/bar vibe, and makes Tryst the perfect place to curl up with a book or throw back a few cold ones with your friends.

In addition to the drinks themselves, Tryst offers WiFi and all of the usual coffee house trappings, so whether your looking for a before work pick-me-up, or a nice strong drink afterwards, Tryst offers a casual, comfortable atmosphere that should fit the bill.

Its worth noting too that Tryst is open past midnight seven days a week for that late night fix.

The Sunday Dinner: This Stew's For You

2009-03-01T15:38:00.010-05:00

There is a 24 hour winter storm warning in effect for the DC area 2:00PM today until tomorrow afternoon, so what better reason to invite some friends over and wait out the inclement weather around a savory beef stew. When it comes to delicious, hearty food that will really stick to your ribs, beef stew is in a league of its own, so bundle up, chow down, and enjoy.

The Starter: Arugula Salad With Beets and Goat Cheese

The Main Course: Beef Stew

And while wine is nice, nothing washes stew down like a cold Guinness. You can find a six pack at your local liquor store.

Save The Date: March 2009 Schedule of Events

2009-03-01T05:30:00.000-05:00

February 23 - March 15
Arabesque: Arts of the Arab World - Washington, DC

March 4
Family Program: Latke - Hamantashen Debate - Washington, DC

March 5
Dining Out For Life - Washington, DC

March 16
St Patrick's Day

March 20 - March 21
The Smithsonian Presents Food Network Star Alton Brown - Washington, DC

March 25
Cultural Tourism DC's 2009 Gala: The Embassy Chef Challenge - Washington, DC

March 28 - April 12
National Cherry Blossom Festival - Washington, DC

This Weekend Under $100: One Weekend Under A Groove

2009-02-26T18:13:00.000-05:00

While certainly enjoyable, It’s important never to forget that an elaborate meal does not in and of it’s self constitute a successful night out on the town. Nor does a simple one preclude it. To that end, this Friday forget reservations, fancy clothes and other such frivolous pretense, and make your way down to U Street for the arguably some of the finest chilidogs and funk music around.

Bens Chili Bowl is a DC institution that really needs no introduction. Since the late 50’s the late-night eatery has lured celebrity and layperson alike with their world-class chilidogs, half-smokes, and milkshakes. Located on U St. between 12th and 13th, start your evening off at Ben’s with a couple of their signature dogs (or if meat isn't your thing, the vegetarian chili). Satisfied but not stuffed, next take the short stroll over to the 9:30 Club at 815 V St., where the legendary funk pioneer George Clinton will be performing with Parliament Funkadelic. There is a good chance that even if the name is new, you are familiar with their music, and if not then you are in for a treat. I saw George Clinton perform with P-Funk a few years ago and it was easily one of the most fun shows I have ever had the pleasure of attending.

Doors open at 8:00 PM, but I would get there a bit on the early side to grab a spot up in the balcony. The acoustics are better, and trust me when I say that you’re not going to want to miss a moment of the spectacle.

No, its neither haute cuisine, nor a night at the opera, but if your looking to get fed and get funky this weekend, look no further.

George Clinton Tickets - $40 each
Chili Dogs - $3.60 each
Total - $87.20

This Weekend Under $60: Zaytinya and Arabesque

2009-02-26T13:01:00.006-05:00

Most of what we see and hear about the Middle East nowadays is pretty bad. Ultra-nationalists in power in Israel. Political discord in Palestine. Enriched uranium in Iran. None of that sounds very nice. But the Middle East possesses a wealth of fantastic food and culture to offer to us. The food is rich in delicious spices and the music and art is flavored by years of cultural diffusion between Europe and Asia. This Weekend Under $60 highlights some of this food and culture, taking us to José Andrés' Zaytinya and to the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage Arabesque series.

Zaytinya is a modern reworking of traditional Middle Eastern foods and flavors. Perched right by the Verizon Center, this restaurant is a Middle Eastern oasis from the hustle and bustle of the Metro Center area. The walls are clad in the purest white, and lit by candles arranged around the restaurant. It is a romantic but certainly lively spot, with a bar that always seems busy. Be sure to make reservations as this is quite a popular spot, especially if there is an event going on at the Verizon Center. Zaytinya is still offering restaurant week specials until the first of March. However, for our purposes we will sample some of the fantastic tapas offered here. The restaurant is primarily a tapas spot, offering small plates of re-imagined Middle Eastern food. Select 5 or 6 of them to share between two people. I would suggest starting with one of their spreads served with pita (try the Taramosalata). Next select a sampling of the other small plates. For vegetable plates I would suggest the Kolokithokeftedes (Zucchini and cheese fritters) or Piyaz (giganes bean salad with kale). For meat plates I would suggest the Adana (lamb) Kebab or Kalamata Sirloin. After sampling some of the best, albeit not traditional, Middle Eastern food in the district head to the Kennedy Center for their free Arabesque Series

The Kennedy Center uses their Millennium Stage series to bring unusual and international artists to the nation's capital. It focuses more on the contemporary, the ethnic, and even better it's completely free. This month they are hosting Arabesque: Arts of the Arab World. Representative artists from all 22 nations of the Arab League will perform at the Kennedy Center running through March 15. Friday will host a Somalian hip-hop artist K’NAAN. Growing up during the Somalian civil war his experiences have vividly shaped his music. He has been described as a mix between the reggae of Bob Marley with the consciousness of American hip hop. Saturday will feature Nawal an acoustic based lyricist and vocalist. She hails from the Comoros Islands off of the East Coast of Africa. She plays five different acoustic instruments and sings in four different languages. Both of these artists promise fantastic if strikingly different performances.

Directions to Zaytinya: Orange/Blue line to Metro Center. Red line to Gallery Place. Exit at 9th and G and cross the street.

Directions to Kennedy Center: I mean, really? It's that huge, gigantic, famous building right on the river.

Spreads: $7 each
5 Tapas: $8 each
Arabesque Performance: Free

Total: $47 plus tax and tip

The Backlot Barbeque

2009-02-25T10:18:00.003-05:00

The Spaniards have gone too far! Yes, those molecular gastronomical-asses in Spain have dared to mess with my beloved barbeque. What am I talking about you ask? Recently, a friend of mine sent me a link thinking I would be interested in crystallized barbeque sauce. The caption is what got me, “the flavor of ribs without the mess.” This reminded me of another common misconception about barbeque: the taste comes from the sauce or the rub. While these components are often essential, the real flavor in barbeque comes from long hours of low temperatures and the fat dripping and running all over whatever cut of meat you are smoking. Barbeque sauce is not a way to make your cooking process better, because the crux of any good barbeque is having someone who will take the time to cook the meat properly. Sauces and rubs do not give you the taste of barbeque. Sauces and rubs are ways to enhance or vary flavor, because barbeque is really the blending of that smoky flavor with whatever type of rub you apply.

In fact, while we are on the subject, sauces should never be applied during the smoking process until maybe 30 minutes before the cooking process is complete. In some barbeque cultures sauce is non-essential though. The reason you have to wait on applying sauce is because if you apply sauce too early it will burn off on your meat and give you a burnt flavor – you don’t want this.

Alright, I think that is enough talk about what to do with your meat for one day. I am presently counting down the days until a nice spring weekend allows for a proper cookout to happen. I hope you are doing the same.

The Canadian Connoisseur and The Communist Langolier: Founding Farmers

2009-02-24T08:55:00.013-05:00

Organic and Delicious? Founding Farmers impresses a stuffy-nosed Langolier.

Confucius once said that one should never eat good food with a stuffy nose. Two and a half thousand years later that quote remains true and, as it happens, your friendly neighborhood Langolier has been suffering with a severe case of viral rhinitis for the last week. It’s an interesting feeling, eating without being able to smell, your tongue feels the sensation of the food and your brain is able to apprehend the flavor that is about to be tasted, but that flavor never comes and you’re left with a feeling of discontent comparable only to sexual frustration. Nonetheless, I had a date with a very cute little lady from Tennessee and was neither willing nor able to surpass a chance to hit up a fine establishment like Founding Farmers during restaurant week.

First of all, let me take a minute to sing an ode to the miracle that is restaurant week in Washington DC. My good friends Matt and Ting – both true aficionados of cuisine - went to no less than six restaurants over the past week. That’s what I call taking advantage of a bargain! Sadly, your correspondent is both too busy and too destitute to be living that kind of lifestyle. Still, a three course meal with wine for only thirty dollars is a luxury that I could splurge on.

Located in the new IMF building, “Founding Farmers” has an atmosphere that somehow manages to combine urban hipness with rural coziness. It’s a difficult trick to accomplish and my compliments go to the architect. The first floor has a bar and truly huge, wooden tables. Walk upstairs and you will find silo-shaped booths and a nice view unto Pennsylvania Avenue. The location and ambiance make this restaurant ideal for GW students who are looking to throw down twenty-five bucks for a solid meal. However, I’ll let my partner the Canadian Connoisseur discuss such details and I’ll get to the part that really interests me – the chow.

Although I may be a voracious consumer of all types of life forms, that does not mean that I don’t treasure our environment or support animal rights. Founding Farmers focuses on small farmers – people who helped to establish our nation and today continue to provide us with delicious homegrown food. The restaurant is serious about providing its costumers with organic, local, and family-farmed sourced fare. Most of their meats are produced on free ranged farms and the vegetables are grown without chemical and biological enhancements. Even their water undergoes reverse osmosis by a special machine that they have in the restaurant! I never thought that DC tap water could taste so good!

For my entrée I had a very tasty “Late Harvest” Salad – a concoction of caramelized onions, apples, bacon, and bleu cheese that, admittedly, would have tasted a lot better if I was less sick and could sense all the flavors. One expects “Founding Farmers” to have a good selection of salads and the restaurant does not disappoint. Entrée salads are a bit small to satisfy a hungry guy, but the little salads go well along with an entrée. For my main course I decided to go with a dish that even my nose could not ruin – good, ole’ fashioned meat-loaf with Yukon gold mashed potatoes. Mmmmmm, mmmmm, good! Other entrees that I would recommend are the rotisserie chicken, herb crusted prime rib, and any of the homemade pastas. One thing that I did not get, but will certainly savor next time I hit up this joint, is one of their signature cocktails. The menu claims that “our specially trained bar chefs bring this lost art back from its heyday”. I never realized that the art of making drinks was lost, but I have a feeling that “Hemingway’s Frappe” with Absinthe or “Chelsea’s Manhattan” with Chai-infused Vermouth could bring anyone back to the Halcyon days of old when men were men, food was organic, and drinks cost a nickel. Well, not exactly, but overall I found the restaurant to be reasonably priced for a working professional. As for GW students, in today’s economy I’d save this one for a special occasion.

I have to begin by giving my partner big props for our Restaurant Week pick. I had wanted to try Founding Farmers ever since it opened sometime last year (it was their “green” mission that interested me most), so when I learned that we had a reservation there, I was pretty excited….and then, when I found out that their Restaurant Week menu included wine, I was smitten. I’m no Restaurant Week authority, by any means, but this is the only place I know of that actually includes a glass of wine in the price of dinner…what a deal!

So like I said, it was the “green” aspect of this new restaurant that intrigued me from the start, and once we were seated, our friendly waiter told us more of the details. Not only does Founding Farmers get most of its ingredients from local sustainable farms, but the entire place was specifically designed in an eco-friendly manner. The restaurant employs great habits like on-site recycling, making use of natural daylight, and using solar energy (just to name a few) in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint. Come on, how could you not feel good about supporting this place? We were feeling good about this meal, even before we looked at the menu!

First, we ordered our wines: one was an organic Chardonnay from Chile, and the other was an Argentinean Malbec from a sustainable winery called Yellow + Blue (equals “green”…get it?). Both of the wines available with the Restaurant Week dinner were regularly $8 or $9 a glass, and among the cheaper of the options on the wine by the glass list. We had barely had time to taste the wine before our salads arrived. I had the Farmer’s Salad - an interesting mixture of avocado, medjool dates, tomatoes, almonds, and chunks of fresh parmesan cheese. I have to admit, it’s not a combination I would have ever thought of myself, but it turned out to be surprisingly delicious! For my entrée, I had the Plank Salmon with a lemon-herb sauce. It had been smoked on a piece of Cedar wood, so it had a rich smoky flavor. With it, came the vegetable of the day, which happened to be some nice garlicky Swiss Chard. For desert, we had homemade ice cream and a big piece of Red Velvet cake. The cake was really red, though not so velvety, but it was topped with undoubtedly the best homemade cream cheese icing either of us had ever tasted.

Although our choices on this particular visit were somewhat constricted by what was included as part of the Restaurant Week deal, there were lots of other great options on the menu. For vegetarians, each suitable item on the menu is marked with an asterisk for your convenience. However, be sure to pay close attention to the markings, since I noted that some seemingly vegetarian dishes - like the tomato soup, for example - did not have an asterisk. Also of note was the mouth watering list of sandwich options, most cost between $8 and $12, and all served on fresh bread made from scratch right there at the restaurant! By the end of the night, we had already decided that we would be coming back to pay homage to our Founding Farmers again in the near future. The service was excellent, the food came out fast, and knowing that you’re supporting a great place should make seeing the bill a little easier! I’d suggest making reservations if you plan to go during peak dinner hours or Sunday brunch.

Founding Farmers is opened for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Everyday 8-11 am. The Bar is opened till 12.

Cab Savvy: Ravenswood Vintners Blend Cabernet Sauvignon

2009-02-23T21:15:00.000-05:00

Given the name of this column, it is only fitting that I begin with a tasty but modestly priced Cabernet Sauvignon. Cab Savs are one of the most popular Californian wines available nowadays. This is probably due not just to its accessible taste but also due to the ease of producing these grapes. They are known to be thick skinned and resistant to rot. The grape has gained and held international prominence due to its use in the Bordeaux region of France. It made the trans-Atlantic voyage to California and has been incorporated into fantastic wines there. Ravenswood is a winery that has been around since California began to gain prominence during the 1970s. They have been consistently known as "the peoples'" vineyard, producing delicious yet modestly priced wines. Their credo, one which we similarly propagate here, is that everyone, no matter their wallet-size, should be able to enjoy wine. With that in mind they launched their Vintners Blend Series. They combine their own grapes with specially selected but admittedly cheaper wines. From these they create blends that at $10 a bottle are more than worth their cost.

The Cabernet Sauvignon can be found at many local liquor and wine stores. The Watergate Liquor store, West End Market, the Wine Specialist, and Columbian Plaza all stock it. I would open this wine about 30 minutes to an hour before you plan on enjoying it. It is a rich, dark, and tasty wine. A friend and I got tastes of plum and pepper from it. Pair it with a nice meaty dinner. Beef, pork, even a richer chicken (perhaps parmigiana or Marsala). Share it with a friend over some bitter chocolate or a strong cheese. Oxygen can only help this wine so pour small glasses and really give it some time. Make any evening special with this accessible yet inexpensive bottle. Until next week, keep getting cab saavy.

Restaurant Week: Mie n Yu

2009-02-22T20:38:00.012-05:00

My last stop on the restaurant week tour was Mie n Yu. I will say it from the get go, I love this restaurant. The concept and decor are fantastic. The food is consistently delicious. And who can complain about the communal Turkish bathrooms where your hands are washed for you. I typically will choose one restaurant during Restaurant week that I already know and love. I have been to Mie n Yu a few times in the past. While it has never failed to please, I am typically forced to stick to the small plates menu due to the price. This week gave me the opportunity to really try a full sampling of the menu.

The notion behind the restaurant is a travel down the ancient Silk Road, the trade route stretching from the Mediterranean to Asia, passing through the Middle East and North Africa. I started out with the Afghan mantu; basically beef and scallion dumplings. They were a tasty way to start out a great meal. For the main course I chose a Moroccan beef dish. It was delectable and fantastically tender. My dessert was the pumpkin cheesecake, delicious yet light enough for a three-course meal. The food, as always, was quite good. The service, even given the fact that it was a Friday night during Restaurant Week, was likewise great. However, the reason I was first attracted to Mie n Yu, and the reason that I continue to return is the atmosphere. This evening in particular reflected in the belly dancer that visited our table. Of course my friend told this dancer it was my birthday (facetiously), so the period between dinner and dessert was filled by me stumbling around with a belly dancer in the middle of the restaurant. It is hard to imagine a better evening than one filled with good friends, great food, and surrounded by the allure and spice of the silk road.

Ultimately, another expensive but fantastic opportunity to sample some of DC's best restaurants has come and gone. I can't say I regret any of my choices, though likely will be making different ones come August. I hope you all made the most of this week and I would urge you to look into many of the restaurants (Mie n Yu included) that have extended their Restaurant Week specials until the end of the month. Until August then, happy dining.

The Sunday Dinner: A Culinary Vacation

2009-02-22T09:53:00.008-05:00

As February is finally drawing to a close we are at long last flirting with springtime. Unfortunately for us thought, the forecast says cloudy skies and brisk winds so for at least a few days yet Washington will have to linger under the dreary mantle of monochromatic gray. Don't let it get you down though, this Sunday dinner pairs exotic flavors and vibrant colors from around the globe so even though your body is stuck in the city your taste buds can take off for warmer climbs.

The Menu:

The Starter Moroccan Carrot Salad

The Main Course Chicken Curry with Turmeric

Pair a bottle of Cederberg Bukettraube available at The Wine Specialist on M Street between 22nd and New Hampshire. The semi-sweet South African white will compliment the spice of the curry chicken quite nicely.

Bon Voyage.

Restaurant Week: Zengo

2009-02-19T15:57:00.006-05:00

My second stop on the Restaurant Week tour brought me to Zengo. The highly lauded Latin American/Asian fusion restaurant in the Chinatown/Metro Center area. Favorable reviews from the Washingtonian, along with several suggestions from friends, forced me to try this place out during restaurant week.

Walking in one is overcome by the sheer hipness of the place. Some nouveau pop music plays in a dimly lit tastefully furnished bar area. Most of the tables sit upstairs. Our table wasn't ready right away but given the fact that it's restaurant week, that's certainly to be expected. Our server was lively and attentive at first. As is typical during restaurant week, once he realized we were in fact broke students this attentiveness seemed to quickly flag. The mix between Asian and Latin American was at first hearing a bit strange, however the food certainly proved it a delicious if interesting match.

I chose the Give-and-Take Salad for a starter. This delicious and light appetizer was full of Asian noodles, mandarin oranges, an pecans. My friend began with the Miso soup which he likewise enjoyed. The appetizers came out within minutes of ordering, obviously prepared ahead of time to deal with the restaurant week crowds. As a main course I went with the beef brisket served over creamy mashed potatoes. The brisket was as tender as it was tasty. My friend's salmon and spinach was likewise quite nice. Unfortunately, my main course was served while I was barely halfway through the appetizer. My friend's main course was served a while later. The food again tasted as if it had been prepared ahead of time, otherwise undermining a very good dish. For dessert I had the guava flan. It was absolutely delicious; sweet, fruity, and fantastic. Ultimately, a great deal for the price.

The service was a bit lackluster throughout but given the circumstances of restaurant week, it is certainly understandable. I will likely not be making a repeat restaurant week visit in August but definitely recommend the place for any first-timers.

This Weekend Under $100: Jaleo and Spy Museum

2009-02-19T15:31:00.010-05:00

I dislike tourists. I dislike the gangs of wide-eyed, camera-wielding, families that crowd the landmarks of this city. I dislike waiting for 25 minutes at Metro Center to catch a train because it's so full of these tourists and then being held up in line because some tourist is attempting to wave their metro paper ticket over the smart-trip scanner. Perhaps it's for this reason I do not visit traditional "tourist spots" enough. It's been years since I've seen any of the museums, something for which I harbor a good deal of remorse given their cost and accessibility. This week's Weekend Under $100 takes us to one of these traditional "tourist spots," Washington DC's Spy Museum.

Yes, the Spy Museum. I know that perhaps it seems to attract a younger crowd. I know that your little brother/sister loved it. But I can assure you, the Spy Museum's nighttime tour is not designed for pre-teens. In fact, only those 19 and up are actually allowed to attend. This special evening tour of the museum is the regular tour on crack. You step into the role of an intelligence officer and jump into an exciting and fully interactive mission. It is absolutely the best way to enjoy the Spy Museum. For those who haven't been it's a must, for those who have it's a good opportunity to experience a DC monument. For those who have, it is an entirely new experience that is certainly worth the visit. The tour/mission ends in the Spy City Bar where a free drink is included with the ticket price. Personal favorite would be the IRS Raspberry.

But no one wants to visit a museum on an empty stomach. First, swing by Metro Center's Jaleo, by far one of the best tapas spots the city has to offer. Not only that, they boast a fantastic restaurant week menu, allowing you to choose 5 different tapas at the fixed price of $35. Given this restaurant's popularity, and the fact that it's restaurant week, I would recommend a reservation. It's hard to go wrong with the restaurant week choices but personal favorites would include the endive salad, the garbanzo bean stew, the bacon-wrapped dates, and the scallops. Order a pitcher of delicious sangria to enjoy the full experience.

With a satisfied belly, head right down the street to the Spy Museum. Enjoy your tour and the gratuitous drink. If you enjoy it enough stick around for another (not gratuitous this time around). I absolutely refuse to end this post in some trite, unfunny, spy reference so with that I leave you to a fantastic weekend.

Directions to Jaleo: Orange/Blue line to Metro Center. Transfer to Red and get off at Gallery Place. Walk one block South.

Directions to Spy Museum: Walk North on 7th St, take a left on F Street.

Jaleo Dinner: $35
Sangria: $20
Spy Museum Ticket: $22
Total: $79 plus tax and tip

This Weekend Under $60: The Front Page Restaurant and Grille

2009-02-19T09:05:00.006-05:00

As young professionals in Washington DC, there is a good chance that many amongst you are news junkies, the fearless kind of folks who can dissect a Wall Street Journal in minutes like some hungry hunter prepping a rabbit for the pot. While the benefits of keeping a finger securely on the pulse of global going-ons are quite clear, there is certainly also a case that can be made for taking a step back, lest your voracity reward you with a mental stomach-ache. To this end its occasionally nice to peruse the front page (lest you miss something big) and then head right for the comics, because after all isn’t that what the newspaper is really all about?

For this Weekend Under $60, I’d like to prescribe just such a remedy for the mental fatigue of your weekly grind. Starting just south of Dupont Circle at The Front Page Restaurant and Grille, I recommend you kick the evening off right with what has been voted the premier happy hour in Washington DC. After a drink or two migrate on into the dining room for main event.

While the Front Page specializes in the full gamut of American fare, many consider their terrific selection of top-shelf sandwiches and burgers to be the real draw. Priced fairly across the board, the reubenesque Heidenberger and the grilled chicken sandwich stand out from rest of the crowd, but if you are not particularly feeling the sandwich thing, a bowl of the chorizo chili, the herb parmesan encrusted flounder or the baby back ribs are all worth a look.

The business end of the evening behind you, head down to the George Washington campus and the Lisner Downstage for a Forbidden Planet Productions’ presentation of the Bert Royal play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead. Dog Sees God is a re-imagining of the classic Charles Shultz comic strip Peanuts that sees its central characters now in their teens facing the complex social realities of contemporary teenage life. Tickets are just $5 a head, and there are going to be two showings on Friday at 8 and 11 respectively, as well as an additional one at 8 on Saturday, so you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the show.

It was only a four-day work week, but your still tired so this weekend don’t over think it. Check out the front page, check out the comics, its all you really need.

Drinks and Dinner for Two: $50
Two Tickets to Dog Sees God: $10
Total: $60

Restaurant Week: Smith and Wollensky

2009-02-18T17:09:00.006-05:00

So restaurant week is here. My wallet is empty. My belly is full. Since becoming aware of this lovely week, around three years ago I have firmly kept myself to just three meals out. However great the deals are, dropping 20 or 35 dollars respectively on a meal eventually adds up. This week I picked three spots: Smith and Wollensky for lunch Tuesday, Zengo for dinner Wednesday, and Mie n Yu for dinner Friday. For me restaurant week provides opportunities to accomplish a number of different goals. In order of importance: STEAK, trying a new restaurant, and indulging in an old favorite. I will address the latter two as the week progresses but first: Steak.

Steak is of course at the top of the list. Having a decent steak at a restaurant is generally an expensive affair. Factor in an appetizer, a side, and maybe a glass of wine and the bank is well broke. Restaurant week permits me to indulge in a fantastic cut of meat at restaurants that I certainly cannot usually eat at. There are a number of great places to get a steak during restaurant week: Charlie Palmers, Capital Grill, and my choice Smith and Wollensky.

The Smith and Wollensky meal includes a choice of salad, slice of meat, and delicious dessert. I went with the Wollensky Signature Salad (A delicious affair involving bacon, mushrooms, potatoes, romaine lettuce, and a dijon vinaigrette), the Filet of Beef (more later), and Creme Brulee. I paired it with a rather tasty Cab Sav. The salad was delectable and a nice prelude to the main event. The beef was immaculate. Crusty and grilled on the outside, but tender and juicy on the inside. I couldn't taste anything but salt, pepper, and delicious meat, which is how a good steak should be. It was accompanied by a generous portion of creamed spinach and fingerling potatoes. A smooth and delectable Creme Brulee capped off a fantastic meal.

One of the great things I've found at S & W is that the service, no matter the occasion is impeccable. While many restaurants seem begrudging about restaurant week, unhappy to have to serve their exclusive food to every day rabble, the staff here was notable cheery and welcoming. They see it, as most restuarants should, as an opportunity to expand their clientele. One of the servers even handed me a sumptuous chocolate covered strawberry on the way. Ultimately, a very satisfying lunch that sufficed for breakfast and dinner as well. A tremendously good omen for the remainder of restaurant week

Fresh Grounds: Peregrine Espresso

2009-02-18T03:06:00.008-05:00

For better or for worse, by this point the cup(s) of coffee has become as integral a part of the American morning as brushing teeth and combing hair. This is the age of the coffee mega-chain, the age of Venti and Grande, where millions of Americans queue up daily to get their all important caffeine fix. While America may run on Dunkin' however, the independently-owned java joint is by no means a dying breed, and there are many shining examples of this fact sprinkled amidst the Starbuck-sprawl of Washington DC. This column will be dedicated to sifting the city for these local gems, so that perhaps wherever your morning may take you it can start with some "Fresh Grounds".

Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, just a few short minutes from the Eastern Market metro stop, Peregrine Espresso pairs a personal, local-establishment vibe with a winning combination of delicious baked goods and damn fine coffee.

On the topic of coffee, Peregrine offers a wide array of choices, ranging from fresh, filter-drip coffee to all the usual espresso derivations, while using only the choicest beans from the worlds top coffee growing regions. I tried (and thoroughly enjoyed) a cup of Ndaroini Microlot from Nyeri, Kenya, on of three African-grown beans served at Peregrine, allongside a handful of other offerings from Southeast Asia and South America, including their current seasonal offering, a La Golondrina from Popayan, Colombia.

For the quality of the product, the prices are more than fair, with the regular cups of coffee ranging roughly between $2.50 and $3.50, and you can add on a tasty croissant or scone for just a few bucks more.

The store is open Monday through Saturday from seven in the morning until nine at night, as well as Sundays from eight to eight, and on top of the hot beverage, is a great place to do a bit of work or read a good book. Even if your morning won't be taking you by Eastern Market, wake up a tad earlier and drop on by Peregrine Espresso and you certainly won't be disappointed.

Directions to Peregrine Espresso

DC Restaurant Week 2/16 - 2/22

2009-02-16T19:53:00.003-05:00

As you are perhaps aware, this week of February 16th through the 22nd is DC Restaurant Week. If you have had the pleasure of experiencing Restaurant Week in the past, then you know that this is possibly the highlight of Washington's culinary calendar, if you have not then suffice it so say you are in for a treat.

Every February, Washington DC Restaurant Week sees nearly 200 of the city's finest dining establishments offering 3-course pre fixe lunch and dinner meals priced at $20 and $35 respectively. An unbelievable deal in most cases. So as could be expected with deals like these, there is a high for reservations across the board so if you are interested in participating I recommend you get on open table or the phone ASAP to make sure you can find a seat.

Here is a list of all participating establishments, so check it out and see if anything strikes your fancy (something will), and otherwise check back with us throughout the week for news of our own restaurant week adventures.

Check It Out: Vapiano

2009-02-16T15:21:00.007-05:00

Picture in you mind’s eye if you will, an Italian restaurant. A really good Italian restaurant. Now imagine, if instead of your traditional sit-down Italian joint, this one served you cafeteria style, and you could customize your dishes any way you pleased. If that scenario strikes you as a pleasant culinary fantasy, than It’s probably time you made it over to Vapiano

Located near the intersection of 18th and M in Foggy Bottom, Vapiano offers a delightful dining experience not only in the sense that it’s unconventional layout offers an ambiance that is at the same time intimate and accessible, but more importantly in that it serves up a broad spectrum of high-quality Italian dishes.

Unlike most restraints where communication between the customer and the kitchen is kept to a minimum, Vapiano allows you to order directly from the cooks themselves and as a result you get to put whatever you fancy on the dish in question, get it quickly, and see the entire cooking process played out right in front of you. Think Mongolian Barbeque meets Italian Kitchen. It’s not the largest dining room and it shares it’s space with the centrally located kitchen and as well as a bar on the far side, so it can fill up quickly around dinner time. They also don’t take reservations, so I would recommend that you head over earlier rather than later if you want to be able to find a good seat.

As far as the food itself goes, I tend to stick with my trusty standby of pesto vermicelli with pine nuts and grilled chicken, but have also enjoyed some terrific salads and pizzas there as well. Dining at Vapiano is for the most part a can’t-miss situation, so the only real limitation is your own creativity. Get out there and mix it up, you won’t be disappointed.

(also don’t miss the bowl of gummy bears by the door on your way out.)

The Sunday Dinner: Tangerines, Fennel and Crawfish Oh My!

2009-02-15T12:38:00.004-05:00

Everyone loves a three-day weekend. It doesn’t just mean one more day before you have to head back to the real world, but also that the next Friday is just four days away. With all this free time on your hand, why not capitalize on the moment tonight and get your chef on. As always, we at The Sunday Dinner are here to make life easier for you, so if you do choose to brave kitchen this weekend, might we recommend:

The Menu:

The Starter Mixed Greens with Tangerine and Fennel

The Main Course Crawfish Etouffée

The citrus flavors of the salad and the crawfish in the etouffee would be complimented well by a bottle of Bodegas Y Vinedos Sur De Los Andes, an Argentinean Malbec that scored 85 on the wine spectator despite selling for about $10 flat. You can pick one up at Watergate Wine and Beverage down in the middle of the Watergate.

This Weekend Under $100: Tabaq Bistro

2009-02-12T10:52:00.000-05:00

As you may or may not be aware, this coming Saturday happens to be Valentines Day. If you were, than hopefully chances are that you already have romantic evening planned, however if the latter applies (your secret is safe with us), then it’s high time you got on it.

Dinner and a show tends to be a winning combo, but as is often the case, there are dinners and then there are dinners. To that end, instead of hanging around home this Saturday, I suggest that you set out for the rooftops of U Street and the one-of-a-kind Tabaq Bistro.

Tabaq, an intimate little tapas spot specializing in Eastern-Mediterranean cuisine, is tucked in an unassuming townhouse just a stone’s throw from the U Street metro stop (Green Line). The first floor has some seating and a bar, and from there on up are the kitchens and offices, until you get to the roof where there is a cozy rooftop dining area that looks out over the surrounding neighborhood, offering spectacular views to compliment the savory small-plates. When I say that the ambiance is the main attraction, don’t take it to mean that Tabaq doesn’t deliver when it comes to the food, the menu boasts a winning selection of traditional tapas style dishes and other more filling main courses each with their own interesting textures and complex tastes. The rooftop dining room isn’t huge, so understandably if fills up quickly. Make sure to call at least a day in advance to get a reservation.

After a dinner under the stars, head down the street to Twins Jazz, one of Washington’s top jazz spots and enjoy the lyrical styling of Andrea Wood who will be doing two shows that evening, one at 9:00PM and one at 11:00PM depending on when you get out of dinner.

Sure flowers and chocolate are nice, but rooftop dining and a jazz show, now that’s an evening.

$15 – per ticket to the Andrea Wood show (order here)
$40 - $60 – for diner depending on what / how much you order

Total: $70 - $90 plus tax and tip

This Weekend Under $60: Firefly

2009-02-12T10:05:00.002-05:00

So you've been dating this girl (or guy) for awhile. You certainly want to make sure he/she has a fantastic valentine's day, but you are also fairly certain he/she won't dump you if you spend under $60 dollars on the evening. For this Valentine's Day Weekend Under $60, Eat the District brings you to Firefly. This small Kimpton restaurant connected to the Hotel Madera offers an "urban picnic". The idea is American comfort food, of the type you might normally eat on a red-checkered table cloth at an outdoor concert or other venue. Walking in you will see a huge tree growing literally through the restaurant. The rest of the decor reflects this outdoor picnic theme with earthy wood tones and candles throughout. The restaurant, as I mentioned early, is a bit small with limited seating, so reservations are a must. However, the small space creates a cozy atmosphere, perfectly suitable for this "urban picnic."

The food is excellent. They offer an array of small plate appetizers along with picnic dishes to share as a starter. I would recommend the little bacon meatballs from the small plate menu or the cheddar and beer fondue with half-smokes from the picnic menu. It was the main course that truly made the evening for me however. The mini-pot roast is absurdly delicious. Served with roasted shallots and on a bed of creamy golden Yukon mashed potatoes the dish is tender, juicy, and delectable. I would say it's just like Mom made it, but if my mother cooked this well I most certainly would never have left home.

Having sufficiently tickled your Valentine's palette, and having sufficiently exercised your wallets capacity take a stroll down to the Kennedy Center. Take the elevator to the viewing gallery and spend some time there. Like the smooth pro that you are, have a box of chocolates on hand to offer your date. Look at the stars, compliment him/her, do whatever it is you do. Escape the gaudy Valentine's Day spending and simply enjoy some time in each others' company. If the weather is anything like it has been, it should be a fantastic evening.

Directions: Orange/Blue Line to Foggy Bottom. Cross Washington Circle and walk up New Hampshire Ave, on your left.

Appetizer: $5-14
Main course: $17-28
Chocolates: $8
Young Love: Priceless

Total: $56 plus tax and tip (Yes, I know it's close but for the love of God it's Valentine's day, splurge a bit man)

Introducing: The Backlot Barbeque

2009-02-11T06:08:00.004-05:00

Barbecue is more than a food. Barbeque is a culture, an art, a way of life. Ok, ok, ok – perhaps I am being a bit extreme. But once you try some of the real stuff (more on this later), you will want to join a barbecue cult. Trust me.

But first, what is BBQ? Who makes it and how? Most do not know the answers to these questions because they have never tried the real stuff. Barbeque is really a cooking method, not an actual food. Beef is a food. Pork is a food. Barbeque is a process. So when you hear barbeque, I want you to think two things: low and slow or cooking under low temperatures for long periods of time. This is barbeque; this is the real stuff.

What has your dad been cooking all these years on the grill, you ask? Well contrary to population belief, food cooked over direct heat is not in fact barbeque. Your dad was simply grilling food. Don’t get me wrong, I love grilled food. However, the process you are using and the product you end up with is not barbeque.

I am from one of the major cities in the Barbeque World - Kansas City, Missouri. In KC, we are known for our BBQ sauce, something you might have known already. KC Masterpiece is the best selling BBQ sauce of all time. However, in places like Memphis, sauce is only an afterthought and not an integral part of the process. Every other Wednesday I will use this forum for these types of BBQ debates, to tell you about the techniques I personally use to barbeque, and where to find some of the real stuff in and around the District.

Introducing The Canadian Connoisseur and The Communist Langolier

2009-02-10T15:40:00.002-05:00

I would like you to formally introduce you all to our newest contributers, The Communist Langolier and The Canadian Connoisseur. The two have been living in the District for quite some time now and both certainly know their food, put them together though and they are certainly a force to be with reckoned with. They can probably tell it better themselves, so without further adieu, I present The Communist Langolier and The Canadian Connoisseur.

“Pasta Mia” and Contestare Nostra

It all started with my friend Priscilla boasting about being able to out eat most of the guys in our crew. Despite being vivaciously feisty, Priscilla is a small girl and doesn’t strike one as being particularly voracious. I smelled a bet and jumped on it. Friday night; Six o’clock; Adams Morgan; Pasta Mia; Gnocchi in Gorgonzola sauce; me, you, and four witnesses. After preliminary discussions we came to terms of the contest – Gnocchi, but not necessarily Gorgonzola sauce. It was a compromise that I would grow to regret.

Who hasn’t heard rumors about that pasta place in Adams Morgan where people stand outside for hours just to sample the homemade concoctions of the lady some refer to as “The Pasta Nazi”? The place is called Pasta Mia, my friends, and some rumors are truer than others. Yes, you do have to stand in line and I suggest arriving around 6:10 so that you could be one of the first to get in once the doors open at 6:30. My original inclination that the lines would be shorter because of the winter cold proved to be false and we had to brave the January wind for twenty minutes. The restaurant itself is quite cozy – try to get the table on the second level, there is a nice window that provides an excellent view of the hapless folks on the street waiting to get in and jealously eying you as you toast their health with the superb house wine ($5 per glass). The service does leave something to be desired, but the matron of the establishment, an elderly Napolese lady named Antoinette, is very nice as long as you order on time, don’t give her any ‘tude, and don’t ask for cake when she offers you bread. There is a cash only policy and the price is $14 per person, so sharing really doesn’t make sense. That’s a pity because the size of the portions would leave Shaq satisfied.

The first plate that arrived was that of my friend Aaron and we had to have a moment of silence as we mourned the heard of cows that was slaughtered to prepare his Penne Bolognese. Meat lovers out there – if you get this dish on Friday night, leftovers for Saturday and Sunday lunch are guaranteed. My dish came next – Gnocchi in Gorgonzola sauce. This seems to be the favorite of the majority and it doesn’t disappoint. Homemade Gnocchi are notoriously difficult to prepare and so is Gorgonzola sauce, but if you don’t mind gaining a couple of pounds then this dish is a must-have. My buddy Chris had the Tortellini Rosa - tomato cream over tender cheese pasta pockets – another universally beloved entree. The Canadian Connoiseur was next and will tell you all about her Tortellini Arrabiata in her section. My friend Eduardo had the Spinach Fettucinni with Porcini mushrooms. Finally, Priscilla’s Gnocchi was laid in front of her. The girl hadn’t eaten all day and dug in with the furor and gusto of a starving banshee. Still, about half way through her meal I thought that I had the bet won. Her eyes were watery, her breathing heavy, she had to unbuckle her jeans. But never underestimate those Krazilians (ethnically Korean Brazilians) – Priscilla gave it a final push and won the bet. I had to pay for her diner. The loss would have left a bitter taste in my mouth, but I managed to wash it away with some of the best Cappuccino I ever had ($3 per cup). It was a long walk back to Foggy Bottom, but it did little to relieve the feeling of complete satisfaction in my belly.

As the connoisseur, I wanted to try all the dishes, of course…but at last, I was able to narrow it down to something with the spicy Arrabbiata sauce, and finally, I chose the cheese tortellini to go with it. While most of the pasta dishes are $15, if you choose a simple sauce plus pasta combo, it’s just $13. Even the most expensive pasta dishes are still only $18, such as the Spinach Fettuccine with Porcini Mushroom Sauce. The Washingtonian chose Pasta Mia as one of the best “Cheap Eats” in the District…and we completely agree! They do have a wine list, but if you want to stick with the low budget theme, their house red is a great table wine.

On this particular night, I had a hard time deciding which dish I liked the best. Our friend’s Gnocchi Sorrentina (tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella) was amazing. The gnocchi are as fluffy as marshmallows, and when Pasta Mia says an ingredient is fresh – it is. Although the Gorgonzola sauce is also delicious, given the portion sizes, it can be a little heavy – especially if your goal is to finish the entire dish. My Tortellini Arrabbiata, however, was near perfection. I know that “all’Arrabbiata” means angry style, but this meal gave me the opposite reaction! The tortellini was al dente, and the red pepper gave the sauce the perfect amount of kick. It might have been even better when I finished it the next day!

Now, let’s be clear about expectations: you’re not going to Pasta Mia if you want lots of personal attention or a romantic setting…you’re going there for the great pasta, right? So, enjoy it! Yes, you have to wait in line, and yes, the tables are close together and a little cramped – but only because everyone wants to get in and it happens to be a small place! Don’t expect to get pampered by waiters – just tell them what you want to eat (straight from the menu, please) and then wait (yes, wait – it’s homemade, remember?) for some amazing pasta! Also, keep in mind that going here for dinner is more of an event, as opposed to a quick grab and go place. Order some wine and an appetizer if you’re the type that gets antsy while waiting. Enjoy the bread and olive oil on the table, too – but whatever you do, don’t fill up before your pasta arrives!

I’ve heard that the desserts are great, but I haven’t been able to cut myself off from the delicious dinner in order to save room for it…yet.

Pasta Mia is located in Adams Morgan at 1790 Columbia Rd (between 18th and Champlain). No reservations are accepted. Get there before 6:30. Cash only.

Open for dinner only – Tuesday through Saturday.

Check it Out: Bread N Brew

2009-02-09T21:30:00.006-05:00

Cab Savvy

2009-02-09T09:48:00.008-05:00

It seems as long as there have been humans, there has been wine. Archaeologists have found remnants of wine in clay jars dating back to 6000 BC. Our oldest and most beloved works of literature all contain references to its luscious taste and intoxicating effects. The Bible tells us of how Noah planted a vineyard and frequently enjoyed the crushed and fermented fruits of his labor. In Homer’s Aeneid and Odyssey, characters frequently consume hearty glasses of wine. Shakespeare’s Brutus eased his conscience after the murder of Caesar and Othello brooded over his wife’s supposed infidelity with glass-in-hand. We have been drinking wine since we were able to drink. Yet for many in our generation, wine has become something elitist and inaccessible. Our parents drink it, many even have collections of it, and yet we stick to beer and the hard stuff. I’ve heard many people say that they simply don’t like the taste of wine, that they’re not “wine people.” Sillyness I say. Mankind has quite obviously been “wine people” since we figured out how to make the stuff.

A number of misconceptions exist about wine, which together may be a major reason that young people don’t drink more of it. First off, the taste issue. Wine, especially big reds (Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Merlot), has a strong, dark, complex taste. It is not something you will love the first time you try it. It is likely not something you will love the second time you try it. So rather than just giving up, keep trying it. If you didn’t like Pinot Noir, try something different. There’s not one variety of grape that is somehow better than another. A Merlot is not always better than a Shiraz, is not always better than Malbec, is not always better than Chardonnay. Just like everything else in life, people can have different opinions and tastes. Anyone who tells you differently is trying to sell you something. Try whites, try reds, heck try roses if you so choose. Drink a glass of wine while eating dinner. Read the back of the bottle to get an idea for the flavor and eat foods that it would seem to suggest. Have a green apple with honey while drinking Chardonnay, eat some cheese with a glass of Rioja, have a piece of dark chocolate with a Shiraz. Eating will help you bring out the flavors in the wine. Serve wine at its proper temperature (room temp for reds, slighlty chilled for whites). If it’s a red, open it well before drinking it (30 minutes to an hour depending on the varietal). The major issue with reds is that overwhelming tannin taste of many. More oxygen can greatly reduce it. When drinking it try letting it sit on your tongue and inhaling over it. If you try these things and try as many bottles as you can I guarantee that you will find something you like and you may even become a “wine person.” To help you in your new quest to enjoy wine, this column will review a bottle or two of wine every week. You will never find a bottle for more than $15 dollars on this column. You do not need to spend more than that to enjoy a good bottle. If you want to blow $75, you certainly can have an extraordinary bottle. But for those of us who still have young palettes the noticeable differences would be marginal anyways.

I purchase most of my wine from Best Cellars DuPont. It is a wine chain in New York, DC, and Boston that has a fantastic selection at a reasonable price. You really have to try there to find something more expensive than $15. Their staff is excellent and very knowledgeable. Their website also has a fantastic online quiz to help you determine what basic wines you should start with. So until next week, buy some glasses and get ready to love wine. Heck, if you really can’t wait go out and pick up a bottle.

Check it Out: Zorba's Cafe

2009-02-09T08:33:00.004-05:00

You have to admit, living in the District on a budget is not the easiest thing to do and at time can even feel utterly impossible. With all of the fabulous gourmet restaurants serving up all the finest dishes their James Beard award-winning chefs can divvy up, it can be hard to find a restaurant that will serve up a hot plate of deliciousness that won't leave your wallet dumbfounded, wondering what just hit it. However, tucked away throughout this city are a number of gems offering great food at reasonable prices. This week, the Dupont gem that is Zorba's Café.

Maybe it's just me, but between the tall blue and white building and the Greek melodies that play on outside speakers that hypnotize and conjure up nostalgia of munching on pita smothered with tzatziki, I just plain can't resist Zorba's Café. And based on observation, I am not the only one who gets lured in. Located about a block and a half North of Dupont Circle on 20th Street at Connecticut Ave., Zorba's is a no-fuss, quick service, get there early so you have a place to sit, kind of place. Don't hold it against the cooks whose native language is definitely Spanish, not Greek; they really know what they are doing. Having been there several times, I have always favored their superb Yero (also known as Gyro) Sandwich for $7.95(Opt for the sandwich instead of the plate and save $3.55!). There is just something about their light, fluffy, and almost sweet pita bread that induces massive cravings that have me coming back sooner rather than later. Wash it down with a surprisingly not bad Mythos Hellenic Lager Beer for $4.35, and you have just fed yourself an entire meal for under $15!

Cafeteria-style service means feeling like you are back in high school with blue trays AND no tips! BONUS!

Directions to Zorba's Café

The Sunday Dinner: Tortellini, It's Whats For Dinner

2009-02-08T10:46:00.005-05:00

There are few things in life more enjoyable than a delicious home-cooked meal shared amongst friends, but as I'm sure many of you are aware this is often easier said than done. Between selecting a menu, procuring the ingredients, and then actually preparing the food, the prospect of such a meal becomes considerably less attractive. Even more so after a long day of work. As such, every Sunday we here at Eat The District will try to take the guesswork out of dining in by constructing a two course meal of simple, delicious and above all easy to make food complete with recipes and even a nice bottle of vino to compliment the evening. Tonight, instead of eating out or ordering in, invite a few friends, throw on the aprons and sit down for a meal thats good, not just for the body, but for the soul.

The Menu:

The Starter - Cucumber Salad with Mint and Feta

The Entre - Tortellini with Brown Butter and Sage

For those of age, a bottle of Goats do Roam White 2008 from the South African vineyard of the same name will compliment the tortellini well.

Check It Out: O'Sullivan's Irish Pub

2009-02-06T14:31:00.007-05:00

Entering February, we may seem that much closer to emerging from the depths of the DC winter, but as anyone who has lived in the district can tell you the dreary cold and driving wind have a knack for hanging around well past their welcome. While unpleasant weather is often the perfect excuse to stay in and defer to delivery, there is also something to be said for delicious, filling food and a cozy atmosphere on a cold evening. To that end, I present O'Sullivan's Irish Pub.

Located about a block from the Clarendon metro stop in the Commonwealth of Virginia, O'Sullivan's compliments a terrific selection standard Irish standards with a solid selection of beer on tap, but its the warm, local-bar ambiance that really sets this one apart. The prices aren't bad either, fifteen bucks and change will get you a pint of something tasty and a bowl of their peerless beef and Guinness stew.

Aside from doing the food thing, O'Sullivan's hosts pretty good live shows on the weekends right in the dining area, so next time you're reaching for the phone to call the pizza guy head on over to O'Sullivan's. You won't be disappointed.

Directions to O'Sullivans

Check It Out: Ching Ching Cha

2009-02-05T10:43:00.005-05:00

In the world of hot beverages, it is a well-known fact that there are coffees and then there are coffees. The ninety-nine cent cup of joe you pick up from the local deli is a very different breed than some haute organic kona blend served in only the finest of coffee houses. This is the case with tea as well, and the unique blends offered at Ching Ching Cha are firmly in the latter category.

Tucked into the row houses just up the hill from the Georgetown waterfront for just over a decade, Ching Ching Cha is a traditional Chinese style teahouse offering over seventy varieties of the finest tea the world has to offer. They are so dedicated to delivering only the best quality product, that the store’s owner, Ching Ching, spends several months out of each year traveling through the tea growing regions of the far east in search of only the best quality teas to bring back home to Washington.

The tranquil ambiance inside is a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of the surrounding Georgetown streets, and can provide the perfect quiet corner to enjoy a cuppa free from the concerns of the day There is a small menu of quality tea snacks that compliment the beverages well, but they take a backseat to the tea itself, so don’t sit down looking for a filling meal.

If it’s a little peace and quiet you are looking for, or just a hot cup on a cold day, Ching Ching Cha is worth checking out, and be sure not to miss the terrific selection of tea-related miscellany available for purchase scattered about the shop.

Directions to Ching Ching Cha

Check It Out: Chop't

2009-02-04T10:48:00.009-05:00

If day in and day out, lunchtime finds you heading back to the same old sandwich joints, there is a good chance that you are missing out on one of the best mid-day meals that Foggy Bottom has to offer. Chop't, located on 19th between L and M, is to salads what Chipotle is to burritos: fresh, filling, and totally customizable.

The DC / NYC chain offers a staggering number of options as far as what you want in and on your salad, so between all the meats, cheeses, dressings, and veggies, there is a pretty good chance that you are going to be able to find exactly the salad that you are looking for. My personal favorite, is romaine with celery, asian noodles, granny smith apples, parmesian flakes, and grilled chicken, all under a white balsamic dressing, and it has never failed to hit the spot. If you are not feeling too creative, Chop't also offers all the standards, as well as some interesting creations of their own design. All very good, but the make-your-own option is really where the place shines. Not a salad person? the fine folks at Chop't will gladly throw it all in a wrap for a more mobile meal. Salads and wraps start at around $6, but end up around $10 if you opt for meat and what not.

If you are looking for something fresh to spice up your lunchtime routine, look not further than Chop't: BIG portions + healthy ingredients = a no brainier.

Directions to Chopt

This Weekend Under $60: Ghana Cafe

2009-02-04T09:27:00.013-05:00

At times life around Foggy Bottom can seem a bit sanitized. Aside from the usual shenanigans associated with such a close proximity to an undergraduate university, at times the night life here can feel tame, with parts of the neighborhood seeming just plain dead. This week's Weekend Under $60 gives you a taste of a slightly wilder night at Adams Morgan's Ghana Cafe.

Tucked away in this infamously wild neighborhood, Ghana cafe offers authentic (at least to this writer's tastes) West African food accompanied by regional beers. The few tables in the restaurant are picnic-style seating, and there's no real waiting staff so to speak. However, the waiter/bartender/host/perhaps even cook will happily accommodate any of your numerous questions concerning the menu. A variety of stews make up the menu, most served with some type of rice. You will find all of them hearty and delicious. It is one of a handful of restaurants in the area that proudly serves goat (which as it turns out isn't half bad). Order a side of kelewele, a traditional dish of spiced and diced plantains. If able, order one of their many African beers to compliment the meal (Tusker would be a personal favorite).

However, the true allure of Ghana Cafe has is not just the food. While tasty enough, and certainly an interesting enough experience, the live reggae band makes the evening memorable. Anytime between 9 and 10:30 on Friday and Saturday nights Qleen Cut, the house band, arrives and performs. The relatively small restaurant fills up quickly with a mix of humanity as diverse as the food. I was lucky enough to encounter an entire bridal party there upon my last visit. Upstairs, with an auxiliary bar and dance floor, a DJ starts playing Afro-pop. Choose your poison or mingle with both crowds, enjoying a truly diverse evening.

Jollof Rice w/ stew: $10.95
Kelewele: $6
Tusker Lager: $6
Cab ride home: $8

Total: $33 plus tax and tip

Directions: Orange line to Metro Center, Red Line to Adam's Morgan. Exit and head towards Calvert street, turn left and walk until Adams Mill Rd. Turn right and walk until 18th St.

This Weekend Under $100: Co Co. Sala

2009-02-04T08:38:00.009-05:00

A successful date is generally not remembered for its first awkward moments, its sometimes broken conversations, or its stilted parting. It is more often reflected in a lingering feeling; a warmth much like the ebbing taste of a chocolaty dessert. With that in mind, this week's Weekend Under $100 takes you to Co Co. Sala, a self-described chocolate boutique and lounge just a few blocks from Metro Center. Make an evening reservation in this casual sharp locale as it tends to get rather crowded with the after-work professional throng.

The belief of the restaurant is that dessert (and by dessert they mean chocolate) should be the centerpiece of any meal. Perusing their menu you should be delighted to find that a three-course dessert menu takes the usual place of the entrees. Start off with the small plates section. This is the only place where you will find traditional 'dinner food.' Pick 4 or 5 plates to share between you and your date. The duck confit salad was superb. The blue cheese burger and tandoori chicken slider were also excellent, and don't feel too ashamed by the decor to select one of their fantastic macaroni and cheese dishes. Enjoy as many or as few of these tapas as you'd like, remembering of course to leave room for dessert.

The menu provides an option of four different themed three-course dessert menus. Do not get too overwhelmed. Any or all of these will certainly provide you with an unparalleled chocolate experience. I would recommend splitting one of these with your date, passing out from a chocolate overdose would probably hurt your chances of a repeat. Should you be of age, choose from one of their fantastic cocktails (all dessert themed of course) to accompany the meal. Wild Winter and Co Cojito are both delectable choices. If you are not yet able, choose from one of 6 gourmet hot chocolates. Co Co. Sala also has a fantastic selection of handmade artisanal chocolates. Should you have the interest and the money inquire with your server. Cap off a fantastic evening by unwinding on the couch with Lasse Hallstrom's Chocolat available at HippoVideo for just a dollar. If there's no second date after this you must have some type of communicable disease.

Small plates: $7-9 each
Dessert Course: $20 each
Cocktails: $13 each or Cocoa: $6 each
DVD rental: $1.00

Total: $77 plus tax and tip

For reservations to Co Co. Sala

Directions: Orange/Blue line to Metro Center. Exit at 12th and F Street. Walk East on F Street towards 11th St. Restaurant on right.

Save the Date: February 2009 Schedule of Events

2009-02-02T17:00:00.004-05:00

A new month means a slew of new food-related festivals, celebrations and classes. Here are the Washington area events that you should be paying attention to for the month of February. Be sure to look out for our Save The Date column at start of every month to keep in the know about DC's freshest foodie happenings.

February 7-8:
Chocolate Lovers Festival - Fairfax, VA

February 14-15:
Washington DC International Wine & Food Festival - Washington, DC

February 16-22:
DC Restaurant Week - Washington, DC

February 17:
St. Jude Gourmet Gala - Washington, DC

February 18:
Wine Class for Beginners - Washington, DC

February 19:
High End Beer Class and Tasting - Washington, DC

Sundays in February:
Dupont Circle Freshfarm Market - Washington, DC