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Hi Everybody,

Despite all appearances, this is not in fact Eat The District (not anymore at least).

For the freshest thoughts on all the food to be found across our nations capitol, please instead direct your attention to the new and improved eatthedistrict.com!

Check it Out: Sichuan Pavilion

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Check it Out: Hook

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


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

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

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

Check it Out: Thai Kitchen

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

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


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

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

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

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

Fresh Grounds: Leopold's Kafe & Konditorei

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

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


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


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

Check it Out: Goody's Corner Eatery

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

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


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


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

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

P.S. Tell Angelina I sent you.

The Sunday Dinner: Lime Time

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

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




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

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

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

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

Check it Out: Kotobuki

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

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

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

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

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

Fresh Grounds: Bourbon Coffee

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

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

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


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

Check it Out: Thai X-ing

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

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


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

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

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

Check it Out: Cafe La Ruche

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

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


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

Check it Out: City Buffet

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


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

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

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

Local Flavor

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


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

Check it Out: Scion

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

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

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


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

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

Check it Out: City Lights of China

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

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


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

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

Check it Out: Tackle Box

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

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

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

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