Elsewhere in the World of Food

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

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

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

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

The Sunday Dinner: Minty Fresh

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


Honey Mint Glazed Chicken

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

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

Check it Out: Ollie's Trolley

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

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

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

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

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

Check it Out: Steak & Eggs

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

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


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

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

The Sunday Dinner: Purple Pasta Eaters

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

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

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

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

Check it Out: Pret a Manger

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

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

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

Check it Out: Pho 75

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

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


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


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

The Sunday Dinner: Mumbo Gumbo

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

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

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.