Restaurant Adventures
When I was home for New Years, my mom asked me what my favorite restaurant in DC was. I thought about it for a while and realized that I didn't really have a favorite. In DC (and in any city, really), there are so many great places that it would seem a bit silly to keep going to the same ones. So here I've written a little about restaurants I have tried recently. For someone who was unemployed for 3.5 months and temping for 3 months, it sure seems like I have eaten out a lot! What can I say? A girl's gotta eat!These little blurbs aren't meant to be comprehensive reviews. Just my random thoughts...
Good Stuff Eatery
http://www.goodstuffeatery.com/
This place was started by some Food Channel guy. He's also won a lot of awards for his burgers. I got the famous "Colletti's Smokehouse" burger (with onion rings, chipotle BBQ sauce, etc.) and it was good. The Village Fries (thyme, rosemary, and cracked pepper) were tasty and they have several different types of mayo (Old Bay Mayo, Chipotle Mayo, etc.). We waited a long time, though, and the atmosphere is not that great. If you don't like greasy burgers, definitely do not go here. In the end, I might just prefer Five Guys (or Z Burger, which I haven't tried yet, but have heard is great).
Thunder Grill
http://www.arkrestaurants.com/thunder_grill.html
Union Station is not necessarily known for its great food, but I was pleasantly surprised by Thunder Grill. I like sitting in the main hall of the station (what can be a real gold ceiling?) and the food was quite good--southwest inspired American food. I might not go out of my way to go there, but if you're looking for a good place in Union Station, it's definitely must better than America (which for some reason I have eaten at multiple times).
La Loma
I don't love La Loma as much as a lot of other people do. Their outdoor patio is great for summer months, though. And the location is near where I live, so I'll probably continue to go back. The margaritas aren't bad, either!
Cafe 8
I got a pide, which is a sort of calzone and apparently one of the signature dishes at this Mediterranean place on Barracks Row. I definitely want to go back and try more of their dishes. The atmosphere was nice and the price was reasonable. I hear they have half price bottles of wine on a certain night of the week, as well. I should find out when that night is!
Las Placitas
http://www.lasplacitas.com
This Salvadorean/Mexican place on Barracks Row (Eastern Market) is pretty good. And it's nice to have more options than just the classic Mexican stuff. Like arepas. Yum.
Lebanese Taverna
http://www.lebanesetaverna.com/
Freaking amazing. There's little else I could say. The price was very reasonable, even when we ordered lots of Mezze. It was plenty of food and all of it was great. And can I again say: delicious! And it was Anne's birthday, so we had red velvet cake. We brought that ourselves, but it was good too. :)
Bar Louie
http://www.restaurants-america.com/barlouie/
Went there with some friends for happy hour and it was great. They had awesome happy hour specials (half price small places, $3 drafts, etc.), but it wasn't totally packed and crazy like a lot of happy hours. Definitely a good place to meet up with people after work. The food wasn't totally unique or wonderful, but it was fine. The fried zucchini was quite good; the tater tots were disappointing.
Cafe Asia
http://www.cafeasia.com
I've only tried the Pad Thai and the Lo Mein, but both were great (not greasy and oily, they tasted quite fresh!). Friends gave rave reviews about the other noodle dishes, the sushi, etc. They have quite an extensive menu of food from all over Asia. The portions are large and the prices aren't bad. I prefer the Rosslyn location's decor and feel, but the downtown DC one is close to my new office, so it's more convenient.
Zengo
http://www.modernmexican.com/zengodc/
I chose this place for my birthday dinner and I think it was a great choice. Unique and delicious, a fun atmosphere, good service, great location. Yeah. It kind of has it all in my opinion, including freshly made churros, which they gave me for free for my birthday! You can't go wrong with Chipotle Miso Soup, Thai Chicken Empanadas, Peking Duck Tacos with curried apple, etc. etc. Their noodle and rice bowls were also rather cheap and large. Highly recommended!
Eggspectation
http://www.eggspectations.com
I was a bit disappointed. Dare I say, "My eggspectations were not met." Haha. Had to do it. I had read some reader's choice award that they had the best eggs benedict in the DC area. I did not find it that great. The egg was not poached properly, which kinda ruins the whole thing. They did have about 12 varieties of benedict. But quantity doesn't trump quality in my book. I did like the atmosphere, though. Exposed brick, old books, etc. If I find myself in Silver Spring again (don't get out there often), I might give it another go.
The Prime Rib
http://www.theprimerib.com/
I went to THE Prime Rib and didn't get prime rib. I know, it seems a bit wrong. I got london broil because I wanted to try something different and I was quite happy with it. We went during restaurant week, so we got the 3 course meal with soup and dessert (creme brulee!). The food and service were great. A little old man was playing jazz tunes on the baby grand near our table. It seemed exclusive and luxurious. Definitely good for special occasions.
Circle Bistro
http://www.thecirclehotel.com/circle-bistro/index.cfm
The atmosphere is nice and the freshly made ice cream (we had blood orange and nutella), which also came with a piece of delicious shortbread, was fabulous. The wine was overpriced and the food wasn't that special, though. That had a fixed price lunch that was a pretty good deal, but for food alone, I'd say you could probably find someplace better.
Jacob's Coffee House (8th and E NE)
Their iced vanilla lattes are the best. I don't know what they put in there, but man it's good.
Red Velvet Cupcakery
http://www.redvelvetcupcakery.com/
Their icing is whipped. I find that annoying. I want the creamy richness.
Baked + Wired
http://bakedandwired.com/
Steve says they have the best red velvet cupcakes in DC. It was definitely a darn good red velvet cupcake. I haven't yet tried all red velvet cupcakes in the District, though. I'll work on that.
Georgetown Cupcake
http://georgetowncupcake.com/
They were closed at 9:30pm on a Friday night when I really wanted a cupcake. I'm still annoyed.
TangySweet
http://www.tangysweet.com/
It tastes good, but they just don't give you enough toppings.
CaliYogurt
http://caliyogurt.biz/default.aspx
Gives you way more toppings. Thus, it earns my approval. Plus it has clear plastic chairs and a really cool ceiling fan.
Yogiberry
They probably have the largest topping selection of the places I have tried. The decor was annoying to me, though (holes punched in the wall?) and it seemed a bit expensive.
Hoping to try soon: Taylor Gourmet, Matchbox, Park Cafe, Sticky Rice, Asia Nine, Argonaut, Zaytinya, Georgia Brown's, Cafe Berlin, East Street Cafe, Founding Farmers, Curbside Cupcake
In the end, I do have a few favorite restaurants. Perhaps I'll write about them next time. Most of them are best value type places. Anyplace is great is you have unlimited money, but there are certain places that are superior if you've got a tight budget....
brought to you by Rachelle
0 cents from the peanut gallery
