Hey, D.C.! You were pretty great.
I'll miss your restaurants and your rooftops, but most of all I'll miss your people. Specifically, my awesome roommates, my super smart inspiring co-workers, and the dear friends and family that call you home.
I had mixed feelings about being away from N.C., but it turned out to be a total blessing on lots of different levels.
And the FOOD. The food was a highlight, for sure. Though I was living on a budget, I was still able to try a lot of phenomenal food. Overall, the culinary highlights of the summer were the palak chat and chicken tiki masala from
Rasika, the Elvis Impersonator cupcake from
Baked & Wired, and the caramelized banana pancakes from
TICO.
Here are some more of my favorites. Please share any other D.C. spots that you love!
QUICK LUNCH OR DINNER:
Teasim--cute tea and lunch spot
Neighborhood: Penn Quarter, Dupont, Layfayette Park, Old Town
What to try: Moroccan mint iced tea, sea salt chocolate oat cookies, fried chicken or salmon bento box
& Pizza--delicious make-your-own-pizza, Chipotle style. The ingredients are quality too--They make their own mozzarella!
Neighborhood: Multiple Locations--usually by metro stations
What to try: Everything. I like broccoli, spinach & feta pizza with sun-dried tomatoes
Daikaya--Delicious, authentic ramen
Neighborhood: Chinatown
What to try: Shio Ramen with extra veggies
Chop't--chopped salads, made to order in front of you
Neighborhood: Multiple locations
What to try: Santa Fe, Kale Cesar
Sweet Green--fresh, seasonal salads with fun ingredients like spicy broccoli
Neighborhood: U Street, Georgetown, Foggy Bottom
What to try: Harvest Salad with sweet potatoes, wild rice, apples, kale, goat cheese, and almonds (my favorite!) Also the watermelon, feta, and arugula salad with spicy sunflower seeds.
Taylor Gourmet--great sandwiches and salads (apparently one of Obama's favorite D.C. spots!)
Neighborhood: Multiple Locations
What to try: Diamond salad, polenta fries, any of the sandwiches
COFFEE/SWEETS:
Paul--cute French coffee spot
Neighborhood: Penn Quarter
What to try: coffee or latte, macaroons, almond croissants
Zombie Donuts--fantastic, warm, made-to-order donuts. I'm not even really a donut person, but I am obsessed with these!
Neighborhood: Columbia Heights
What to try: everything
Baked & Wired--well-known cupcake and coffee shop. Totally lives up to the hype!
Neighborhood: Georgetown
What to try: German chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, Elvis Impersonator (banana cupcake with peanut butter frosting)
BRUNCH:
Tabard Inn--traditional brunch restaurant in a historic inn
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle
What to try: the homemade donuts! Also the eggs benedict
TICO-upbeat & elegant Latin inspired food
Neighborhood: U Street
What to try: caramelized banana pancakes with crunchy hazelnuts & orange zest (TO DIE FOR!!!), breakfast burrito
Bus Boys and Poets--super fun brunch & literary spot
Neighborhood: Multiple Locations
What to try: sweet potato pancakes, omelette
Le Diplomate-upscale french bistro
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle
What to try: omelette, french toast
DATE NIGHT:
Oyamel--elegant, creative Mexican
Neighborhood: Penn Quarter
What to try: Guacamole, any of their tacos
Lincoln--delicious small plates and happy hour specials
Neighborhood: Mount Vernon
What to try: macaroni and cheese, kale salad, roasted brussel sprouts
Rasika--Fancy Indian food--maybe the best in D.C.!
Neighborhood: Penn Quarter
What to try: palak chaat, chicken tiki masala
Founding Farmers--Well known farm to table restaurant with a Southern American vibe
Neighborhood: Foggy Bottom
What to try: cornbread, short rib, pickled veggies, any of their cocktails
Other City Restaurant Reviews:
Charlotte, North Carolina
Savannah, Georgia
Florence, Italy