That's correct, FF's burgers are not in the same league as Five Guys. I think they're actually better and this is coming from someone who is a nutritionist by training!

I have eaten quite a few times as a walk-in on a Friday night at the bar (and table!) at Rasika. Definitely check it out.

Founding Farmers is disappointing. It's more of a place I think that would be fun with friends because the food is nothing to write home about.

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Rasika Restaurant
633 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004

Founding Farmers
1924 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20006

You haven't mentioned any cuisines so it's kind of hard to make a suggestion. There's Perry's, Astor's and Wok & Roll (I do like their sushi!).

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Wok & Roll
1371 Beverly Rd, Mc Lean, VA 22101

I've has so-so experience with food and service at Cork. Sometimes good other times terrible. They use a ton of salt in their food..and I love salt!

Check out Heritage in Dupont. Not hole in the wall but still good.

For real?

Ha, it was for the first month it was open. It has lost its fire after so-so reviews. Head to Birch & Barley or Masa 14 instead.

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Masa 14
1825 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009

This place is so overrated. Proof's food is much better. I also can't get over how they don't use wine glasses for their wine.

Wouldn't define this as a "hot" vibe.

Instead check out Zentan by Thomas Circle.

Off beat suggestion but if you want some delicious middle eastern food (great veg and non-veg options), go half a block down to Food Corner Kabob House. After all that heavy food you'll be having at the conference, this might be a nice option.

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Food Corner Kabob House
7031 Little River Tpke Ste 1A, Annandale, VA 22003

I actually wouldn't suggest this as a single diner. I had a friend who went there alone and she said she felt very uncomfortable.

FH--there are more cals in that meal than one should probably have in two days, but it's okay, it's your girlfriend's bday and there are no calories on your birthday. However, it's not your birthday! :)

You know, it's not required to have cheese in your omelets! There are many, many other options.

That's quite a heavy meal so I think asparagus would be good; however, whenever I hear duck I think brussel sprouts. They would go really well with your fig sauce if you roasted them with some maple/brown sugar and even a little bacon.

From your post, it almost seems like you're fishing for free stuff and coupons!

I tend to find their deli slices to have that over-processed taste like subway. It's a lot worst than other fast-casual sandwich shops.

They used to have a nice vegetarian salad with artichokes, chickpeas, etc. However they got rid of it and instead replaced it with chicken salads with not one healthy ingredient (except tomatoes!). The veggie option is to get it without meat. So sad.

Room 11 in Columbia Heights (very small but they have now expanded their food menu). I also liek the Bar Pilar suggestion.

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Bar Pilar
1833 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

It is a big deal if you live tomatoes! They should provide another veggie option as a topper. Their sandwiches could use a health boost anyway.

My thoughts on the tomatoes issues and Potbelly. Maybe that is the case but no other restaurant around here has pulled theirs off the menu. I think Potbelly is just too cheap to pay for them...i don't care if their sandwiches are cheap--so are the quality of their ingredients!

I agree, I love the octopus and brussel sprouts at Zaytinya. Can't help with how to prepare the octopus but I do know the BS are fried (maybe why they taste so great).

DC actualy has a lot of great octopus dishes. Have you tried Kellari's? Best in the city. You'll need to try it next time you're in DC or maybe it's a bad idea because you'll be dreaming about it. Bar Pilar is also quite good.

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Zaytinya
701 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Bar Pilar
1833 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

I don't like pancakes, period. However, I think sweet things are for dessert, not a way to start the day off. You need protein in the morning. Having tons of sugar and carbs (donuts, muffins, waffles, pancakes, etc)in the morning is not a good idea. Americans are fat because they think this is an acceptable breakfast.

There is a great one at the Dupont Farmers Market at the place where they have all the dips/soups/prepared foods (with the samples).

Boston probably has a better veggie scene but here are some suggestions:

Java Green or Cafe Green for lunch
Teaism
Cava (if you don't go to Zaytinya) for med/greek tapas
Elizabeth Gone Raw--She has raw food dinner once in a while. Usually a caterer. Her food is delicious.

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Teaism
2009 R St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Java Green Cafe
1020 19th Street N W, Washington, DC

Zaytinya
701 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Tosca and Posto are in different leagues. Tosca is higher quality. I do like Posto's space and wine list, though.

Adour is quite special and would be good for her 30th. The other two I would try out another time not for her birthday. For some place different and delicious, try Bistro Cocoa in Cap Hill. Romantic and beautiful setting and great food. Celebrated a friend's birthday recently.

Um, you said bottom line you want a place to accomodate your meat and potatoes taste...isn't this your girlfriend's bday and she should be the first priority?

who says the local restaurants aren't adding just as much sugar and salt. There is a reason why it tastes so good...

Every day I mix PB with cottage cheese.

A dessert I like is a little melted PB mixed in with low fat ricotta and sprinkled with a little bit of graham crackers (a deconstructed pb cheesecake!).

Sorry to hear this, but to be honest, probably the best thing to do besides focusing on food to comfort the emptiness (because this can become a pattern), it's best to get outside and be active with a friend or go to the gym and something healthy with protein and complex carbs. This will make you feel better a lot longer than a quick fatty fix, and keep your serotonin levels up.

Grilled veggie with chicken and goat cheese sandwich drizzled with pesto or balsamic on rosemary focaccia.

such a guy answer!

Nora's? Equinox?

Google Founding Farmers and sourcing locally/responsibly. You may be surprised what you read.

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Founding Farmers
1924 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20006