sacrilicious's Profile
Looking for suggestions near Union Station in DC - SF hounds with no car
Agree with the other posters that you're an easy metro ride from a lot of excellent restaurants so don't limit yourself to your immediate neighborhood for dinner if you are able to get out and about with the baby. I work near the Hyatt Regency and there is not much within that couple of blocks.
In addition to the good suggestions already given, there is a small strip of restaurants on Massachusetts Avenue on the other side of Union Station. It's probably a 10-15 minute walk from your hotel. I recently had a nice lunch at Bistro Cacao over there. There's also a decent Indian buffet lunch at White Tiger. Also in that vicinity is Toscana Cafe, a small Italian deli with outdoor seating. (I've only been to Toscana once and thought it was only ok - but I'm a vegetarian and just ordered pizza. I know others who really liked their deli sandwiches.) The rest of the places on that strip are nothing special.
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White Tiger
301 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
Bistro Cacao
320 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Toscana Cafe
601 2nd St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Lunch Options for TenleyTown?
Nothing spectacular in the area, but for sit down, I was really pleased with Masala Art's lunch buffet - (I think) $9.95. Franklin Grill is probably a bit far from the metro but they have a 6.95 lunch special (sandwich, side, and drink) that's a good value. I wish Angelico's sandwiches were better, but it's fine if you're craving a slice of pizza and coke (which I frequently am). They have lunch combos for 7.95. Always been disappointed at Neisha Thai so I don't bother anymore.
Kogibow Bakery - Adams Morgan
I've only had their cakes, which we order occasionally for office parties - basic chocolate or vanilla cakes with custard filling between the layers. The cake is not as sweet or as moist as a cake you might get from an "American" bakery. That could be a positive for some, a negative for others, depending on your taste. Some people in my office love 'em, I think they're just ok.
Nationals Park Food
There is freestanding cart on the main level called "The Healthy Plate," with wraps (vegetarian and turkey), hummus with vegetables, and a couple of salad options. I found the veggie wrap kind of bland, but it did seem healthy.
Nationals Park Food
Kosher stand - I can't remember exactly, but if you enter at the main (center field) gate and turn left, it's near where the concessions start. Please try it and report back!!
Ok, according to the website, it's in Section 143:
http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/ballpark/concessions.jsp
Nationals Park Food
You are allowed to bring in food and one bottle of water:
http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/ballpark/a-z_guide.jsp#o
Last season there was an "On the Fly" cart outside the park that sold Julia's Empanadas. I've been to a bunch of games year but keep forgetting to look whether it's still there.
But if you're eating in the stadium, stick to the known quantities - Ben's, Hard Times, or Five Guys. Everything else I've tried has been standard stadium food.
Next time I'm going to try the kosher stand which sells shwarma, knishes, and falafel.
I have brought my own food the past couple of times, and just buy beer and/or ice cream at the park. The lines can be slow-moving even when the stadium is half-full, and for the Red Sox series they've been even worse!
Dinner Recs for Fri. Eve around 8th and F?
Agree with all the suggestions, except my last meal at PS7 a couple of weeks ago was only ok. And the service was oddly off that night too. But it must be an aberration since I've had generally good experiences there. Maybe I just ordered the wrong thing (avoid the fall ravioli).
Anyone been to Enology yet??
I like it too. The food is somewhat of an afterthought, I agree with that. Some of the flatbreads have been good, others not so much. I haven't tried the salad. I wasn't really expecting much, since I think their original plan was to follow the model of Veritas - cheese / meat / chocolate only. It is not a dining destination by any means.
I'm not very experienced with wines, but I've found the waitstaff to be helpful in terms of descriptions and recommendations, based on what I was looking for. And I like the interior, it's a nice change from the dark Zebra lounge space. It's a bit noisy when it fills up and the music is on, but not nearly as noisy as Veritas.
I like Bardeo and Dino too, and that's where I'd go for a real meal to accompany the wines. Is it worth a trip across town? Probably not - But I live walking distance from Enology, and it's great to have a place for grownups to sit and converse over drinks.
Who is offering the full menu for RW?
In the past, Zola has offered the entire menu. I don't know if they're doing the same this year.
RW with a vegetarian
As a vegetarian, I haven't had too many problems during RW. If there isn't a vegetarian option on the RW menu, they will usually let you sub something off the regular menu (or make a vegetarian entree). You may want to call ahead or note it on the Open Table reservation just to make sure.
Agree with Jeserf though - it depends on the place, but for me it's usually cheaper to just order the off the regular menu. Most of the time I really don't want three full courses anyway.
I went to Oval Room for RW a couple of years ago, and as I recall there were vegetarian options (I ate something, but I don't remember the details). It wasn't particularly interesting or memorable though, in terms of food or service. It seemed like they were churning out small bland plates of food quickly as possible. Granted, the crowd that week was mostly 20-somethings rather than their usual patrons, but still.
I haven't eaten at Olives in years so can't help there.
I've had consistently good RW meals at Bistro Bis, Dino, Zola and PS7's, if you're looking for other options.
Nationals Ballpark Area?
Supposedly (according to a Washington Post article), Change Up Chicken (Sections 135, 203) has veggie burgers. Also Capitol Cantina has vegetable burritos and tacos.
Restaurant rec., Gallery Place area, DC
I heard it was closed due to a fire or something like that. I'm not sure if it's reopened yet, but if it's closed, there is Thai Chili a block away in movie theaters. It's also reasonably priced, lots of vegetarian options, and they often have some interesting specials.
z burger in tenleytown?
Based on one visit, I'm liking this place. I didn't have a burger but the grilled cheese was good. I had the regular unseasoned fries and they were *really* good. Hot and crispy, and a generous portion for $1.99. Both were better than the 5 Guys franchise near my office (H Street).
The black and white milkshake was good too, although I don't know what one can do to ruin a milkshake.
The staff is friendly, but the food comes out slowly (even when they're not that crowded), so be prepared to wait a bit. The music is kind of loud for my taste, too. (But then, I was probably 20 years older than most of the people there.) Overall it's a good addition to the neighborhood.
Simply Ayzen in Tenleytown?
I have only tried their sushi (takeout) which was ok, not great. The fish did not seem fresh but that may have been due the fact that it was a holiday weekend, so they may not have gone shopping. I have not tried their other Asian dishes, but I've heard good things.
z burger in tenleytown?
katecm - I pressed my nose against the glass and it looks more Five Guys than sit down diner. So, most likely fast food (but in a good way, I hope).
z burger in tenleytown?
Don't know anything either, but the menu and prices look pretty good. To me it looked like a chain. How excellent would it be to have good burgers and shakes in the neighborhood?!
A year of DC Eating - A to Z
Very entertaining mini-reviews! I'm generally in agreement with all of 'em for the ones I've tried. Except I want to add that I also miss Italian food.
Nationals Park - The Food!!
Easy to miss - you have to root around a lot on the web article to find the exact link to the section on healthy / vegetarian options.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/01/AR2008040100591.html?sid=ST2008040200227
Still looking forward to at least trying some of the ballpark food for a couple of games! Then I'll go back to bringing in my own water and sandwich.
Nationals Park - The Food!!
According to the Washington Post story linked by malveaux above, they do! But, also according to the Post, they're awful.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/04/02/ST2008040200227.html
Apparently they have veggie burgers though, which got more positive reviews.
I'm a vegetarian, and I gotta say, there is no good substitute for a real hot dog. Or bacon.
Cupcakes in Falls Church or Penn Quarter?
I miss Reeve's too!
The cupcakes at Clyde's on the Walk are pretty but the ones I had were beyond awful in terms of taste and texture. Definitely more choices in Georgetown.
If you are in PQ and can quickly jump on the green line to Columbia Heights, the cupcakes at Sticky Fingers are decent. I've never bought them from the store, but have tried them at various events. (I didn't know they were vegan until someone told me later - don't tell anyone, otherwise people will be reluctant to try them.)
Teaism Penn Quarter Report
Often the edamame is partially frozen too. Not to mention times when the salmon has seemed a bit off. The salmon bento used to be my favorite, but lately I've been ordering the veggie burger, which is cooked when you order and therefore much better.
I've experienced similar problems repeatedly at the PQ Teaism. It used to be consistently good, but has slipped in recent years.
Food at Nationals Park
Should be great! Although I agree, anything would be an improvement over RFK - the food options there were grim.
japanese grocery in DC?
It's not on the hill, but there is a small store in NW called "Danny's Tindahan" which according to the sign is a Filipino - Japanese grocery. I have to admit I've never actually been inside though. It's on Wisconsin Avenue near Van Ness (across from the McDonalds), so probably a 10 minute walk or short bus ride south from Tenley metro.
Georgetown Cupcake
I agree that it's not something I'm going to stand on line for again. But I would guess, given the uber-cuteness of the shop and the location and the decent product, they're soon going to be in every DC guidebook, so tourists are going to be added to the crowd too.
They have a very tiny kitchen from what I could see, and there were only two people back there working frantically, so they're trying their best. I'm sure they didn't expect this much hype, and it seems like they're coping as well as any newly-opened small business would with an unexpected crush.
It may take a few weeks or months for them to work out the kinks. It might end up being the kind of place where you just have to get there early or risk being sold out, or they're going to have to work around the clock to meet demand.
I wish them well -- DC needs more good bakeries! And anyone who is persistent enough to brave the DC govt permitting process to start a small business gets my kudos.
Georgetown Cupcake
Went this morning, and I have to agree pretty much 100% with Jeserf's review.
Super cute store, friendly staff (if a bit scattered / overwhelmed), nice boxes and packaging, and very pretty cupcakes.
Keeping it simple, I chose the chocolate with vanilla icing (which is actually vanilla cream cheese icing). The cake was on the smaller size (which is good, as large tends to mean dry), moist and pretty tasty. $2.75 isn't bad, price wise, given what the competition is charging. (Although the same exact cupcake would have been $1.25 at the late lamented Reeves.) The one I had probably wouldn't last until the next day, as the top was already getting a bit chewy and stale.
But. The line stretched down the block. They move verrrry slowly in getting these things out the door. They don't need to take an individual piece of tissue paper, fold it in thirds, then use it to encircle and pick up each the cupcake. It's a big production and it takes them several minutes to fill each order. Hopefully they'll soon get over it and just start using gloved hands to pick them up.
(Then again, the line definitely got the attention of passersby - maybe they're trying to build up the Magnolia Bakery-esque buzz.)
If I'm there during a weekday, I would stop in. But I wouldn't wait on line again. I still like Furin's and depending on the day, Baked and Wired, better. And my own. :)
Best Mexican & Margaritas in DC Metro?
I think you may have to give up on the good, authentic Mexican food quest. Around here, there is nothing even remotely resembling the Mexican food in CA or TX.
Strangely, I have friends from TX who love Cactus Cantina. I can't figure it out, because every time I've been there, the chips are stale, the food is terrible, and the margaritas taste like they come from a mix. It's especially strange because when I visited these very same people in TX, we went out for amazing Mexican food.
I prefer Guapo's. The margaritas are good; the food is ok.
PS - LOL on your description of Oyamel. It's a nice atmosphere but I agree on the food.
Georgetown Cupcake
DC is sorely lacking in good bakeries so the fact that it is even possible to do a cupcake crawl in Georgetown is a positive development!
To add one more possibility - Furin's sometimes has cupcakes too. Nothing fancy, but cheap and unpretentious, and reminds me of the neighborhood bakeries in the northeast where I grew up. Last time I was there, they only had vanilla cake/vanilla frosting, but it was sweet and moist and fed my cupcake craving.
Great Tacos "on the fly" in DC
I tried their vegetarian tacos and they were also very good. A mix of zucchini, onion, tomato, beans, fresh cilantro, and a lime wedge. At first glance I was a little disappointed that the shredded bits on top were cabbage and not cheese, but the whole combo was so flavorful and the cabbage added a nice crunch, so after one bite I didn't miss it. A little messy and difficult to transport though... I wish I had eaten them right there in the snow instead of carrying them back to the office.
Rock Creek in Bethesda - what's good? what's not?
The bread and hummus they serve to start is excellent, and addictive. Tuna carpaccio was a good appetizer, and my dad was very pleased with his filet mignon. Avoid the spinach-ricotta ravioli - it's as boring as it sounds. (I chose it because it was the only vegetarian entree listed. But I later found out they will make you a vegetarian plate of side dishes upon request, which was much better.) The apple strudel was quite good as well. It's hard to believe the low calorie counts on some of the dishes!
