erinnf's Profile
Thoughts/advice on restaurant options for memorial day weekend
My husband and I are heading up to Brooklyn from DC for a wedding on memorial day weekend. We're looking for a few ideas for the meals that aren't wedding related. We're staying at Aloft Hotel in Downtown brooklyn. We love all kinds of food, and don't mind spending $, but most importantly want delicious eats with a decent atmosphere. Also, I'll be about 34 weeks pregnant by then, so bars, etc. I'm not really into (just makes me sad).
Current ideas/list:
Friday dinner: Pok Pok (only place that we're committed to - as it was a favorite of ours in porland when we went on our honeymoon)
Saturday breakfast: Mile End? - or possibly a great coffee shop/bakery or
Saturday lunch: no ideas - could depend on how heavy breakfast is, but a snack could be a good idea
Sunday: brunch - possibly Buttermilk Channel.
Look forward to your input!
Recommendations for memorial day weekend trip to NYC
Thanks for the helpful suggestions - we just decided to stay in Brooklyn for the full weekend, instead of Manhattan for Friday and schlep to Brookly for Saturday/Sunday. Good thing is we can hit-up Pok Pok and hope it's not too crowded! I'll head over the the "outer Boroughs" board for recs in Brooklyn.
Day trip to eastern shore/st. michaels/oxford
We ended up getting lunch at the pub at Inn at Perry's Cabin. I really wanted to check out the inn. My husband had an absolutely delicious burger and I had a great crab cake sandwich. I almost never get crab cakes, but this was worth it - big lump crab, very little filler - light roll and a nice aioli/tarter to go with. Will have to try out the other recommendations the next time we take a day trip.
Recommendations for memorial day weekend trip to NYC
I'm a DC chowhounder heading up to NYC for a wedding over memorial day weekend. I'm staying in Manhattan on Friday a bit south of central park (at the muse hotel (kimpton)). Then I'm staying in Brooklyn for the next two nights. I need a dinner recommendation for Friday night and lunch recommendation for Saturday. My husband and I enjoy really good food and have been to some phenomenal restaurants (French Laundry, Spago, Ad Hoc, etc). We also enjoyed more laid back restaurants as well, most important thing is good food. As well, I'd like to be able to make a reservation. I'm not into that whole show up and wait 90min for a table thing that is becoming too common. We don't want to spend crazy $$ (i.e., french laundry style), but $30-40 for an entree is perfectly fine. Only food restrictions are that I'm pregnant, so I'm trying to avoid raw seafood (big bummer!).
We may consider going to Pok Pok NYC as we went to Pok Pok in Portland, OR and it was one of my most favorite meals ever. Only thing is that they're only doing dinner service as of now and I don't want to schlep to Brooklyn on Friday night...
Thanks!
Day trip to eastern shore/st. michaels/oxford
With the beautiful weather forecasted for tomorrow hubby and I are planning a day trip to the eastern shore. Any recommendations for places to go for lunch? Seafood is always good, but we're open to other types of cuisine as well. Something mid-range $15-20 for an entree. We may do some kayaking during the day, so we'll probably be in more casual clothes. Thanks!
The Standard - 14th St. DC
I made it back to the standard for the first time this year. The food was delicious - even better than my last time there in November, which was a little disappointing. We enjoyed the pulled pork sandwich with slaw, "dauchund in the grass," and the always delicious onion rings. Should have gotten two orders of those! I was hoping the short rib would be on the menu, but I guess we'll have to come back another time.
Price of lamb in DC
I've noticed the last few times I've gone to purchase lamb that the prices seem to have gone through the roof! Anyone else noticed the same thing?
I just ordered a boneless leg of lamb through Canales Meat Market (eastern market) and it is $12.99/lb. Even the bone-in was $11.99/lb. Just wondering if I was alone here...
Coming to DC April 6th weekend, need recs
No chance of getting reservations at Tabard Inn on that Sunday as it is Easter Sunday. I made my reservations 30 days out to the date - and spent over 30min trying to get through their busy signal to snag a reservation. I second Bethesda baget though in Dupont. Around the corner is Teaism which does a nice breakfast - great french toast, and you can't beat their tea and chai!
Potato Chip Afficionado
I love potato chips! One of my big weaknesses. :)
I think the Cape Cod chips are the best - even the 40% reduced fat are delicious - in fact, better than the regular (and no weird fat substitutes). Also, the Billy Goat Chip Company, based in St. Louis, had amazing chips. They actually carry them in small 3 oz. bags at Chinatown Coffee Company. Highly recommend - especially the "Kicker" flavor - sort-of spicy!
Where is awesome BACON in Washington DC?
I recall reading a while ago on here that Eola offered a "bacon flight" during brunch - where yu coudl taste different kinds of bacon. I've never been though, so can't comment.
Couldn't get in to minibar, so we should go to....
What about the tasting menu at Restaurant Eve followed by drinks at their speakeasy PX Lounge? I can't comment on the tasting menu at Eve, but their regular menu is phenomenal and the drinks at PX Lounge are all perfect. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate. I think they are open until at least midnight. You have to make reservations two weeks in advance (to the day).
DC baby-friendly favorite restaurants?
Great ideas in the article! I don't have a baby, but have dined with a few. I always think that places that are a bit louder are good. Especially in the event that baby gets noisy or has a meltdown. In terms of the Washingtonian list I think Central fits that perfectly, especially b/c you're not looking for food for your 9-month old. Also, for the adults, the food is phenomenal. I recommend the gougeres, the burger, and the rabbit with spaetzle. Enjoy!
Birthday Dinner
Are you willing to head out of DC? There is always lunch at Volt in Frederick. I was very impressed, and liked that it was much more affordable than dinner. Always much easier to get reservations.
Birthday Dinner
You may have been to BlackSalt, but I don't see it on your list. They have wonderful food, and it seems to be in your price range. I went for my birthday and father-in-law's birthday in November and was really blown-away by how wonderful the meal and service were.
Inexpensive (Wedding) Catering options in DC
Ah - the inherent challenge with weddings. :)
In all honesty $50-$80/pp including alcohol, dessert, food, and the other big costs of catering, e.g., servers and materials, this just may not be enough in the DC area to pull off a crazy elegant/classy meal. Have you thought about fewer people? The heavy hors d'oeuvres option was thrown out, but I suspect that goes against the 'elegant' classy vibe you're looking for. Perhaps others have suggestions... Also what might help the discussion is if you describe what you're including in the per head estimate. That can give folks a better idea.
Inexpensive (Wedding) Catering options in DC
This sounds familar to me - having just gone through this a few years ago. I think what you should keep in mind is that it's not really the food that gets expensive, but rather everything that goes along with it, e.g., plates, silverware, glasses, etc. Is that all supplied by your venue or does your caterer need to bring it in? In terms of other considerations, such as buffet vs. sit-down, we learned that it pretty much comes out to be the same. A buffet means more food, fewer servers, sit-down means less food but more servers. We opted for a sit-down meal - plated salad with bread, then everything else served family style. Made it easy to control portions, and required fewer servers.
We worked with Jennifer Krysa at Sara McGregor's Capitol Catering. She was excellent. As well, I will say that we actually had 2 caterers. We had bbq at our event, and we had a guy come in (to our outdoor venue/tent) and he smoked all the meat on-site - he started the day before (brisket, pulled pork, chicken). The caterer provided everything else, sides, breads, salad, etc. It wasn't easy, but it all turned out phenomenal. We are foodies, but we didn't want to fall short with a formal four-star meal b/c of our budget. To this day we hear from many people "best wedding food ever." Good luck!
brunch buffet dc
Agreed. The four seasons brunch is ridiculous. Fresh raw bar, endless champagne, nytimes, and the typical brunch items. Last time I went it was $75/pp. Worth it!
Great South American or Mexican in downtown DC?
I'm a big fan of Oyamel for mexican. I know there are a few on here that repeatedly say it is salty. I have on rare occasions had a dish that is too salty - I think it's mostly if you eat too many of their chips. The tuna/pecan ceviche is great, as is the carnitas taco (which chicaronnes on top), roasted brussel sprout dish, and a dish with green salasa and homemade tortillas with cheese ( can't recall the name).
Also, in a somewhat similar vein to your request is Ceiba, which is a Latin American restaurant. They're best know for their fejoada (sp?) which is fabulous. Have not tried much else there though.
Winter Restaurant Week Announced!
Any reports on Charlie Palmer's for restaurant week? I made a lunch reservation for tomorrow. The menu is small, but it looks very good. Also, it seems Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie decided to eat there for restaurant week (after I made my reservation) although I'm not sure if that is an endorsement or not...
The Source: Saturday Dim Sum Brunch
Has anyone been? I just noticed the menu on their website and it looks incredible! I'm a big fan of The Source's food, especially in the lounge. Unfortunately, no brunch prices are listed.
French bistro recommendations in DC and VA
I second Montmartre at Eastern Market. The escargot in particular is fabulous! I also think is has a wonderful atmosphere and quaint. They are undergoing some construction on the facade outside, but that shouldn't impact food or atmosphere.
Birthday Dinner Deliciousness?
I just had a birthday celebration at Black Salt and was just completely thrilled with the food. Absolutely out-of-this-world. I was with my husband and in-laws. My father-in-law, who was also celebrating his birthday, also was blown away. They're not from DC and he said 'I think we should eat here every visit.' He enjoyed razor clams - not on the menu, but he saw them up front and asked to be surprised by the preparation. I enjoyed an amazing red curry. Strong dishes all around. I think if you're only having a drink you can definitely get out for under $200. Enjoy!
Burrata?
Cowgirl Creamery gets their burrata flown in from Puglia (I think). I believe they would have it flown in once or twice a week. I recall it arriving on Friday mornings. They mentioned at the time (I last picked it up in the summer) that it is seasonal though, so you might want to check with them. Absolutely delicious though - really the best burrata I've had.
Dinner recommendation in San Francisco? (moved from Washington DC board)
I figured since DC is such a hodge-podge of people from everywhere, someone might be able to make a recommendation for dinner in San Francisco on Monday night. I'm on work travel and I'm staying at Union Square. I'll probably be dining alone and if possible would prefer something walking distance. I like many different kinds of restaurant, new american, thai, mexican, italian, etc. I've eaten all over DC. I appreciate good food, and wouldn't mind going somewhere that has different food than DC. Nothing crazy expensive, but I'd probably be willing to pay $50 for dinner, not including tax/tip (and I'm not drinking alcohol). Any recommendations would be appreciated!
Work birthday restaurant recommendation?
Thanks for all the good recommendations. Turns out my colleagues love Indian, and I was able to nab a reservation at Rasika, which still amazes me. Pays to go to lunch at 11:30!
I'll have to check out the rec for the deconstructed lobster cobb at zola - sounds ridiculous!
-----
Rasika Restaurant
633 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004
Work birthday restaurant recommendation?
Some colleagues want to take me out to lunch for my birthday - yay! They want me to suggest a place to go. They'll be paying for mine, so I don't want anything crazy. I'm near Chinatown/Penn Quarter and typical places we've gone in the past have been Oya, Cuba Libre, Zola, etc. I'm probably more of a foodie person than them. My dream place to go is Central, but that might be a little far away. Also, I want to give a couple options, one Central price-range and one less expensive. Any ideas or recs? This is of course a non-drinking lunch :). Thanks in advance!
Oya - menu recommendations?
Thanks for the recs! A colleague swore by the crispy orange beef on ramen as an appetizer. I thought it was very good and had nice sweet and spice flavors. For a main course I had the spicy crunchy tuna roll. It seemed a bit pricey at $12 for 8 pieces, but it was fine. I kind-of liked that they used a phyllo dough instead of seaweed to wrap the sushi. It made it more delicate - which I appreciated. The banana bread pudding was ok. I thought it was way too sweet though. Overall a good deal at $20 plus tax/tip.
Thai X-ing reservations
Hubby called yesterday morning and is waiting for a call back. Hope to hear from them soon! Will update if/when we get a chance to eat there...
Oya - menu recommendations?
I have a work lunch out at Oya to celebrate a colleague's birthday. I have only been there once and was not super impressed - I had a pork rib dish. Can anyone steer me in the right direction menu wise? I'm eat pretty much everything - sushi, vegetarian, fish, meat, etc. Thanks!
