ChoppinBroccoli's Profile
Where to buy a King Cake?
Anybody know where to buy a Louisiana style King Cake? A decent one. Not one from Giant or Harris Teeter.
Easy, cheap eats in DC - do they even exist?
Just wanted to say that I feel your pain as well. Originally from Texas and some time spent in Cali and Colorado as well. I've asked the same question on this board before as I have also been frustrated on this same quest. Honsetly I still don't know why there aren't more cheap to mid-range good restaurants in DC. We just got back from a wedding in Austin and I think there are hundreds of excellent places within the city proper. Tres bizarre.
Kouign-amann in the DC area?
Never had it, but I looked it up and it looks delicious. It also looks extraordinarily similar to an "Oreja" (Elephant Ear) that is commonly served at most Mexican bakeries. You might try one in the area and see if it's a decent substitute.
Where to find Ben & Jerry's Schweddy Balls?
I live in the Capitol Hill area. Anyone seen it in DC other than at Target in Columbia Heights? Not sure it's worth schlepping for Schweddy.
Where to find Ben & Jerry's Schweddy Balls?
I can't find B&J Schweddy Balls any where. It seems like the easily offended (for crying out loud, have a sense of humor people) have chased it away from most stores. I went to some online map that supposedly showed where it was sold, but still haven't had any luck. It is not sold at Whole Foods in Arlington (as noted on the online map). Anyone know where I can find some Schweddy Balls during the cold winter months?
Where can I find Big Red (and other Texas specialties in DC -- before Christmas?
Yes, Hill Country is the only place I know of that sells it. It's outrageous (I think $2.50), when you gotta have it, you gotta have it. Wish I knew more places. I did find a holiday six-pack flavor of Shiner at World Market the other day. It was delicious, and I've never seen it before. But, I went back the next week and it was gone.
Hill Country BBQ coming to DC
Finally made it to Hill Country. As a Texan who's eaten way too much BBQ over the years, I'd say that this place is legit. People are right, the brisket is the best thing on the menu. I also really liked the chicken (oddly enough), and the sausage (I happen to love Kreuz sausage though). The ribs I found to be a little too fatty and chewy, but still some good flavor. I thought the ordering process was way too complicated. I understand the complaints about the high price, but you can also get away for a decent price if you go in the afternoon. They have lunch specials for either $10 or $15. These were more than sufficient.
Regarding all of the "DisneyWorld" schlock. Yes, it is a bit overdone. But, it didn't strike me as anything out of the ordinary in terms of what you'd find at tons of BBQ places in Texas. Actually, just better done and extremely coordinated and clean. The architecture of the place is also something to marvel. My wife is from Louisiana, and there is also a ton of really "cheesy" decorating at tons of restaurants and bars. But somehow if it is in the spirit of things, I think they can somehow get away with it. I actually like that he made such an effort to make it feel like you have somehow slipped into the Hill Country of Texas in the middle of DC. Finally, I loved the mason jars for drinking beer! And three kinds of Shiner on draft, fuggedaboutit. Terrific.
Jaded California food snob seeks like-minded fusspots to recommend good DC restaurants
Came to DC from Texas approx 10 yrs ago, and had the same impression. Unfortunately, our impression hasn't improved much over time. Agreed that DC usually feels overpriced, and left with a feeling of being underwhelmed. Of course, we also dine out in the less fancy places, and so that end of the spectrum may be another world unto itself. We live in DC and have tried most of the haunts. Our favorites are: Matchbox, Granville Moore's (for the Mussels), Rasika (as many have already mentioned--it is also in the pricey dept), and Thaiphoon. Wish I could recommend more, but those seem to be the go-to's.
p.s. Have also spent a fair amt of time in Cali. As one person already mentioned, don't try lookin for Cali food in DC, you'll likely be disappointed. Same with Texas food and Louisiana food.
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Rasika Restaurant
633 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004
Thaiphoon
2011 S St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Brooklyn Foodie, just relocated to DC, need rec for husband's birthday
I would HIGHLY recommend Granville Moore's. The place is awesome, beer is amazing, and the Mussels are out of this world. It is a little off the beaten path, and they don't take reservations, but if you can deal with that it is worth it.
I would also recommend Matchbox. It has never let us down. It's a great Pub/Restaurant. And their pizzas are extraordinary. Their salads are also awesome.
Shaved ice in the District?
Here is a great NY Times article on the SnoBall (6/15/10).
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/16/dining/16ice.html?src=me&ref=general
Shaved ice in the District?
Trust me, there is a huge difference. A "snowball" is made w/ a special machine that cuts the ice into the most delicate texture--like snow.......It is super soft and fluffy. It is not little nuggets of ice that give you brain freeze. I wish we had some in the area. I know they are now making quite a splash in Texas as well. I haven't tried the snowballs in Baltimore. Are they as good as the ones in New Orleans? Here is info from Wikipedia:
"Snowball is soft shaved ice mixed with flavored syrup contained in a styrofoam cup or Chinese takeout container. The quality of the ice is important. It should be like soft fresh snow. If it is the right consistency it will mix with the flavoring and be like an icy drink rather than a crunchy sweet.
Baltimore and New Orleans are both well known for their snowballs.
Baltimore traces the birth of the snowball to the end of the 19th century, when commercially frozen ice became widely available. Ice wagons would shave a little ice off a block for a customer. The original flavor was egg custard, because it was so simple to make.[1]
In 1934, inventor Ernest Hansen designed an "ice block shaver" in New Orleans, Louisiana.[2]He was inspired to create a more refined and hygienic version of the popular Italian ice sold from push-carts in the city. His wife Mary created many flavors of fresh syrups to flavor his finely shaved artificial "snow".
Syrups used for Hawaiian shaved iceIn Hawaii, "shave ice" is similar to snowballs, and is sold in cone-shaped paper cups. "Rainbow," a popular flavor, consists of three different colors of syrup chosen usually for their color rather than their taste compatibility. Commonly, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sweetened azuki beans is first added to the bottom of the cup, and is capped with condensed milk.[3]
The dessert ice kachang served in Malaysia and Singapore is another form of shaved ice. Ice kachang originally was served with red beans but now includes various fruits and other sweet toppings.
In Japan they are known as Kakigori."
Pig Roasts in Northern Virgina-Who Does it?
Went to a backyard BBQ in DC and it was catered by Rocklands BBQ. They had an entire roasted pig, and they tore it apart for everyone to make pulled pork sandwiches. It was really awesome. A bit too visual for some, but super cool. I imagine they would cater to N Virg as well.
Roast pork and broccoli rabe sub comes to Taylor Gourmet.
Hate to be a detractor. But I live around the corner from Taylor, and have eaten it often. I always want it to be better than it is. I like to support such a cool, local restaurant. But, I've just about given up on it. I think the bread is too thick and sometimes a little stale. Too much lettuce and not enough dressing. Few flavors, and overall pretty boring sandwiches. When I go out for a sandwich I'd like it to do more than I could do at home. Was excited about the broccoli rabe and was once again disappointed. And what's up w/ the Italian sprinkle on top of the sandwiches.
ISO a Schlotzky's-style sandwich
Schlotzky's is an amazing , amazing samich. Super delicious. I hail from Texas, which is where they started (I think). I was also super bummed when the one in town went out of business. No, I haven't found anything comparable. Some decent sandwiches in town, but nothing like it. Whenever I travel somewhere that has Schlotzky's, I always make a trip. Sorry to disappoint, but I've had the same experience in missing such a great sandwich shop.
Need A Sunny Restaurant
I have a sun fetish, and am looking for a restaurant for lunch that is super sunny. Oh, and obviously has good food. Moderately priced. Best location would be downtown DC, Georgetown, or Capitol Hill area. Thanks!
Where to get DogFishHead Punkin Ale?
Anybody know where to get DogFIshHead Punkin Ale in DC? Close to Capitol Hill would be best. Thanks. Jones'n for it.
Anyone know where I can get "Miracle Fruit"
Does anyone know where to get a hold of Synsepalum dulcificum, aka "miracle fruit?" Here's a NY Times link about it. It looks pretty cool. Would like to give it a try.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/28/dining/28flavor.html?partner=rssnyt
Where to buy banana leaves to make tamales?
Anyone know where I can buy banana leaves to make tamales? I live in Capitol Hill.
inexpensive gems in Washington DC
Some of our favorite spots that are on the lower end of the price scale include: Thaiphoon (there's one in Dupont Circle)--you should try the Panang Curry, Matchbox Pizza, Pizza Paradaiso, and Indique (more expensive, and in Cleveland Park). Unfortunately, DC and good food + inexpensive are a tough combo to find. We've actually been disappointed over and over again by both upscale and downscale places. The Ethiopian places are pretty fun if you've never been. You get to eat w/ your hands.
Bar in Downtown D.C. w/ fireplace?
Does anyone know of a bar in D.C. w/ a fireplace? We are likely going to be in the Chinatown area, but we might wind up in Dupont, etc. With it being so cold, would be nice if there was a bar w/ a fireplace to cozy up to. Thanks.
Where to buy a good (raw) steak
I have relatives coming into town and they want filet mignon, or another classy cut. But, we don't want to spend an arm and a leg while at the same time we want it to be really good quality. Any good suggestions other than Whole Foods.
p.s. I live in Capitol Hill.
Sweet Potato Fries
You really should try the Argonaut Bar on H St in DC. It's my corner pub, and the sweet potato fries rock. They've been written up quite a bit for the sweet potato fries. Just do a google to read more. Cheers.
Californian needs a Mexican food fix...
A Texan here who has travelled extensively in Cali. Hate to say it, but good Mexican eats are just hard to come by in this area. Been here 5 yrs and have pretty much given up. Taqueria Nacionale is pretty good, but it's only open M-F 7-3:30pm. Please let us know if you find anything good. Maybe that place in Adams Morgan is OK, but I read a review in the Wash Post that was not very flattering.
Microbreweries & other cheap eats in DC
Your best option is to simply find a pub that serves Dogfish Head beer. It is truly the best beer in the region, and some of the best beer in the country. It's based on the Delaware coast, but now they have a location in Gaithersburg MD. But, you can now find it in lots and lots of stores and pubs. Raison D'Etre is a classic.
http://www.dogfish.com/
Cheap Cajun in DC?
The short answer is--NO. There's really not any good affordable Cajun or Creole food in the D.C. area that we've found. My wife is from Louisiana, and I've since spent a lot of time there. Every time I go back my heart and stomach ache for something like it around here. It seems a shame w/ all the seafood available in the area. Let us know if you find anything good and cheap. Am always on the hunt.
Taqueria Nationale
I also just tried Taqueria Nacionale this past week. I got the egg and chorizo taco for breakfast. It was very good. And the sauces are all top-notch. Went back for lunch and had the pork, fish, and beef tacos. I would love to give the place the highest marks, b/c it's such a cool little place and it reminds me of authentic Texas & Mexican taco shacks (I'm from Texas and spent time in Mexico), but it is a little hit and miss. Unfortunately the beef and fish tacos were only so-so. The pork taco, however, was delicious. The previous poster was right. The tacos would be soooo much better if they grilled the tortillas fresh. They are pretty dry. But, they go down pretty well w/ the excellent salsas. The aguas frescas here are a steal! They are $2 and appear to be "real juice from real fruit." I can't overestate how good they are. I got pina for breakfast, and got watermelon and canteloupe in the afternoon--which I took home and made popsicles with--yum. Oh, and their coffee is also really good and cheap. It's Mayorga coffee from Silver Spring, and it's in a thermos so it doesn't get burned. This place is one of the few new gems to Capitol Hill. I just wish its hours weren't M-F 7-3pm. It's hard to get to during those times.
New Orleans Snoballs?
I looked up the location w/ google maps. Unfortunately, it's on the Northern tip of Baltimore, and I live in D.C., so it'd be quite a hike. But, if it's the real deal it might be worth a trip some wkd.
New Orleans Snoballs?
Great lead. Thanks. Googled and found the following article about the place:
http://www.citypaper.com/bob/story.asp?id=741
New Orleans Snoballs?
How disappointing. Snoballs are basically the greatest (and simplest) treat in the summer. Well, if there are any entrepreneurs out there, please get started on this project. I'm sure you'd make a bundle.
by the way--i've since had these snoballs in lots of places around the country, including numerous places in Texas. can't believe it hasn't found it's way up the East Coast yet...
New Orleans Snoballs?
Anybody know where to get New Orleans style Snoballs in the area? I think they are also called Hawaiian snoballs. The ice is super-super soft, and just melts in your mouth. Craving some w/ the hot weather lately.
