chaussonauxpommes's Profile
ISO Vietnamese take-out/catering for lunch in Dupont/Farragut area
Hi Chowhounders,
I'm presenting a historical paper on Indochinese food in France at a research lunch with colleagues, and it would be fun to serve Vietnamese food. Do you know of any good options for a casual catered/take-out lunch for about 10 people? My office is at Scott Circle, so some place in the Dupont Circle/ Farragut/ K St area would be best. And it needs to be pretty inexpensive, under about $10/person is my guess.
Any ideas you have would be great. Thanks!
DC: Arts on Foot festival this Saturday, featuring chef demos!
Thanks for posting such a complete list. I live nearby and plan to check it out.
Urfa Tomato Kebab
I think timing might be key here. I live near by, and around lunch and early evening have found these to be pretty good. Not amazing, and lots of bread to meat, but good sauces and overall tasty. But, we once ordered delivery fairly late, at like 9pm or so, and everything was stale and awful, nearly inedible. Once my husband went in there, waited around for 5 min or so, and no one seemed to be there, no one came out to take his order. Overall, this place has potential but is woefully inconsistent.
Need help finding dinner for family of 8
I think Chinatown Matchbox remains the best bet. if people don't drink alot (which is hard with their good beer choices) and you can talk the group into a couple apps and then sharing pizzas (especially a bargain with kids instead of ordering them their own entree) you can get out of there with quite a bargain meal. It's loud downstairs at the bar, but I've never thought it especially loud upstairs, where the bigger tables are. They take reservations for parties 6 and over except on weekends, but not day of, so call ahead. If you are going on a day when they won't take your reservation, sounds like you live close, just stop by an hour ahead of time, put your name in, and come back.
Nando's Peri Peri Chicken
The fries are mediocre, I recommend slaw and mashed potatoes. Peri Peri is certainly not the best food around, but it's nice for take out, or when you want to go out without spending too much. I found it a nice spot for a large group as the large family style meals are a good deal. I was out with a group of five and with the two-chicken meal we had plenty of food $74 including two pitchers of Sangria. The Sangria was a mistake, as they top it off with SPRITE (I thought sparkling sangria meant made with sparkling wine, not sugary soda!), and there's certainly not enough alcohol in it to merit $15 a pitcher. That said, there are a few $15 bottles of wine listed, so we still could have had dinner for 5 including 2 bottles of wine for $74, not bad.
Cedar Restaurant--New in PQ
The menus are now on the website. Looks like it could be a good addition to the neighborhood, though with so much in this area at that same price-point it will have to serve good food to standout. The brunch menu looks like an interesting option.
Brief Oyamel report
I agree, at least based on my experiences at Penn Quarter Jaleo. The first few times my husband and I dined there, we had a very good time and enjoyed good food. When we took foody friends the service was generally uninterested and ALL our tapas arrived within 5 minutes of each other instead of the intential timing and order of tapas that had been explained to us and carried out during our first couple visits.
New and Exciting in Georgetown
or instead of very expensive Citronelle, hit up Central in Penn Quarter for good food and fun atmosphere by the same chef/owner for a lot less money.
SweetGreen in Gtown
I think TangySweet's original is pretty close to Pinkberry. After moving here from LA my Pinkberry cravings were intense, and Tangysweet has satisfied. Just pretend they don't have all those other flavors. There's one on 7th (at F st I think) and one in Dupont Circle area.
youthful French restaurants in DC
I absolutely agree, Central is definitely the place. Though you could say it's not "traditional French", I think its just not stereotypical French. It is innovative takes on both French and American comfort food. The cassoulet is the best I've had in the states, and it doesn't get more French then that. It is certainly young and hip, and $100 will get you most of the way to dinner for two there. Last time I was there Michel Richard was dining with family.
Must eat foods for first timers in Paris?
confit de canard! Oh how I miss it when not in Paris. At most good brasseries and bistrots you get this flavorful fatty duck leg served with potatoes pan fried crispy in the duck fat.
Family Friendly in Paris
I'm not quite sure what you mean by family friendly. Assuming your boys sit and eat politely and order off the menu I would think you could take them anywhere at that age. Other than chains, I can't think of Paris restaurants with food especially for kids (quite the American invention). A couple affordable friendly places where I would take kids near the center include: Le Trumilou (84 quaie de l'Hotel de Ville,01.42.77.63.98 Open every day), family run and attracts mostly French dineres despite it's location near the tourist center. The Restaurant du Petit St. Benoit (4, rue Saint-Benoit, 6th, M : St. Germain des Pres, 01.42.60.27.92. Closed Sunday) serves simple old-school classics. At dinner it's full of American tourists, but the lunches are more pleasant and it's a bargain. Le Relais de l'Entrecote ( 4, rue Saint-Benoit, 6th, M : St. Germain des Pres, 01.42.60.27.92. Closed Sunday) is a very fun place where I have also seen families. They only serve steak and fries, but they are good. I have seen families at Fish La Boissonnerie (69, rue de Seine, 6th, 01.43.54.34.69. Closed Monday) which is a very good spot for seafood, though it is full of mostly Americans. I often see French families with even small kids out at creperies. I think the very best in the city are the Le Petit Josselin and Creperie Josselin, both on the rue du Montparnasse. I've eaten at Josselin with a 3 year old, no problem.
Where to picnic in Paris, if at all?
I often picnic in Paris, sometimes on the ground, other times in the wonderful chairs and benches in most parks. A few spaces not yet mentioned: There are great benches in the shade in the Jardin des Plantes, but a blanket would be strange there. The Vert Gallante park, right on the west peak of the Ile de la Cite, down at water level, is my very favorite spot. You can't have alcohol (though can sit on the grass and can eat) inside the fenced park, but you can sit right on the tip of the island on the stones by the water and eat and drink whatever you like. You can also picnic along much of the Canal st. Martin, though again, the whole blanket spread might be a little unusual. I'm suprised no one has yet mentioned the Pont des Arts. This pedestrian bridge is a very popular picnic/drinking/hang out spot on warm evenings.
Doing some quick google searches for lists of temporary food markets well leave you with an even better food shopping experience than many of the market streets. My personal favorites are Moufftard (market and street and near Jardin des Plantes), Raspail, and Convention.
A quick lunch and crab dinner in Annapolis
We ended up running a little late so just having lunch at the games. But, we did hit up Cantler's for dinner. There was a wait for a table, but we snagged a couple stools at the bar and enjoyed dozen large crabs. We were rookies and appreciated the friendly crab dismantlement advice from others at the bar. Thanks for the great rec.
A quick lunch and crab dinner in Annapolis
Bonthe, what a wonderful compete answer! Thank you. Both the lunch and dinner options sound really great, we'll have to see if I can talk DH into seafood for both meals.
A quick lunch and crab dinner in Annapolis
DH and I are driving from DC to Annapolis for NCAA lacrosse semifinals tomorrow (Sunday). Games start at noon, so we are contemplating either a tailgating lunch (though we don't have a portable grill, so would be more picnic food) or grabbing a quick lunch in or on the way into Annapolis. Any suggestions for lunch worth buying instead of packing, preferably with easy parking? Anything unique or just particularly good would work. More importantly from my view, I would love to have a casual dinner of crabs (preferably local, but I'm new to the East Coast and don't even know if crab season has started). I'm picturing some place where game-watching attire is appropriate, crabs come whole to be dismantled at the table, and there's beer. By the water would be nice, but I'd rather have good food at a good price than a view. This would be an early dinner on a Sunday. Thanks!
Zengo: conflicting reviews
I think part of the divide is just about what kind of diner you are. Zengo is lound and very consciously seems to try to be hip and new. This leads to some innovative dishes, but from my experience I found myself just wishing for a good "purer" version of the strange concoction I was eating. The sushi is mostly those "creative" roles with lots of stuff and layers where in the end you can't taste the fish. Not my kind of sushi. It's a fun bar scene, but at that price point there is much better food in the area.
New Cupcake Store
I think they are pretty good. Certainly one of the better contributions to the expensive cupcake trend. They do seem to bake fresh throughout the day, as they don't have many flavors ready yet when they open. I also really liked the key lime with coconut frosting, and the red velvet is good. A good convenient stop when you need a last minute special occasion dessert, but not good enough to make a habit of (I live just a couple blocks away). I am however, addicted to Tangy Sweet next door that seems to be run jointly.
CSA Reviews
was just checking this out... I'm behind the ball, BRMF 9is full for 2009 delivery.
Trader Joe's
Oh HonnyBrown, I'm with you. I too moved here from LA, and miss so many things from my old Trader Joe's. Trader Joe's sources much of their stuff locally, so it's just not the same nationwide, but on an ethical level that's part of what we love about it, right? TJs in LA had these great really small pork tenderloins that were a staple in my meal rotation and can't be found here. Though what I really miss is the year-round produce at Santa Monica Farmer's Market. I went from LA's gridlock city to living car-free in downtown DC (which I love), so I only make monthly or bimonthly stock-up trips to TJs in Foggy Bottom with a Zipcar. TJs here is still full of great bargains: hormone-free dairy and poultry, frozen wild salmon fillets, nuts, cheeses, organic tofu, earth-friendly cleaning (way cheaper than 7th gen, the only eco-brand carried by most places around here), and in the District they carry wine, including Barefoot Bubbly. Trader Joe's out here is not your neighborhood grocer, but it's a good edition every now and then.
DC with 2 kids spring break - advice? not too $ but love all kinds of food
Hi KayJay, I'd start with a search of this board, the question of visiting DC with kids comes up often. I would suggest Ben's Chili Bowl, Market Lunch in Eastern Market, and Good Stuff Eatery for kid-friendly food and local atmosphere. You might also tell us what age kids and what you mean by expensive.
DC Lunch help for a CT MommaHound.
I agree with hamster. I the past I've liked Jaleo, but I had dinner there a couple weeks ago and was really disappointed. Our food was uninspired, and service so rushed. In the past they have timed the delivery of the tapas in some sort of logical order. This time they delivered everything (around 12 dishes for our party of 4) all at once, creating a bit of a chaotic mess. I was there with foody friends and was a little embarrassed to have recommended it.
I highly recommend Central and Matchbox as much more worthy destinations. I keep hearing good things about Zaytinya, but haven't made it yet. For a fun very casual spot you might like Good Stuff Eatery, by the Library of Congress. It's a burger joint with great milkshakes run by Spike from Top Chef (2 seasons ago now). Not sure the burger is really any better than Five Guys, but it's a fun spot.
Oops, just realized you are "over pizza and burgers." Hmmm... I guess that makes Central my top rec. It's very convenient to the American Hist Museum, and has a great lunch menu. You might also consider Ten Penn, if your rejection of Thai food doesn't dismiss a sort of Asian fusion with some Thai elements. Ten Penn doesn't seem to get much foody cred or discussion on this board, but I've really enjoyed the lunches I've had there, and it's also very convenient to the American Hist Museum.
New to Chinatown DC
You're right, it is Vapiano, I had forgotten it had that name. Sounds like it may be better for carry out than going out to eat, we'll see. Thanks for the good thoughts on Momiji, I'll be sure to head down there for lunch soon.
New to Chinatown DC
Today I grabbed lunch at the Urfa Tomato Kabob, a new small takeout place on 6th just south of H ST. My falafel sandwich was quite good, well seasoned, on very fresh bread, and came with tasty sauces. They also have doner kabob of lamb and beef or chicken. It all looks quite good. They even have "Euro doner" (like a French "sandwiche grec"), kabob meat topped with French fries, that would be a great late night post-drinking snack. They're only open till 11pm though. Anyways, just wanted to pass it along. Sandwiches are all $6, and they have free delivery (202-347-1178).
I've noticed a couple other new places in the neighborhood too, and wonder if any Chowhounders have given them a try. There's "Pizza Pasta Bar" on H near 7th. We usually get our carryout pizza from Matchbox, but they often ignore phone calls and are a hassle (though the pizza is great), so I hope this new place is good.
I've also yet to try Momiji, which is further down at 5th and H. Is there sushi any good? I would love good sushi nearby, but the place is on a corner that seems to not get as much business, is that fish fresh?
Coming to DC with 8 year old
I agree with many of the suggestions already given. In the Chinatown area, I second the recs for Nandou's Peri Peri, California tortilla (though it's very much a fast food joint), and Chinatown Express (6th and H). Matchbox probably hasn't gotten a mention b/c there's always a wait and the only place to wait is a crowded bar area (with good beers on tap), but there pizza and American bistro standards are consistently good and kid friendly. You could put in your name, go see that famous colorful Obama portrait at the portrait gallery, then come back and eat.
There hasn't been much discussion of the Capitol Hill/ Eastern market area. I would strongly recommend Good stuff eatery. The burgers and fries are good, shakes are supposed to be great, and I've seen lots of kids there. It's right by the library of congress. For just some nice urban wandering, how about Eastern Market? In the market you can get a treat at the bakery, or have lunch at Market Lunch, and there are many casual cafes nearby.
A rec for something to see, I love to take guests to the national botanical gardens, between the capitol building and the American Indian museum. Don't miss the orchid room.
Fishmonger in DC?
The only thing I've gotten there so far (I'm also pretty new to DC) was the Prince Edward Island Mussels, and they were very good.
Thumbs Down for Founding Farmers for Brunch
Indeed he does, but he's talking about buffet brunches that serve breakfast food along with all sorts of other dishes. The kind where you have a salad bar, waffles, and roast beef, etc. Founding Farmer's brunch is just a menu of breakfast standards served into the afternoon. Not sure how too many leftovers could make it into that menu.
I ventured to Founding Farmers for Sunday brunch despite mjhals' warnings. We were seated within half an hour, despite being a walk-in party of 6 at 11:30. Our service was not nearly as bad as mjhals' experience. Our cocktails (rather good) were very slow in arriving from the bar, and our waitresses was horrible at refills and follow up drink orders. But, the food came out together and correct, and was really quite good standard breakfast fair. My ham steak and eggs breakfast was huge and very good, and a bargain at $10. I brought home enough for both my husband and I to have another hearty breakfast watching the snow this morning. Founding Farmers' homemade English muffins and preserves are really delicious. Overall, not the world's best dining experience, but I'd definitely go back for a quality hearty breakfast and good bloody mary. Plus, I believe in trying to eat sustainably, so supporting Founding Farmer's seems very worthwhile. I'm contemplating a dinner visit. Have people had better service/dining experiences at dinner? I would assume Sunday brunch is a shit shift that the best servers avoid working.
best spicy dish dc/md/va
For something different than other suggestions so far, how about the Fire and Smoke pizza at Matchbox. Really spicy sauce and smoked gouda is a great combo.
Romantic Dinner for 2 in DC, end of March 09
The Tabard Inn is not a seafood restaurant, but it has good sea food on the menu, has a great "old DC" atmosphere, and good food. Prices are much less than the likes of Komi.
DC Family Friendly - Penn Quarter
An idea for lunch or dinner in Capitol Hill (just a couple blocks from the Capitol building) is Good Stuff Eatery, which is a new local burger joint run by Spike Mendelson (from Top Chef Chicago). The burgers are very good, fries good, and I've heard the shakes are amazing, though I haven't tried one yet, as until this week it's been too cold for shakes. i was there a couple weeks ago on a Saturday around 5pm, and the place was full of families. I think burgers are around $8, but that could be off.
I echo the recs for Nando's Peri Peri and Tangysweet. I love Matchbox, basic food done well (and a decent selection of beers on tap), but the wait is usually an hour or so for dinner, and the only place to wait is the bar. If your gonna do Matchbox with kids plan to stop in, put your name in, and come back in an hour. Once you are seated I've always found service to be quick and attentive. For lunch on the weekends, the Indian place next to Peri Peri does a decent buffet. For good Chinese food in a bit of a dive, I highly recommend Chinatown Express at 6th and H, they make their own excellent noodles.
