Washington DC
We, the Pizza
Because I hail from the great Empire State, I was intrigued when I heard that Spike Mendelshon was opening a second restaurant dedicated to one of my home state’s infamous foods.
After a long day, I found myself craving some carby and cheesy goodness. I decided to venture to the recently opened We, the Pizza and hoped that the guy who always wore the hat and crocs would be there. Spike’s burgers and shakes never disappoint, and I hoped that his pizzas would be just as dazzling.
The menu has a wide array of pizza, ranging from your basic cheese to a forest mushroom pizza drizzled with truffle oil. We decided on a slice of the spinach and artichoke pizza, as well as a slice of the sausage and pepper pizza. And as I ate, the pizza had me feeling like a quote from my favorite movie*, “I know you can be overwhelmed, and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?” Apparently, you can in Europe.
And if pizza isn’t your thing, they also offer sandwiches, spaghetti, wings, gelato, and handmade drinks, which I’ve heard are the cat’s meow.
The place has a fun feel to it and is always pretty crowded, especially with people attempting to spot the infamous chef. And unlike Nessi or Big Foot, he’s often out and about and willing to chat.
For those true pizza snobs out there, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you’re looking for a respectable slice mixed with a splash of hip celebrity with which to impress your visiting friends then this is your jam.
Address: 305 Pennslyvania Ave SE
Phone: 202-544-4008
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30-11
Price: $3-18
*10 Things I hate About You
Good things do come in small packages
Move over Dunkin Donuts, there is a new player in town: Mac’s Mini Donuts
Mac’s mini bites of heaven are offered as stick o’donuts (1/2 a dozen) or bag o’donuts (a dozen).
For some odd reason, I have a fascination with food on sticks, so I went with that option.
These perfectly fried doughy morsels were made to order and lightly covered in powdered sugar right in front of you.
And as Dr. Evil would say: “Mini Me Donut…you complete me.”
Address: Eastern Market (7th and C)
Hours: Weekends till 5
Yarr…Moby Dick’s House of Kabob
Basically, my food schedule is that I eat “small” meals every 2-3 hours. Gotta keep that metabolism running, right?! So imagine my horror, when I found myself waiting in line and sitting through a taping of the Daily Show with Jon Stewart for 3 ½ hours! I was so behind schedule that I could feel myself getting fat. That’s just how metabolisms work. Trust me. I took AP Biology.
Feeling famished, I turned to the one place I knew would fill the void that is my stomach: Moby Dick’s House of Kabob, which serves up Middle Eastern/Persian delights. My friend ordered the gyro sandwich. It was huge. (that’s what she said…but literally!) I was truly proud to call her my friend when she finished it ALL…in 10 minutes nonetheless. She’s the best.
I, on the other hand, ordered the falafel, which comes in either sandwich or platter form. This time, I went for the platter because it is served with a side of their saffron rice, which might possibly be my favorite kind of rice. (Shh…don’t tell my Asian mother! It might shame our family.) It’s lightly seasoned and cooked so that the bottom layer of rice is slightly crispy. Whoops I’m drooling again.
And just to make your dish extra drool-worthy, everything is also served with a side of their yogurt dip. Fuh-lawless.
Finally, a quick tip – I wouldn’t recommend this as a “hot” date spot. Unless your date likes nonexistent ambiance or eating so much falafel that you have to take off your belt. (Don’t judge me!) It is, however, perfect for those late night (drunken) carb binges we all love so very much.
Address: 1300 Connecticut Ave NW
Phone: 202-833-9788
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11-10, Fri/Sat 11-4, Sun 12-10
Price: $4-15
By now, I’m sure you’ve all realized that I like to eat (A LOT), but when my arteries wave their white flag and cry for mercy, I like to put down my pint of Ben & Jerry’s and go for a healthier alternative: Fro-Yo.
Although there are tons of Fro-Yo shops popping up all over DC, few can compare with Mr. Yogato. Their deliciously perfect frozen yogurt (available in multiple flavors) and their wide array of toppings (they even have mochi!) will have your taste buds and waistband singing your praises!
But what really makes Mr. Yogato stand apart from the pack is the quirky environment and the trip down memory lane. Mr. Yogato is like the cool kid in high school whose parents are always out of town (but left him with a kitchen full of great food), has the best games (old school Nintendo…yes, you can play Tetris, Connect Four), and who will reward you with discounts for knowing random trivia or your willingness to engage in entertaining feats.
Well, I guess the cool kid at my high school didn’t do the last part, but you get the idea. You can get a discount on your fro-yo for things like balancing on one foot for 15 seconds with your eyes closed (way harder than it sounds), answering Seinfeld trivia, knowing 7 countries ending in Y (Italy, Hungary, Uruguay, Norway, Paraguay, Turkey, Germany) or knowing the entire Stirling Battlefield speech (Sons of Scotland, I am William Wallace…) Really, there is no way you’ll be paying full price for your healthy treat.
P.S. If you go there for a 30 straight days, you can get a flavor named after you. …So, sometime soon, you should be able to order a Lesley Lee-Chun, but a word of warning: It will only come in a large because that’s how I be.
www.mryogato.com
Address: 1515 17th St NW
Phone: 202-629-3531
Hours: Mon-Thu,Sun 12pm-11pm; Fri-Sat 12pm-1am
Price: $5
OMGeez. Did anyone else see this on the news today?!!!
Sorry, Jimmy Buffett, but Margaritaville has indeed moved. Las Placitas, located in Capitol Hill, serves up some of the most deliciously strong margaritas. In their margaritas they use Cuervo Gold, none of that Montezuma’s (revenge) tom-foolery, for which (the next day) I’m eternally grateful for. Also, I’ve noticed that if you’re either awesome or go there a lot, 9 times out of 10, you’ll get a free pitcher and maybeee you’ll even get a shot of tequila (for free) with your check! Ay dios mio, I’m tipsy just writing about it.
Now, that I’ve gotten you nice and liquored up (blame it on the al-al-al-alcohol), there is the food. My personal favorite is their pupusa. (Please, say it slowly and enunciate as to avoid awkward stares and confusion.) These thick corn tortillas are filled with cheese and your choice of meats. Also highly recommended are their quesadillas (don’t expect the Taco Bell version), plantains, and yucca con chicharron. Mmm…
And to top it off, this little hole-in-the-wall has great service. Everyone is extremely friendly and only further add to this upbeat lively atmosphere. They even play the Spanish version of Total Eclipse of the Heart!!!
Take your mom! Take your rowdiest friends! It’s fun for everyone!
Address: 517 8th St SE
Phone: 202-543-3700
Hours: M-F 11:30-3/5-10, Sat 4-11, Sun 4-10
Price: $3-15
My Big Fat Greek Dinner: Cava Mezze
OPA!!! Sorry I got a little excited over here. But you know what I thoroughly enjoy? Tapas. Small little plates of food. Small enough that you’re allowed to order say, 3 or 5 and not feel guilty. (They are really small okay?!!!)
Cava Mezze, provides just that. They start you off with complimentary pita bread served with olive oil, olives, and harissa, which is a hot red pepper paste and my personal favorite.
Also, to go with our second basketful of pita bread (they are really good at keeping you stocked up on those), we ordered the roasted eggplant dip. I know what half of you are going to say…”But I don’t like eggplant.” Order it. Trust me, you’ll be thanking me afterwards. It’s really smooth and delicious. If you’re feeling wild, you can even mix the harissa with the roasted eggplant. The spiciness from the harissa is the yin to the yang of the creaminess of the roasted eggplant …And you’re welcome.
Now onto my favorite part of the meal: the Risotto. I love rice, in any form. Give it to me plain, fried, and I’m sold; but give it to me slowly cooked in broth to a creamy consistency, with an addition of mussels or scallops (maybe both), and I will lick the bowl clean.
And with that image in mind, think of Cava Mezze for your next date night or even for a dinner with the girls.
www.cavamezze.com
Address: 527 8th St SE
Phone: 202-543-9090
Price: $7-20
Cafe Bonaparte
On a crisp October night, my friends and I approached a tiny, quaint building looking for one thing and one thing only: crepes. That night we found exactly what we were looking for at Cafe Bonaparte. Situated on Wisconsin Avenue in the heart of Georgetown, Cafe Bonaparte specializes in crepes and French cuisine.
Upon entering the dainty restaurant playing trendy French music, we ordered a variety of crepes, including a spanich, feta, and ricotta crepe and a ham and cheese dish. 
Topped with warm cheddar cheese, the Wellington features black forest ham in a delectable mustard sauce. Equally delicious is the Santorini crepe which features fresh spinach, caramelized red onions, and ricotta and feta cheese.
Washington, DC 20007
Breakfast: Monday – Friday: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Brunch: Saturday: 10:00am – 3:00pm, Sunday: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Lunch: Monday – Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm, Sunday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Dinner: Monday – Thursday: 5:00pm – 11:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm – 1:00am, Sunday: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Mmm…Matchbox: Capitol Hill
Barely a year ago, I moved to DC and since my first DC restaurant experience happened to be at Matchbox, I thought it was only fitting that it be my first review.
If you’re a DC local, you know Matchbox as the place with really good pizzas. I’m talking quality toppings, flavorful sauce, and a thin crust that has been perfectly cooked in their hand crafted brick oven. YES, these pizzas (like the Sausage and Sundried Tomato) are a party in your mouth, but there is so much more to discover, which leads me to their burgers.
There are two burgers on their menu: the Bistro Burger and the Mini Burgers (served in quantities of 3-6-9). The Bistro Burger is to the Mini Burger as Dr. Evil is to Mini Me. They are both equally as evil delicious, just sized differently (duh) and come with an array of toppings. For example, the Bistro Burger comes with thick bacon, cremini mushrooms, blue cheese, and a side of steroid enhanced onion rings, whereas the Mini Burger comes with your choice of mozzarella, gouda, or gorgonzola, and a side of onion straws. Carnivores Rejoice!
Now that I’ve wet your appetites, I’ll move on to some other nom-worthy dishes. The mozzi carrozi, which can be best described as a tomato, basil, and mozzarella sandwich that is lightly fried. Yes, I said it, fried. Not to be outdone is the Crab and Avocado Salad. While it’s not your typical salad, it has lots of lump crabmeat, combined with creamy avocado, and bits of corn, all served with crostinis. Oh, and tonight I tried the latest and greatest dish on their menu: Grilled calamari served on a bed of ratatouille and pesto. Well played Matchbox, well played.
Last but not least are their desserts. I highly recommend the doughnuts. They are light doughy morsels, covered in cinnamon sugar that you dip in an espresso Kailua crème.
So unless you’re good old Abe, you’ll most likely have to wait for a table. But trust me your food coma will not disappoint.
Okay foodies, I’m off to lay down and rub my belly. I’m pretty attractive. I know.
www.matchboxdc.com
Address: 521 8th St. SE
Hours: Mon-Thu 11 am – 10:30 pm, Fri 11 am – 11:30 pm, Sat/Sun 10 am – 11:30 pm
Phone: 202-548-0369
Price: $10-20
*Matchbox also has another location located at 713 H St.*
Good Stuff Eatery in DC
Another burger, another city. Yet this place, Good Stuff Eatery, was different. Maybe it was because of the diverse menu of burger creations or that the owner is Spike Mendelsohn, a favorite from the Chicago season of Top Chef. Or that the restaurant practices smart sustainable actions and gives back to the community through a variety of charitable organizations. But, I really think that it comes down to the good food: burgers, fries, and shakes. Plus, the condiment bar with a variety of flavored mayos and mustards.
Hoping to capture the moment in this picture, I chose the blazin’ barn burger (pickled daikon radish, cilantro, mint, carrots, Thai basil, lettuce, and spicy mayo) and a small order of the village fries (fresh thyme, rosemary, and black pepper). The burger packed a mountain of flavor that was spicy yet clean at the same time; the beef was fresh and crumbly, not packed. The fries were hot, hand cut, and herb-a-licious. I actually wonder how long it takes a prep cook to chop the herbs each day; I got a peek at the container holding the herbs on the line, and the container was overflowing. The rest of the menu has traditional and not so traditional burgers (chicken can be substituted), wedge salads, and shakes. Go get in line now!
Details:
303 Pennsylvania Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20003
Teaism: DuPont Circle
Fresh off an airplane and hungry with an impending afternoon of rain, I was determined to have a satisfying lunch at a familiar restaurant, Teaism. Previous experiences at the DuPont Circle location included breakfast (fluffy scrambled eggs with chives plus ginger scones) and chai tea, but this time around, I wanted to try a sandwich.
Two ladies opened the first Teaism in DuPont Circle in 1996 and have since launched two other locations: 800 Connecticut Avenue near Lafayette Park and 400 8th Street near Penn Quarter. Dozens of loose leaf teas compliment the Asian flavors in Teaism’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings. The environment is quiet and provides an enjoyable atmosphere to work, read, or dine.
I decided to order the Vietnamese wrap with ground chicken, carrots, cucumber, lettuce, and cilantro in a whole wheat wrap with a spicy lime mayonnaise. It was difficult to resist the ginger scones, so I ordered those as a snack to have later in the afternoon.
The wrap was fresh, fresh, fresh and the mayo provided a subtle kick of spice with a refreshing lime perk. The torilla was larger than expected, and the ratio of chicken to vegetables was just right. It was exactly what I needed to power through the rest of the day. The gingers scones did not disappoint with the small pieces of candied ginger and crumbly texture. I could see why customers were enjoying a cup of hot tea and these scones while watching the rain pour outside. Regardless of the time of day, Teaism aims to please for any meal.
Teaism: http://www.teaism.com
