This week we have two notable openings coming, some strange Star Trek food connection and then I want to talk about where to take out of town guests. Cool?
- Peruvian chicken and steak coming to Columbia Heights in a location next to Pho 14.
- H Street Country Club is getting ready to open. Frozen Tropics has pictures and their Web site is up and running. The menu looks delicious.
- This one is for Cale. A whole post on Star Trek and food. Which leads to some terrible Klingon food kritic video.
Next week starts my season of visitors to D.C.. I absolutely love showing off our fine city, but sometimes I feel like I’ve falled into a rut. I wanted to share a few of the places I think are must-visit dining destinations, but was also hoping to get some feedback from you guys.
- Eden Center - Nothing freaks out of towners more than driving into that shit-crazy parking lot and feeling like they’ve entered another country. I try to load up on weird snack, bubble tea drinks and sandwiches. In the past a lunch at Four Sisters would have been in order, but they moved and I’m not sure about trucking to Merrifield.
- I still get stoked at the idea of going to Peking Gourmet, and having a guest is the perfect excuse to gorge myself on Peking duck carved tableside. Plus you can get a flaming volcano drink for two…or four.
- if you come see me, you WILL eat at Market Lunch in Easter Market. it just has to happen.
- Burgers! I can’t decide between Five Guys, Good Stuff and Ray’s Hell Burger. Good Stuff is well located, Five Guys is a classic and Ray’s is just a fine burger.
- I’m always inclined to think 2 Amys for pizza, but Paradiso in Georgetown has the added value of Birreria
- When it comes to Ethiopian, I’m either a sit down dinner at Etete, or a carryout order from Habesha Market. But I could be convinced otherwise.
- Bistrot du Coin remains my go-to spot for out of towners. The food is good, it’s reasonably priced, within walking distance of some good tourist stuff and has excellent people watching.
- Busboys and Poets just seems like one of those places that guests would hope you took them to. It’s got a nice city vibe, a mixed menu and feels like (the new) U.
- I’m also a big fan of St. Ex, especially the patio. It feels like the whole world passes by. Marvin works in a pinch.
- Old Ebbitt doesn’t have the best food, but it’s brunch is good enough, and it’s another chance in life to eat oysters. I’ve found hungover out-of-towners like to come here and then take goofy pics by the White House once a slight buzz has been regained.
- Wilson’s Restaurant on V Street pretty much kills it for the cheap breakfast. Because having guests is expensive., but biscuits and gravy doesn’t have to be.
So what’s missing from this list? What needs to come off? Where do you like to take your tourists?
the steak and egg when yous wake up hungover ina au dorm room
May 13, 2009 at 1:42 pmI kind of hate to say this but isn’t a visit, albeit brief, to 18th AdMo in order?? Mojito at Bossa or Rumba or Muscadet at La Fourchette…
May 13, 2009 at 4:20 pmi always send people to napoleon and brasserie beck. excellent call on bistro du coin.
back in the late 90s and early 2000s i would always take visitors to lauriol plaza….ahhhh, the good ole days when lauriol plaza was amazing.
May 13, 2009 at 4:33 pmI def. think some patio time in AdMo is in order. As much as I don’t like it, The Reef is a good option too. I’m likely to do Napeoleon or La Fourchette.
May 13, 2009 at 5:30 pmbistrot du coin is a great choice always. it wins for everyone.
i kind of feel busboys and poets is the kind of a place that ONLY has visitors in it. Does anyone who actually lives in DC go to it?
Lunch at Lauriol plaza roof! Anything else with a rooftop (I feel Tabaq would be cool for when Marvin is too crowded)
And obviously-Jaleo. You want to show Jose Andres off, at least a little, right?
May 13, 2009 at 5:36 pmLauriol Plaza is a good one, especially if they are here during the week.
I had Jaleo and Zaytinya down on the list last night, and then I had my own internal backlash…which I’m still fighting through.
May 13, 2009 at 5:44 pmJALEO trumps Zaytinya in my book
May 13, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Also add Kramerbooks for picking up maps and getting some beers and appetizers.
May 13, 2009 at 1:39 pm