A Fresh Post (finally)

Yes, I know, I have not posted in far too long.  I underestimated how much pregnancy changes your palette, tastes, and ability to sit for longer than 45 minutes at any given time; B and I eat out less and my preference tends be for the casual, no frills establishments, like Chic Fil A (one should never underestimate the power and joy of an eclectic variety of dipping sauces). But I digress...

Lime Fresh is one of the various Tex-Mex eateries that have nourished me from the first trimester through now. The Miami chain landed in Clarendon late last year, and, true to its name, serves up consistently fresh, flavorful fare.  With my visits having numbered into the double digits at this point, I can confidently assert that the quality of food and level of service is consistently excellent.  While not the healthiest option on the block, I appreciate the variety, the salsa bar, and the  friendly dining room staff.

If not from the outside, the first thing you will notice upon entering is the music.  It is pumping, fun, and yes, you may hear songs that you haven't listened to since your prom in the 90s.  My go-to entrees are a crisp taco salad, which is kicked up with shredded carrots and topped with a generous serving of housemate guacamole as well as the chicken queso burrito, a large bundle of black beans, grilled chicken, luscious queso, jalapenos and sour cream.   You order at the counter, but your food is brought to your table, where you don't have to get up again; if you need more salsa, drink refill, etc., the dining room staff will take care of it.  It is this touch that sets Lime Fresh apart from its competitors.  In Clarendon, there is a middle aged Eastern European woman who is especially helpful and friendly; she always makes my day.

If you are looking for a satisfying, flavorful, casual one-order meal, Lime Fresh in Clarendon has you covered for about $10.

An Over-the-Top Neighborhood OREO Creation

Clarendon's Bakeshop offers delicious treats, friendly service, and a laid-back, family vibe; in other words, it is about as far as you can get in taste and feel from DC's most hyped dessert destination.  The small, bright shop is tucked away in a storefront under the Zoso apartments on Filmore Street. 

I have enjoyed many of the sweets -- cupcakes, cookies, and cakes -- that baker Justin creates in small batches, and his mother lovingly serves and promotes.  But this past weekend, my adoration rose to new heights as I spied and later devoured an oreo cookie enrobed in a blond, chocolate chip studded brownie.  Moist and delicious, this indulgent snack was the ideal compliment to America's favorite cookie.  Does life get any better for a pregnant lady?  I think not.  And not to be left out, B devoured and very much enjoyed a peanut butter smash cookie. 

Stop by if you are in the neighborhood. This is the type of shop you want to thrive as it adds an authentic, community feel to an increasingly dense neighborhood.

Eating Around DC Feeds Three: B, Me, Bump

You may have noticed Eating Around DC has been in bit of winter hibernation.  Have I stopped enjoying the culinary offerings that this city has to offer?  Am I no longer traveling and looking for tasty food finds?  Well, yes... sort of.  My appetite has waned and shifted over the last several months, albeit for good reason, but nonetheless, leaving me short of energy and material to share with you.  So where have I mostly gone?  In short, to my couch. 

In the not-so-distant future, I hope to be able to share some baby-friendly foodie finds in DC, but right now my appetite and tastes have been reduced to those of a five year old.  Think bland!  Whereas before, a luxurious plate of canapes might have included oysters, foie gras, and a California cabernet, now it's all pickles, popcorn, followed by chicken tenders or a hot dog (if I am feeling particularly adventurous). 

I know B hopes my appetite returns soon too, as his DC dining adventures have also all but ceased.  In the meantime, look for updates that your five year old and/or pregnant woman would love.  Next up, is the hot dog the new cupcake in DC?

A breath of fresh bakery air: LeoNora

LeoNora Bakery dazzles with the founder's earnest and successful dedication to the fine art of French bread and pastry making.  The baguette is the closest to a traditional Parisian that B and I have found in DC--with LeoNora's opening, Patisserie Poupon is now a runner-up on this count.  The gluttonous, buttery pastries, at about $2.50 a piece, are also finger-licking good--the chocolate croissant is flaky with a rich, decadent filling.  The "croissant muffin" is similar to a very tender brioche, but has the mouth-feel of a buttery cloud.

Perhaps my favorite part about this new bakery is the lack of pretense.  The no-frills storefront occupies one of the few remaining drab storefronts in Clarendon.  But the attention is 100% on the craft of bread and pastry making.  Unlike so many new neighborhood offerings, LeoNora is not a scene, but rather a breath of pastry-scented fresh air!

I Adour Bubbles

The St. Regis in DC is located mere blocks from the White House, but until recently, when I was looking for an elegant, yet classical Washingtonian cocktail experience, I would think Hay Adams or (the recently redone) Jefferson.  But on the first day of 2012 I discovered the ornate, laid-back Adour bar and its master mixtress of cocktails, Jane. 

Since today marks the end of a characteristically frantic week back at work after a holiday, I wanted to share a bubbly unique escape that will help you unwind into the weekend.  Adour's signature cocktail (pictured above) centers on hand-crafted Cointreau pearls.  These delicate orbs float majestically through crisp, bubbly prosecco. The real magic here comes when the pearl bursts on your tongue providing a sweet edge to the subtle prosecco.  This bubbles on bubbles beverage is a sure cure for the January blues. At $16 it is an affordable indulgence, especially when you compare it to the cost of cocktails at the St. Regis in NYC where pricetags swell into the mid 20's

And while these bubbles may go to your head, make sure you look directly upward from that mesmerizing potion.  Those square carvings on the ornate ceiling are actually angels with wings.  .  So take flight on a cocktail journey that won't let you down.