Double Ds: Dangerously Delicious Pies Await on H Street

H Street's Dangerously Delicious SMOG Pie

The food scene on H Street NE has evolved from what was once a row of hipster watering holes to now include some vibrant and eclectic dining destinations.  A recent Living Social offer fortuitously led us to try Dangerously Delicious Pies--on the eve of Pi Day no less.  We were pie-eyed by the myriad of both savory and sweet offerings of this Baltimore import, so we decided to order one of each.

For the savory we opted for an entire SMOG pie, which despite its name was a delicious combination of Steak, Onion, Mushroom, and Gruyere.  This pie's hand-made, hand rolled crust was a treat for the eyes as well as the buds.  When punctured, the buttery, flaky crust revealed a hearty filling that tasted like someone had slaved all day in the kitchen: tender and large pieces of steak, onions, and mushrooms were enrobed in a beef cream sauce.

And for the sweet, the Chocolate Chess, a Swiss chocolate and heavy cream chocolate ganache creation which according to DD's menu "equals an amazing chocolate pie experience."  And I can say, that why yes, yes it does!

We got both pies to go and were impressed with how well they reheated at home.  These pies would make a great housewarming gift, and the whole pie easily feeds four for around $35.  With so many choices, I will definitely be back many more times well before Pi Day 2012!

An Afternoon in Paris (by way of Georgetown)

Patisserie Poupon pleases my (wanna be) Parisian palette. Try to say that five times fast.  Fortunately, you don’t have to!  But you can experience relatively authentic French café fare on the northerly outskirts of Georgetown.

We discovered Patisserie Poupon a few weeks ago owing to an Express article on where to locally purchase a king cake, which we promptly ordered for a Mardi Gras celebration.  Their non-traditional but absolutely delicious version was a buttery croissant ring  tinged with cinnamon and sugar, and contained a small king.

So thoroughly impressed with the cake, we obliged our taste buds once more and ventured last weekend to the small storefront cafe on Wisconsin Avenue.  The line may be long, but it is absolutely worth the wait.  Opt for one of the savory selections, like the pate and cornichons on homemade brioche.  Its intense flavors were simultaneously earthy, buttery, and tart.  Or select the more traditional baguette jambon fromage if your appetite is heartier.  The flavors were matched by the lovely heated outdoor courtyard seating; I actually forgot that we were in DC.

For dessert we shared a dark chocolate layered raspberry mousse cake, whose rich flavors and delicate preparation immediately brought me back to my favorite dessert house in Lyon (if only I could remember the name!).  I splurged with the delicately prepared hot chocolate, but the reasonable prices with lunch for two under $30, kept our travel budget in check.

Though we were satiated, we opted to pretend to be in Paris for a little while longer and did some window shopping, with Wisconsin Avenue our Champs-Elysees.  This was easy to do given the handful of French-inspired boutiques adjacent to the café.  Head up the hill to a series of unreasonably priced design stores, where you can browse through modern to mid-nineteenth century pieces, that will make you crave a luxurious French country estate in which to feast on such French fare.  Sigh… at least for now, I will just have to wistfully dream on Wisconsin.

And if you really want to French-it-up this spring -- April in Paris anyone? --French Twist DC details the upcoming Georgetown French Market.

Bon Appetit!

A Topless Twist to the Cupcake Trend

Topless Bakery: Lavender Lemon Cupcake


Want to go topless this spring without baring it all?  Think dessert.

You might have thought cupcakes were the stuff of bad reality shows and birthday parties, as DC has seen far more than it's fare share of this trend.  But what happens when you turn the cupcake craze inside out?  You get Topless Bakery, an Alexandria based delivery operation that dares to invert the frosting!  It's playfully risqué treats are piped full of goodness, their tops laid bare!

Elise is the baking maverick who dreamed up this playful concept while working a 9 to 5 desk job.  Inspired by her maternal baking lineage, she has made Topless Bakery a family affair.  Her sister provides the creative names, her mother the lavender, her father the sometimes delivery man.

The topless concept lets both the cake and the frosting shine, with a philosophy that even your mother would approve of: its what's on the inside that counts.  The treats include creative cupcakes (at $3.25 each) such as the birthday suit (blush), a vanilla cupcake with rainbow sprinkles full of butter cream, and the Triple C (gasp) cream cheese filling baked into to a rich chocolate cupcake.

My favorite, the lavender lemon cupcake, surprised me.  I usually find lemon flavored sweets almost cloying.  This sophisticated flavor palette was refreshing with a sweet lemon frosting surrounded by an almost impossibly moist lavender infused cupcake.

The tea cakes actually amp up the filling to cake ratio.  They include tangy custards such as  strawberry and lemon, and are available in standard and bite size portions, like the Cuddle me Carrot.

Delivery is free, and there is no minimum order, so this DC original can be sampled without the hassle of waiting in line for the ever popular cupcake.  Cupcakes and teacakes are 6 for $22.50 or 12 for $37.50.  You can also sample Elise's creations at Eola in Dupont circle, the Soundry in Vienna, and at the soon-to-open Queen Vic on H Street.

Perhaps DC should consider going topless (cupakes, that is) this spring...

Food Field Trip Vieques: Bringing it Back to DC

Before I present a review of my most recent food field trip, I would be remiss not to mention the pure bliss of rum cocktails on a winter Caribbean vacation.  And while DC may not boast azure waters, balmy breezes or rum production, if you get creative, you can recreate that feeling here in DC (more on that later) on a rainy March day.

At the W Vieques Resort's outdoor firepit, we enjoyed gourmet bar bites from Alain Ducasse and the rum creations of talented mixologists. My favorite drink, the Downhill Racer, was a smooth and tropical mix of rum and pineapple juice served over ice.  B's choice was a riff on the Manhattan--with premium dark rum (what else?!) instead of bourbon--which paired well with succulent short rib sliders. And while these uber trendy rum cocktails were potent, it was Duffy's and their expat bartender Adam that really won us over.

The vibe at Duffy's, located on the side of the island opposite the W (a whopping 20 minute drive -- it's a small island) is everything a beach shack should be: an open air full bar with plentiful seafood choices and panoramic views of the Caribbean sea.  I thought the $6 classic rum punch was perfection, though I thereafter realized for a dollar I could have Adam spin the wheel for a chance to win another drink.  And what did that wheel land on?  You guessed it -- a free rum punch.  A drink and a wheel spin at lunchtime proved to be quite the relaxed, adult Price is Right.

The majority of the food at Duffy's consumed during two lunchtime visits was not overly memorable, nor all that palatable without the aforementioned rum.  But there was one notable exception: the daily special of conch ceviche, which included fresh citrus and was kicked up by Duffy's delectable homemade mango hot sauce.

What to do for rum and sand if you find yourself stuck in DC for spring break?  Don't fret.  First, head over to the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum for photographer Mario Garcia Torres's visual tropical escape.  Running through March 27th, the multimedia Directions exhibit pairs photographs of what remains of the once popular St. Croix Grapetree Bay Hotel with a still of the place in its heyday. This piece is strangely haunting, but brings you right onto the Caribbean shore.  The entire slide presentation lasts 12 minutes and is backed by Mario Lopez Landa's Caribbean-influenced soundtrack.

Thirsty yet? Cross the mall and walk through Penn Quarter to PS7 for its Sun and Sand.  This concoction of Brugal rum, rootbeer crusta, orange and vanilla delivers a sunny creamsicle for adults. This cocktail will make you forget you are in DC.  Just be patient; PS7's mixologist Gina Chersevani is (rightly) gaining in popularity for her creative concoctions, the bar area can be jammed, and the bartenders are in no rush.  But for $10 (the Hirshhorn exhibit is free), you too can experience a Caribbean-inspired rum fueled escape right in the heart of DC.

Bourbon Steak: Hello...and Goodbye Chili Dog

Bourbon Steak's Red Apron Half Smoke with Venison Chili

Metrocurean's February Delicious Deal led us to Bourbon Steak to try out new chef Adam Sobel's bar menu.  At the princely sum of $7--beyond a bargain at a restaurant whose entrees hover around $50--the off-menu "smoke and stout" special included a local Red Apron dry-aged beef and pork half smoke and Dale's Pale Ale (they were out of stout).  Before you drop everything and run to Bourbon's lounge in droves, this special ended in February.  However, I spoke to the folks at Bourbon late last week, and they informed me that they are thinking about making the special available again--or even adding the half smoke to the lounge menu--no decisions have yet been made.  In the meantime, I am not below begging, so Bourbon, please, please, please consider adding this delicious dog to your menu.

But our Saturday night was not just half smoke filled. Upon arriving, both the lounge and restaurant were absolutely jammed, but we managed to snag a bar table among the sea of beautiful people and cougars.  The style factor here was higher than most DC restaurants -- except for maybe the W -- so I was glad I opted for heals and a dress over Uggs and jeans.  The service was attentive and incredibly efficient. 

We started with lobster corn dogs, a staple on the lounge menu.  For $15 you get six mini lobster filled fried dough balls on sticks.  I was impressed with the amount of lobster and thought this take on comfort food was a fun and easy to maneuver bar snack.  We paired these little guys with classic cocktails -- a Hemingway for me (rum, grapefruit, and maraschino cherry) and a gin and (house made) tonic for B; both were textbook.

Now onto those dogs.  There were actually two half smoke choices.  I opted for the venison chili version with charred jalapeno and cheddar cheese sauce.  The chili would be delicious on its own, but was well matched with the cheese sauce and crispy baguette which both countered the heat and soaked up the juices.  B had the so-called NY Cart Style with sauerkraut, spicy ketchup, and onions.  This more traditional presentation was equally as delicious and elevated street food to high art.

We also shared a requisite order of Bourbon's famous duck-fat fries.  A crispy, indulgent trio (complimentary in the dining room) of herbed, Old Bay, and cheddar fries were paired with homemade ketchup, cheez-whiz, and barbecue sauces.

Our experience at Bourbon (great service, creative cuisine) will certainly lead us back for a splurge dinner in the near future.  Delicious, stylish, and trendy all in one -- how often do you find that in DC?!

And if you are so inspired and can't wait until Bourbon decides whether to add the chili dog to the menu, We Love DC details Sobel's recipe for the venison chili: top a Red Apron half smoke and you have yourself a hearty meal!

Let the Good Times Roll: Mardi Gras in DC

Mardi Gras is quite the foodie holiday, bringing wanton gluttony to the winter doldrums. But unlike Thanksgiving, with its bounteous food, or St. Patrick's, with its free flowing libations, New Orleans-style Carnival celebrations can last several days, and hold claim to both good food and drink. 

DC offers some surprisingly authentic Mardi Gras options.  Below are the details on two of my past favorites as well as a new one this year.  And where will I  be spending the evening you ask? -- at a work training in Cleveland!  And not only in Cleveland, but out by the airport, so while the good times may be limited for me, Tuesday, March 8th should be a great time if you find yourself in the DC area.

In DC, Central's annual celebration runs from 5 - 10:30pm and includes live music from Laissez Foure, traditional New Orleans inspired food and cocktails (both areas where Central excels), and of course, beads and trinkets.

Over the bridge in Arlington, the local parade starts rolling at 8pm, bringing a tinge of the feeling you get when watching the parades roll by in the Big Easy ... less the open containers of course.  But the area around Wilson Boulevard has plenty of opportunities for both pre- and post-parade libations.

Ragtime is always a festive choice for Mardi Gras, with hurricane and cyclone specials and plenty of Cajun fare backed by live New Orleans style jazz from Le Bon Tempes Krewe.

Bayou Bakery is new to the mix this year but might well prove the most authentic for Mardi Gras food and drink with Louisiana native David Gaus serving up $7 "Chew Dat" specials (gumbo, jambalaya), as well as beignets and king cake from 5 - 10:30pm.  Wash it all down with Abita Amber available on tap.

Outside of New Orleans, DC is a pretty good place to be for Fat Tuesday.  Sigh... if anyone knows of celebrations in Cleveland, please let me know!

Are cupcakes God?

Georgetown, the capital's capital for all things cupcake, never fails to deliver varied and amusing scenes.  Today, Baked and Wired asserted on their storefront placard that "Cupcakes are God."  Overstated maybe, but, insightful, right?  Not for one passerby--seemingly not 100% with it--who took extreme umbrage to this theological assertion.  Yelling to no one and everyone as he walked up and down the street, this gentleman exclaimed that cupcakes may be "good - G - O - O - D, but they ain't God."  To bolster his argument, he stated that he had taken communion at the cathedral this morning and it was not in the form of a cupcake. His rant, repeated multiple times, ended with an emphatic "HA!"

But might he be onto something?  Never have I found my master's in theological studies a useful tool for my food blogging, but given the ever-increasing lines at the cupcake shops in Georgetown and the myriad of churches in the neighborhood that go half full each Sunday, perhaps dolling out cupcakes (mini ones to be economical of course) could be a win-win for filling empty pews?  Sacrilege, I know, but frankly, not a bad idea.

In other news, Baked and Wired is offering "Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes"  in celebration of St. Patrick's Day on March 17th.  But if you can't wait until then, Sprinkles brings more sweetness to the Georgetown cupcake madness on March 3rd.  So, HA!

Metro 29 Diner: Ooey Gooey French Toast

Metro 29 Diner: French Toast

A craving for french toast last Sunday left us stumped, but multiple google searches--validated by a friend's recommendation--revealed that Metro 29 Diner is known for its Challah bread varietal.  Recently visited by the bleach-blonde, brash, Food Network Guy Fieri on his Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Metro 29 is a classic no-frills Greek diner on Arlington's Lee Highway.  Its penguin-suited waitstaff  promptly serve up grub behind a bar backed by cases full of towering cakes.

Despite the Internet accolades, I was slightly hesitant to go back to Metro 29. Past brunch visits disappointed with heavy, heavy, heavy options, including an egg white omelet that practically necessitated a nap...I could not imagine the side effects of the whole egg varietal. On another trip, some forgettable pancakes were accompanied by the environmentally unfriendly and wholly unorganic Smucker's individual serving syrup.  And then there was the time we asked about the fresh squeezed orange juice, labeled as such on the menu, and saw a waiter pouring a glass of "not-from-concentrate" orange juice right out of a Tropicana carton.  This claim is a stretch at best and blatant false advertising at worst.

But despite these flaws, the french toast lived up to the hype and is worth the trip.  The indulgent slices of housemade challah are dipped in an egg bath and served hot off the grill.  The crispy exterior yields to a warm, gooey center with hints of custard, cinnamon, and vanilla.  For $9, two slices come topped with a mountain of your favorite breakfast meat, which in my case is crispy, greasy bacon. 

The crowds on weekends can be overwhelming, but if you are a party of one or two, you can usually snag a seat at the small counter to the left side of the hostess stand without having to wait.  Service is brisk, efficient, and at some junctures friendly.  And like any good diner experience, you have to pay at the counter following your meal. 

Mesmerizing, Magical, Majestic

The Majestic: Amish Chicken with Fettuccine

Until last week, I had experienced the pleasure of indulging at three of Cathal Armstrong's establishments -- Eamonn's, Eve (both the tasting room and bistro, pre-blog), and PX. -- but had yet to try Majestic.  This was not for lack of effort -- "Nana's Sunday Dinner," a family-style prix fix, is a hard reservation to get.  But the magic of a rare 60+ degree evening in mid-February changed our luck and B and I walked in and got an early table without a reservation last Thursday.

The understated dining room is backed by classic diner tunes playing at a volume appropriate for conversation.  And the friendly, accommodating staff (we had to be in and out in an hour and our waitress graciously coordinated with the kitchen) set the tone for what would be an unpretentious but indulgent meal that will have us coming back often.

This is the type of comfort food that you wish would find its way to your neighborhood.  The dishes seem effortless in the warmth that they bring to your table, but the scene from the open kitchen makes it clear that they are anything but.  Amish chicken with a side of creamy house made fettuccine was hearty and flavorful drawing out the natural richness of the dark meat.  A special of veal osso bucco was fragrant in an herbed gravy set off in both color and flavor by the saffron risotto nestled below. 

A side of Chef Red's (named for head chef "Red" Overmiller) onion rings, thick cut and fried tempura style, were accompanied by housemade ketchup, an aoli, and Ranch dipping sauces.  This order was totally gratuitous on our part, but also one that was greatly enjoyed.

And while prior plans did not permit time for dessert, the truffles that accompany the check were filled with decadent dark chocolate studded with chocolate chips and rolled in coconut.  If this one bite tease is any indication of what those delicious towering cakes yield, I will surely allow time for dessert on our next visit.

Two glasses of wine, two entrees, side, tax, and tip came to $105.

DC Represents: The People's Best New Chef

Four DC-area chefs snagged nominations in the Mid-Atlantic category of Food and Wine's People's Best New Chef Contest.  And unlike most industry awards, this one allows the eaters (us!) to pick the winner.

And since I pride myself on being an over-achiever-eater, Eating Around DC has feasted on the fabulous but varied cuisines of each of the four chefs--on multiple occasions.  It is going to be a tough choice, as these chefs all manage to combine the traditional with the trendy across cuisines as diverse as Italian, French, Cajun/Creole and American classics; dining experiences range from counter service to white-table cloth elegance. 

Linked below are the reviews of the four nominees' restaurants in the last year -- guaranteed to make your mouth water.  This is going to be a tough choice... I am still deciding on which one will earn my vote.  What do you think?

Kyle Bailey, Birch and Barley
Daniel Giusti, 1789
David Guas, Bayou Bakery
Nicholas Stefanelli, Bibiana

Voting is open through March 1st on CNN's Eatocracy, so go support the DC food scene and vote.  No matter which chef wins, let's see DC on top.  And if you were looking for an excuse to get out this weekend, now you have four -- after all, all voters should be as well-educated as they are well-fed!

2 Amys: Naples in Northwest

2 Amys

A few years ago my hankering for good pizza in DC always led back to the same place: 2 Amys.  In recent years, the DC pizza puzzle has been much easier to solve thanks to brick oven offerings such as Matchbox,  Fireworks, and Pete's Apizza.  But for certified (2 Amys is a card-carrying member of the Verace Pizza Napoletana) Neapolitan pizza, 2 Amys remains second to none in DC.

The family-friendly prices almost always bring a loud and rambunctious atmosphere to the dining room -- not always the most relaxing evening.  But I recently discovered that 2 Amys to-go travels splendidly.  A few weeks ago B readily volunteered to pick up this treat on his way home from work--could that be because of the quality, affordable Italian wine selection by the glass and small bites available at the bar while he waits?  I think so.  But I'll take it!

Last week, a starter of polpettes was ample for sharing among three.  These fork tender, bite-size meatballs were almost sweet and complimented by a generous douse of tangy marinara sauce.

The pizzas that followed -- Margarita, Santa Brigida, Norcia  -- all had a nicely charred, chewy crust with just the right amount of sweet and salt contrast.  The toppings were fresh, flavorful, and would have been a treat on their own. Rich mozzarella, house-cured salami, and peppery arugula added great flavor to that textbook crust.

The WaPo food critic asserts that 2 Amys has lost its luster, but in my experience, 2 Amys is still an authentic, delicious treat.  This Italian escape runs about $12 per individual pizza.

Food Field Trip Vieques: El Quenepo

Vieques Island: Green Beach

B and I just returned from a week long vacation on the small island of Vieques, which is just off the east coast of the main island of Puerto Rico. We spent the majority of our time last week laying on the island's white sand beaches and snorkeling amid its shore-side reefs.  And I swear I was not going to blog about food on this trip -- this was after all a retreat from reality where my blackberry did not have service even when I wanted to cave and check-in with the world.  But then we had a meal that was quite possibly one of the best we've had in the past year (anywhere) and I thought couldn't go without mention on this blog -- so out came the camera and the mental note-taking.  Sometimes I just can't help myself!  If by any chance you do make it to Vieques, you will not be disappointed with El Quenepo.

Located along a small row of guest houses, bars, and restaurants along the Caribbean Sea in the tiny village of Esperanza, El Quenepo is best experienced after a spectacular February (insert month here) island sunset.  The restaurant faces the ocean and its dining room is marked by understated island decor and white tablecloth, candle lit tables.  The menu consists of some eight appetizer and ten entree options, and the night we were there, they had an additional three and five respective caught-that-day specials.  Our service was flawless (and this was uncommon if not completely nonexistent on this sleepy island); our server explained in great detail and with abounding knowledge all of the evening's specials.  Unable to decide on the dizzying array of food choices, we started by ordering a bottle of Albarino, an unobtrusive Spanish white wine which would pair well with most any fish item and cool us off after an afternoon in the sun.


My conch chowder was rich and creamy; a seemingly New England style chowda-base with tender pieces of conch was complimented by crispy corn and tender potato cubes and topped with a dollop of creme fraiche.  This could have been a meal in and of itself.

The sushi appetizer special of the evening was an overflowing California roll with melt in your mouth tuna topping the ample sized pieces filled with crunchy cucumbers and topped with microgreens.

After these appetizers we shared a unique take on Caesar salad; its crisp romaine leaves were offset by tangy artichokes and the requisite Parmesan shavings.



El Quenepo: Spiny Lobster



And believe it or not, this was all before the entrees.  We definitely over-ordered a bit.  The tender, meaty spiny lobster--caught that day, chosen from three weight sizes--was served over a fettuccine in a tomato cream sauce enhanced with spinach and poached baby shrimp and pesto.

El Quenepo: Shrimp and Lobster in a Mofongo Basket

El Quenepo knew their local lobster.  Our other lobster of the evening was placed in a twice-fried so-called "mofongo" basket.  In both San Juan and Vieques, we sampled our share of mofongos, but none tasted like this.  This hearty version used mashed breadfruit (pictured) in place of the traditional plantains.  We were unfamiliar with breadfruit, so the owner eagerly walked outside to her backyard and brought us one to see.  It goes without saying that fresh and local ingredients dominated the menu, and the apt chefs made each dish more memorable than the last.

Dessert choices were almost as tough to choose from as the entrees and every bit as creative and flavorful.  We were so stuffed at this point, so I was so happy that we lingered long over dessert.  The deconstructed apple pie--which rivaled the creative selections of Restaurant Eve's tasting room--consisted of a poached apple filled with caramel popcorn gelato, nestled beside house made peanut brittle, and leaned on a four cheese biscuit accented with coral-like sugar art.  Every bite of this dessert popped!

El Quenepo: Deconstructed Apple Pie

A lot of dining rooms in exotic locales survive and even thrive simply because of the location.  El Quenepo would be exquisite anywhere, even the spectacular waterside views paled in comparison to the meal.  The prices matched, but this was well worth the cost.  Three appetizers, two entrees, dessert, wine, tax, and tip came to $250.

District Taco: Now with a roof!

District Taco: Burrito Mojados

While trucks, carts, and all manner of food-on-wheel options permeated DC this summer, what happens when the weather is too cold for street meat?  While in the case of District Taco, it means coming inside and expanding their meals on wheels empire with a brick-and-mortar operation.  While District Taco's carts continue to thrive, the Arlington storefront on Lee Highway provides slightly more formal amenities, like seats and a bathroom!

Obviously, the tacos are the showpiece, but being a sucker for a good burrito, I went all out on a recent visit and ordered the burrito mojades.  I turned the heat up on this burrito--already spicy--with the addition of fresh diced jalapenos.  Ample portions of black beans, rice, and chicken, topped with a spicy chili-laced salsa and a mercifully cooling swirl of sour cream, result in a hearty lunch that requires a seat indeed as you will need a knife and fork to tackle this burrito.

The passion behind this project is clear, and I was impressed to see an employee making the rounds of the small dining room to ensure everyone was enjoying their lunch.  And the burrito was really good; though I still think Pedro and Vinny's (yes, a food cart) is the best in the city.  And as for best ever, Boston-based Anna's Taqueria still has my heart (and stomach).

A tasty burrito and a Boylan's fountain soda was $10.  While this is not worth the trip across the city; if you are in the area it is a solid, casual lunch option, and definitely exceeds the offerings at omnipresent Chipotle and Baja Fresh chains.

Best Burger in DC: Rustico Ballston

Perhaps second only to specialty cupcake shops, DC has experienced a surge in dedicated burger joints.  But after a life-changing burger experience this past weekend, I would like to nominate yet another contender, which in my opinion surpasses all the others: Rustico Ballston's dry aged cheddar cheese burger.

Rustico's Dry Aged Burger

A hearty portion of savory, flavorful meat (cooked to order) is sandwiched in between a toasted house-made brioche bun and smothered with tangy cheddar cheese.  The richness of this unbelievably juicy burger is cut with a red wine shallot aioli.  And do not let the large mountain of hand cut fries in the photo above fool you; this is one big burger.  The crisp and salty skin-on fries are ideal to mop up the burger juices.  And if all this was not enough, add not one, but two varietals (both traditional and smoked) of homemade ketchup.  Burger nirvana awaits...

Rustico: Star Hill Love

And if you can handle it, pair this burger with one of close to 50 beers on tap (and an even greater selection by the bottle). I opted for Star Hill's Love, a floral, wheat beer; B went with Sierra Nevada's Hoptimum brewed with whole cone flower hops packing a punch at 10.4% alcohol and 16 ounces.  And to make this meal even better and more wallet friendly come during happy hour every day from 5 - 7 when all beers are $2 off.

While service glitches are still a mainstay, any hassle is worth it; this is the best burger I've tasted in the DC area.

Digitally Dining: DC Douchebaggery...Or Why I Need a Vacation

Cactus Cantina: Chips with a side of Self Importance

Yes, yes... I know DC is a high strung, Type A, around-the-clock work city.   But having said that, this scene left me agape.  Look closely.  Not only is the guy in the puffy vest texting (vice engaging with his dinner companions, which is sadly not all that an uncommon of a site in the metro area), but the first thing he did upon being seated was whip out a stand for his smart phone.  Really?!  Is this typical behavior?  I guess he should be applauded for his ingenuity in avoiding carpal tunnel risks.

And if you couldn't guess from the tortilla chips, frosty beer mug, and plastic red glasses of water, this was not a power establishment.  If you cannot relax and enjoy (okay, tolerate) the (mediocre) food at Cactus Cantina -- or as B and I like to call it, the Poor Man's Lauriol-- where can you? 

And with this DC Dining experience emblazoned in my memory, I am headed to a tropical isle to eat, drink, and relax -- electronic devices excluded!  But fear not, new content will appear on Eating Around DC thanks to some already scheduled posting -- I guess I am a Washingtonian after all!

Lyon Hall's Bounteous Brunch

Our first meal at Lyon Hall, right after it opened last spring, made us question whether this place was ready for prime time.  But after working out some kinks, menu tweaks, adding a daily happy hour (5-7)* and weekend brunch, I am pleased to report that Lyon Hall is now ready for the Arlington dining spotlight.

Brunch this past Sunday was everything a good brunch should be.  James Taylor crooned in the background of the bright, window lined downstairs dining room.  And to start: donuts!  We opted for a mocha glazed and an Earl Grey from their selection of fresh-fried donuts.  Both were fantastic airy, slightly misshapen, and humongous.  The Earl Grey was surprisingly sweet, with a sugar glaze and just a hint of its namesake; the mocha glaze was rich, with a semi-sweet chocolate glaze kicked up with a coffee infusion.  At $3 each or four for $9, the mouth watering selection changes weekly. The Lyon Hall kitchen knows their pastries, whipping up tasty treats for not only this restaurant, but their sisters Northside Social and Liberty Tavern as well.

Lyon Hall: Mocha Donut

And I did not think it could get any better, but it did!  B and I uncharacteristically got the same entree: three eggs your way over a short rib potato hash.  One word: decadent.  And this descriptor is in spite of the fact that we both chose egg whites.  This dish clicked.  From the foundation of wine braised short ribs seared with potatoes, to the fluffy egg whites, to the bitter greens with a light vinaigrette, the preparation was both unique and flawless.

Lyon Hall: 3 Eggs over Short Rib Potato Hash

Unlike on previous visits, our server was knowledgeable and attentive, even with a full dining room.  I dare say that this brunch rivals the Tabard Inn (without the month wait time--at Lyon Hall we actually got a same day reservation).  If you are so inclined, $5 Bloody Marys and Mimosas are also available. Two donuts, two entrees, tax, and tip came to $40.

*On a recent Sunday night happy hour trip we enjoyed $3 beers while seemingly surrounded in a sea of Match.com meet ups.  Great beer and some fun people watching too.  Is Sunday night the new blind date night?  Let me know, dear readers, I am out of the loop!