One of my all-time favorites, Michel Richard's Central:
A must try is the "Michel's chocolate bar", in other words, a hazelnut gourmet kit-kat bar of sorts |
Next up, I was thoroughly impressed by Rasika's modern take on upscale Indian cuisine, mixing exotic flavors, traditional recipes and highly skilled executions. I think I'm not alone in my fondness, as John Mariani of Esquire magazine writes: "Rasika is not just the best Indian restaurant in America; it is one of America's best restaurants, period."
One item not featured below, but a must-have is the Palak Chaat, absolutely divine!
Their take on spicy buffalo chicken bites |
Absolutely incredible flavor and texture of the Avocado and Banana Chaat |
Tawa Baigan |
Selection of Entrees |
Raan-E-Rasika |
A nice little Mediterranean fish market and bistro cafe in Dupont Circle, Pesce, is situated in a renovated house turned restaurant space that feels very at home and quaint. The daily updated menu quickly runs out of the special fish of the day, however you can't really go wrong with any of the standard fish and seafood dishes here. Refined and spot-on. Simple and classic.
Scallops |
Blue Fish - special of the day |
Lobster Risotto |
Salmon |
One of DC's famed gelateria's; Argentine gelato that is |
Don't let the looks deceive you, it may appear to look like every other gelateria, but it tastes a world beyond |
DC cupcake or as its called here, Georgetown cupcake, is part of the TLC network's bevy of food-fo-tainment programming sparking the cupcake craze to exponential heights. As evidenced by the 45-minute line. And yes, its always like this.
Once inside you are treated to cupcake trees galore, and a hide-away window featured on the show where you can watch your favorite bakers at work.
Despite getting my order wrong, much to my dismay after realizing this while already back at home, the cupcakes are actually all they're cracked up to be. I'd even venture to say better than Sprinkles or Suzie Cakes (for those LA-natives), although Sprinkles surprises me from time to time. Plus the inventive flavors at GTC and daily facebook give-aways are hard to beat. They strike the deft balance between decadent and sweet.
DC is also not shy on pizza joints. This particular one, il Canale, also located in the Georgetown neighborhood, didn't particularly strike my fancy, but still pretty decent. I think Pizzeria Paradiso is a better choice.
A great out-of-this-world totally crazy eclectic divey hipster bar to try in the up and coming area of H Street is none other than "Little Miss Whisky's Golden Dollar".
Try the Jeremiah Weed Sweet Peach Tea and never look back.
Also make sure to stop by Dangerously Delicious pies for dessert and Ethiopic restaurant for amazing Ethiopian cuisine.
And on my final night, I had the special treat of eating at one of Jose Andres many varied tapas restaurants in the city, Zaytinya. While I haven't tried Jaleo, from what I hear, Zaytinya was even better. Being that the lighting was so dim, my pictures did not turn out very well, and range from under to over-exposed, so you'll have to imagine :)
Desserts were amazing, everything was done to perfection with amazing flavor combinations. You really can't go wrong exploring DC's culinary scene. Don't even get me started on their burger wars! Although I will say, (Obama burger at Good Stuff) shhh!