Washington, D.C….what we ate.

I recently traveled to D.C. for work. Luckily, we were able to fly in the day before and fly out the day after the conference. Otherwise, we would not have been able to see anything as we were hooked up from 8AM-5PM daily.   I’m not complaining because the conference was fabulous (all but the crowded breakout rooms) and I have been to D.C. numerous times before.

The week before we traveled was busy with many work deadlines so I didn’t research anything.  I didn’t know what was at the Kennedy Center, what new restaurants to visit, nada.   I relied on my co-workers in attendance for guidance.

Here’s where we ate:

Gypsy Kitchen:  They were still serving the brunch menu when we were there.   Cute place.  Wonderful hummus and freshly made warm puffy pitas.  

Hummus was delicious and bread was fantastic.  Cocktail (Gap Year) contained butterfly pea flower so I had to try it.  The Menemem (left) was just meh.  (For a full review, click here.)

Just for fun and with little review research, we went to Tunnicliff’s Tavern.  Service was great.  Crab cakes were OK.  A few local beers on tap.  (Again, for a full review, click here.)

One in our group was dying to try Founding Famers.  This group has a great concept, owned by the South Dakota Farmers Union.   Definitely get a reservation.  Our servers were fantastic but we waited a long time for food.  I did enjoy this experience.    

Those are stuffed bacon wrapped dates, corn bread and goat cheese ravioli with butternut squash puree.  4 stars!

Best gelato ever—Dolcezza!  

That’s a cup of blueberry-lavender and Dolce De Leche.  We had this twice before we left.  (Full review.)

Speaking of ice cream, we also went to Milk.  I have been fascinated with Tosi for some time.  I was super excited to make the trek to Milk (advertised as their “flagship store in Logan Circle”).  I was underwhelmed.  Maybe it’s a great place for cakes (for certain) but the experience left me wanting.  There was more merch than sweet stuff.  (Full review.)

Like I said, there was little research put into the eating and site seeing for this trip.  One of our colleagues got reservations at José Andrés’ Jaleo.  She recommended that we try his Oyamel and assured us we could get in.  We grabbed two spots at the bar and it was a wonderful and light meal.  

Tacos (about $5 a piece) were delicious.  I know this sounds weird, but try the mushroom one.   The guac was good and spicy.  The Oyamel Margarita came with salt foam.  Good flavor and an interesting cocktail.   This was a great spot, especially for the price.  (Full review.)

There was some fast food in our treks (like Shake Shack) but Falafel Inc. deserves a special shout out.  

A $6 Falafel Bowl.

VERY reasonable and delicious!   It was a great find on The Wharf.

So, we were adventurous and we didn’t do too bad, but I really want to research more the next time we go.

Besides the food, we stayed at the historic Washington Hilton, toured Ford’s Theatre, went to the National Portrait Gallery twice (my favorite place), the Hirshhorn (my second favorite spot), and of course the National Gallery.  I saw some fantastic art.  If you are in D.C. soon, go to the portrait gallery to see the Watergate exhibit.  We were lucky enough to tag along on a curator’s tour.  Then wander past the presidential portraits to the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition.   Amazing!   (We wanted to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture but we didn’t get tickets.  Plan accordingly.)

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