ChiKo, a fast casual Chinese-Korean concept by Scott Drewno and Danny Lee, launched BRUNCH this month at their DuPont location and it’s basically the only place you’ll find me eating brunch besides the Hangry District HQ (my house). Light on the eggs and heavy on flavor, this brunch menu will have you counting down the minutes to the weekend. Here’s what it looks like:
Read MoreMintwood Place, a DC staple in Adams Morgan, unveiled their new Family Meal menu, which is easy on the wallet and perfect for enjoying with loved ones and friends. The three-course, family-style feast is priced at $160 and offers guests a rotating list of five nibbles and starters, three entrées, two sides and five seasonal desserts to share, prepared by Chef de Cuisine Matthew Cockrell. Chef Cockrell’s French culinary background is apparent in the classic dishes, adding flair and finesse.
Read MoreNapoli Pasta Bar, just 18 months old, is a new Italian eatery in Columbia Heights serving up classic Neapolitan cuisine and already nabbing a 2019 Michelin DC Guide Bib Gourmand honor. The intimate neighborhood space has enticed me since I saw the colorful plates adorning the tables through the expansive bay windows, and watched as the cozy patio was added to the entrance.
Read MoreWalking into the newest pop-up, Amparo Fondita, at District Space in Brookland will envelope you with the feeling of having just stepped into your Mexican grandmother's home. You immediately feel welcomed, like you're going to be taken care of - and leave with a full, happy belly.
Read MoreOne of my most favorite things my mom ever made for me growing up was chicken salad. It was made with chicken from a can, Miracle Whip, celery, and lots of salt and pepper. She always shredded it so fine and piled it high between two slices of warm toasted bread, crisp iceberg lettuce and a slathering of some mayonnaise product. I lived for this. It was one of the first things I learned how to "make" haha, and I'd make it all the time in college.
Read MoreLe DeSales, a contemporary casual French restaurant in DuPont, is celebrating Bastille Day during the entire month of July! Guests who dine from July 2 through July 31 can savor Executive Chef Raphael Francois’ three-course, prix fixe menu featuring classic French dishes for $38 per person. Can't make it in July? These dishes are available all year on the regular menu and are definitely worth the visit to this year-old bistro. Get out of the monotony of Le Diplomate and check out this new and fresh French eatery for an experience that will leave you with a twinkle in your eye and a belly full of happy.
Read MoreUrban Butcher, known for its award-winning selection of house-butchered meats, charcuterie, and a famous 60-day, dry-aged ribeye, debuted their Endless Carnivore’s Brunch on Sunday, January 21st. This unique, endless brunch experience takes the classic “all you can eat” brunch and kicks it up a notch, adding the butcher’s signature meats and craft cocktails for an experience unlike any other in DC.
Read MoreKOREAN BBQ! One of my favorite interactive eating experiences of all time. Forget Melting Pot - go to Korean BBQ for the real experience and your life will be changed forever. Woo Lae Oak in Tyson's is one of THE most authentic and longest running family owned Korean BBQ restaurants in the area. Starting in Seoul in 1946, this family owned chain made it's way to DC's suburbs in 2006, following restaurants in LA, NYC and Indonesia.
Read MoreI've been attempting a Whole 30/paleo diet the past few weeks and things are going GREAT. I feel great, I've lost some weight, I'm super motivated, and I'm a lot less lethargic. The one thing saving me from my carboholic tendencies? POTATOES. My absolute favorite new potato recipe are these chile lime sweet potato fries. They take less than 10 minutes to prepare and they're ready in 40 minutes, with no mess from a deep fryer. Keep reading for this completely addicting recipe...
Read MoreThe newest addition to the increasingly popular Barracks Row neighborhood is a Chinese/Korean collaboration called CHIKO. Well-known DC chefs Scott Drewno and Danny Lee team up to create the ultimate Asian-fusion concept that will leave you wanting to come back every. single. day. It is 100% my favorite restaurant of the moment, and I highly encourage you to get in to CHIKO before the line wraps around the block.
Read MoreThis recipe is out of control seasonal with all of the happy summery things that are ripening up this month. For me, this bright, refreshing dish was sourced almost completely locally from my home garden and my CSA share with Three Part Harmony Farm, which is only three miles from my house. I utilized the juicy, sweet, fruits in a savory component as a salsa -- adding spicy jalapeño, zesty summer basil, crisp white corn, and tangy red wine vinegar. All of these summer fruits and vegetables work extremely well together, as do most things that grow together during a season. I topped some buttery salmon with the sweet and spicy salsa, but it's also great with chips, on a grilled cheese, or even as a taco condiment! The best part about this dish is that you only have to turn on your oven for 15 minutes and no other heat is needed, so you can stay cool in this insanely hot DC heat wave! Let me know how you like the salsa best using #hangrydistrict!
Read MoreI caught up with Dejan Zivanovic, founder of DC's Yufka BakerY, and had him show me how he makes these flaky creations, while learning the story behind his craft. Check out my interview and video with him below!
Read MoreSouthern Hospitality, lovingly referred to as SoHo by its regulars, is a staple in the District's Adams Morgan neighborhood. Since opening in 2011, college grads and night life lovers have been calling this hot spot their favorite watering hole. Bartenders sling drinks at a rapid pace, always with a smile, and TVs line the bar for optimal viewing of our DC teams. It's always packed, and NOT just because of the great drink specials.
This "bar" is a restaurant, too, you guys! With a sprawling patio and upstairs dining room, it's not only a great place to take shots with your besties, but also a great place to grab a bite to eat at a reasonable price, or host an event. Yes, they are known for their brunch, but I'm telling you, you should stop by for apps during dinner service, too!
Read MoreHere’s everything you need to know about the outrageously popular Cherry Blossom Pub in Shaw, which is open through mid-April.
The Pop Up is back! If you missed out on Miracle on 7th Street’s Christmas Bar, check out the Cherry Blossom Pub by Derek Brown. This time the bartender sorcerer is honoring DC’s Cherry Blossom obsession by filling Mockingbird Hill and Southern Efficiency with cherry blossom/Japanese-themed décor and drinks (aka MARIO!).
Read MoreCity Center DC's newest eatery, Umaya, is a Japanese-style Izakaya serving classic cuisine that left a smile on my face from start to finish. Ramen may be a growing trend in the city, but where can you get authentic robatayaki? Umaya is the place. Chef Nick Hoang dazzles the palate with exquisitely prepared dishes such as traditional yakitori and ramen, and displays his creativity and skill with daily specials. It is rare that I love every single dish at a restaurant, but I could not get enough at Umaya - I highly recommend you check this place out before it's impossible to get a spot at the robatayaki!
Read MoreHen Quarter opened its second location in the DMV last week in Silver Spring, MD, owing to the success of their flagship restaurant in Alexandria, VA. The Southern-style restaurant features all things comfort food, boasting a family focused atmosphere and supporting sustainable agriculture in the region. I had the opportunity to check out the new brick and mortar for the grand opening and will share my thoughts below on how to approach the down home eatery.
Read MoreYa'll know I love Petworth. And GUESS WHAT?! There's a new guy on the block and he is AWESOME. That guy is a restaurant called Ruta Del Vino, a Latin American food and wine spot on Upshur St. that is drawing in the crowds - and for good reason. This corner bar leaves traditional tapas behind, and instead opts for larger share plates, appetizers, sandwiches and a handful of entrees to choose from. Check out my first look below.
Read MoreMy favorite thing to do is eat. I can't deny it - I have the most fun when I'm discovering new tastes and textures. Do you know where the best place to go is to eat the maximum amount of delicious, local, artisanal products? Union. Market. This place is a place of wonder - featuring products from the depths of the sea to the vast skies above. I tried really hard to eat something from each vendor, but I would've been dragged out by hangry boyfriend and that is only acceptable in the comfort of my own home.
Read MoreYou may have noticed that I incorporate preserved lemons into a lot of my recipes. I do that because I was gifted a jar of these delectable delicacies after having just moved into my new home from my next door neighbor. To me, they were life changing. Sour, sweet, and salty - a perfect addition to take any recipe to the next level. My neighbor, Eric, came over one day and showed me how easy it is to prepare these beauties and they last up to EIGHT months in the fridge! Make some this week between blizzard shoveling shifts.
Read MoreI had a lot of fun during the holidays; translation: I ate a LOT. After a few weeks of my Regina George lifestyle (sweatpants are all that fits me right now), I have gotten my life together and am sharing some healthy recipes that are easy AND packed with flavor. Good-for-you does not have to taste like tree bark. Garlic and herb roasted chicken is something that anyone can make, and the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen! Keep reading for my spin on flavorful chicken.
Read More
