If you live in DC it should be no surprise that the sparkly new District Wharf is open for business. Tucked amidst the glitz and glamour is Lupo Marino, an Italian street-food concept featuring classic techniques with seasonal pizazz. This budget friendly eatery should be next on your list if making the District Wharf your next staycation destination.
Read MoreCalifornia Shabu Shabu recently opened in Fairfax, VA as the third of it's kind - the first two located in California. It's a casual atmosphere showcasing quality ingredients for an interactive dining experience. There are already regulars at this eatery, located in a shopping center, who recognize the dedication to fresh, high quality ingredients.
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 MoreKyirisan is Chef Tim Ma's first DC restaurant, and I'm so thankful it has arrived! The modern restaurant, both in decor and cuisine, is inviting and exciting with a small, well-crafted menu designed to please the masses. The fusion of Chinese and French cuisine is exotic and unique, and is something I'm hoping to see more of if it's executed this masterfully.
As I walk in, the enthusiastic and welcoming hostess greets me and I meet my friend at the bar. The bartender wastes no time in helping me select a beverage and surprises us both with a shot of habañero vodka. It is terrifyingly hot, but you should try it just to prove you're not a pussy (hey peer pressure!). Keep reading to find out how I spent my evening.
Read MorePetworth's Summer opening of Homestead came with mounting anticipation during the past year, as their name had been emblazoned on the wooden slats at the start of construction outlining what would soon be one of their three outdoor dining spaces. The restaurant is in the heart of Petworth, attracting millennials and foodies alike for a taste of the newest hot spot in the ever growing DC food scene. I was excited. I had been following the progress on Instagram, checking out the tentative menu and waiting patiently for the doors to open. What I experienced was incredible service with passionate employees; a warm, buzzing atmosphere; and overpriced food and drink. Here's how it all went down...
Read MoreIf you have ever lived in or around DC, I'm sure you've heard of Richard Sandoval's restaurant Masa 14. This Asian-Latin eatery has been a staple in my DC restaurant circuit for years but had sort of been forgotten as I was trying to keep up with the insane new restaurant openings in the District. BUT, Masa's new chef de cuisine, Ryan Ratino has put Masa back on the heat map and is absolutely slaying it with innovative, seasonal cuisine. Check out my evening of utter bliss below.
Read MoreConvivial (adj.) relating to or fond of feasting, drinking, and good company, i.e., my online dating profile. Shaw's newest eatery is just that: a place you visit to have fond memories of eating and drinking with great company. Even if you are unsure of your company before you enter the restaurant, you will surely share in some joy together during your dining experience. I was eager to try Convivial and am excited to share my delightful experience of perfectly portioned, French-inspired cuisine with you!
Read MoreSigh. It pains me to write this review, but as a Frederick native I feel it is my duty to tell the people of Hangry District my opinion on Frederick, MD's newest bar and eatery, Hootch & Banter. I was beyond excited to try this speakeasy-esque addition to downtown Frederick, which inherited the space of one of my most frequented bars as a 20-something - Canal Bar and Grill, but was very disappointed to find mediocre food and sky high prices. Keep reading to experience my highs and lows of this over-the-top spot.
Read MoreThe Airedale opened in Columbia Heights this summer and is such a breath of fresh air! Literally - they have a beautiful patio on the main floor and two patios upstairs, for dining al fresco in the front or just hanging out at community tables for some beers and bites in the back. I checked it out for happy hour and ended up staying for dinner. Keep reading to find out why!
Read MoreIt has been almost exactly one year since my trip to Japan, and I have been craving the cuisine. What better way to satiate the craving than to celebrate DC Restaurant Week at Daikaya Izakaya. I've been to Daikaya for the amazing ramen on the first floor and was so excited to try the Izakaya upstairs. I was not disappointed. Keep reading to find out why you should head to Japan for your next meal in the District.
Read MoreRamen. One of my top five favorite foods. Homemade noodles, complex broth, soft boiled eggs, PIG things... what can be better. Toki Underground has been one of my favorite DC spots since it opened in 2012, and it's consistently good. Check out why I think it's worth waiting in the tight space.
Read MoreSo many awesome new restaurants opening up in Petworth (my hood) -- it's hard to keep up! I could not wait to try this new heavy-metal neighborhood burger joint and whiskey bar - Slash Run. The retro atmosphere was eye-catching and casual, perfect for a no fuss meal with friends any time of the week. And the burgers..... have mercy. Keep reading if you want to get really hangry.
Read MoreIf you're looking for a casual neighborhood joint with scratch-made food, cold drinks and a cozy atmosphere, you need to go to Duke's Grocery immediately. Duke's is inspired by sleek avant-garde restaurants and greasy hole in the wall spots in East London -- my two favorite things. The chalkboard menu is updated regularly depending on what is seasonally available and fresh, and the ingredients are sourced from local purveyors and centered around sustainability. Seriously, I have died and gone to foodie heaven.
Read MoreIf you like food and live in DC, I'm sure you've heard about Rose's Luxury by now. Bon Appétit named Aaron Silverman's restaurant the Best New Restaurant of 2014. I was lucky enough to be taken for my birthday by my sweet boyfriend and it was an enchanting evening.
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