Posts in Reviews
Kitchen Hacks: Expert Tips for an Organized and Functional Kitchen

Get Your Kitch Together

The kitchen is the heartbeat of the home. We don’t just prepare meals in our kitchens – we host our friends, bond over family discussions, nourish our bodies, and much more. As such, you want your space to be vibrant, functional, and organized. But how exactly do you go about creating such a kitchen and what kind of items and tools should you have to complete it?

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New Shaw Restaurant Nina May Feels Like Coming Home

Your New Fave Neighborhood Hang

Nina May opened in the fall of 2019 to immediate praise. Located in the old Bird space in Shaw, the fresh concept of a communal neighborhood eatery has been brought to life by Chef Colin McClimans and General Manager Danilo Simic. Every element is designed to make you feel good – and it does!

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DC Patios to Frequent This Summer

DC has reached peak patio SZN

There’s something about dining al fresco in DC that really brings me to peak summer status. It seems like no matter where restaurants are located in DC, they try to make a patio situation happen. That said, some are better than others. Here are a few that I love to frequent, what are you favorites?!

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Yume Sushi Features Japanese Delicacies at Tasting Counter

Traditional Omakase Transports Arlington Diners to Japan

At Yume Sushi in Arlington, Chef Saran (Peter) Kannasute takes diners on an intimate dining experience through Japan. Curating the freshest Japanese ingredients directly from the source, Japanese delicacies are shipped overnight and prepared daily for the evening’s Omakase tasting. Omakase or “ I shall leave it up to you” is a traditional Japanese dining experience where the chef prepares seven dishes based on the days’ best offerings. No need to pour over a menu trying to decide what to order, Chef Kannasute will place seven perfect plates in front of you while you sip on local Japanese beers, or sake on draft.

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ChiKo Brunch is the Only Brunch FOR ME

Orange chicken should always be served with waffles

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:

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Mintwood Place Unveils Large Format Family Meal Menu

Mintwood 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.

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Zeppelin Opens and No One Ever Wants To Leave

Stepping in through the wooden door of the newly opened omakase style restaurant, Zeppelin, guests are transported to a buzzing bar, dimly lit and engulfed with the sounds of shaken cocktail. Flames lick skewers of meat and vegetables that satiate the appetite while encouraging all to imbibe.  You’ll never want to leave.

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Napoli Pasta Bar: Your Neapolitan Neighborhood Joint

Napoli 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.

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Present Vietnamese Restaurant

Be Present at this Gift of an Eatery in Falls Church

Family owned Vietnamese restaurant, Present, located in Falls Church, VA is truly a gift.  The eatery was named and designed as a retreat for families to gather together, share food, and live in the moment. That’s exactly what we did when we feasted on the cuisine. 

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Blue Duck Tavern Unveils New Seasonal Menu from Executive Chef Adam Howard

From Sips and Snacks to Five Star Seated Service – Blue Duck Has it All

Michelin-starred Blue Duck Tavern introduced Adam Howard as its new executive chef this Fall.  Howard brings sixteen years of experience to his new position having worked at esteemed restaurants throughout New York, South Carolina, and Washington, D.C.  His experience is apparent as I peruse his ambitious and seasonal menus, including wine bites in the lounge, an extensive dinner menu, and curated chef’s table experiences. Each menu is thoughtfully crafted with local purveyors in mind.

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Chef Christian Irabién Showcases True Mexican Cuisine at Amparo Fondita

Unfussy Mexican Cuisine

Walking 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.

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Fine Dining in Frederick: The Tasting Room

Effortless Elegance

I'm from Frederick, MD. I became passionate about food in Frederick, MD. I started working in restaurants in Frederick, MD. Frederick, MD is now a food destination thanks to a few key players.  Since I can remember, Tauraso's was THE fine dining establishment in Frederick.  It was the place you went if you really wanted to SPLURGE.  Tauraso's has since closed, but the owners operate a beautiful restaurant downtown called The Tasting Room, exuding the same elegance for special occasions.  They also own the best BBQ joint in Frederick, Black Hog.

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Le DeSales: French Fare with Flair

Bonjour, Bon Appetit, Merci, Repeat

Le 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.

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Spoken English: A Standing Ovation

Find. Stand. Eat. Repeat.

Welcome to another episode of Hangry Michelle's new favorite restaurant. Simply put, Spoken English single handedly brings together five star cuisine, impeccable service, and a quirky/casual atmosphere.  It is by far one of the most exciting dining experiences I've had this year and I urge you to pop into the Line Hotel and search for this very small, standing only eatery.  Let's take a look...

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Lupo Marino Brings Authentic Italian Cuisine at Friendly Prices to The Wharf

Beautiful Food for the Budget Conscious

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.

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Diners Flock to Fairfax for California Shabu Shabu

The West Coast Phenomenon Hits "DC"

California 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.

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First Bite: Urban Hot Pot

It’s OK to Play With Your Food!

What’s more fun than playing “chef” at a restaurant?! At Urban Hot Pot in Rockville, MD, diners have the unique experience to create a meal specific to their liking, at their own pace, right at the table! Take a trip beyond the beltway for this unique interactive dining destination!

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Akira Ramen and Izakaya: Worth the to Drive to Rockville

Slurp it Up in Rockville

There are few reasons why I leave the District. Having spent many years commuting on 270 and 66, I tend to stay within the beltway and explore all of the culinary delights that DC proper has to offer.  However, I've found the perfect spot for those of you who live north of the diamond -- Akira Ramen & Izakaya.

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Urban Butcher Unveils Endless Carnivore Brunch

Who's ready for the Meat Sweats?

Urban 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.

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Honeysuckle Slays New Bar Menu Debut

Chef Hamilton Johnson debuts fantastic new bar menu

Nestled underground on the bustling M St. NW in DC, Honeysuckle boasts bright murals upon entering the intimate space.  Smiling staff greet me in the candlelit entryway and I'm filled with pleasantries, giddy to taste the new creations from chef Hamilton Johnson, formerly of Vidalia.

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