Kyirisan

Chinese/French Soul Mates

Kyirisan 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.

DC Cherry Blossom PUB

Calling All Cherry Blossom Fanatics!

Here’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!).

Umaya - Izakaya

Japanese If You Please

City 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!

Hen Quarter Opens in Silver Spring

Get your Southern Fix in the DMV!

Hen 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.

First Look: Ruta Del Vino

Latin American Tastiness

Ya'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.

DC Harvest

Is upscale casual a thing?

So, you may know by know that I am very into all things H Street. What I didn't know about was this little hidden gem called DC Harvest. Tucked away amongst construction and office buildings is DC Harvest, an upscale casual restaurant specializing in mostly local and all homemade ingredients utilizing what's in season - my fave. Check out how I filled my belly below!

ReviewsMichelle StrobelNovember 30, 2016restaurant review, dc harvest, hangry district, little wild things, don ciccio, h street ne, h st ne, local, seasonalComment

Homestead

Comfort in the city

Petworth'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...

Tail Up Goat

G.O.A.T

I find it quite necessary to write about one of DC's G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time) restaurants during the final week of the 2016 Summer Olympics. What's more fitting? The restaurant's name, Tail Up GOAT, even alludes to its greatness. This Adams Morgan eatery is inviting, cheerful and delicious, scoring high enough marks to earn it a gold medal in the Hangry District rankings. Even more appealing is knowing that this restaurant is sourcing from local farmers around the area, including one of my all-time faves, Whitmore Farm.

Sally's Middle Name

Sharing is Caring

Sally's Middle Name has been attracting lots of buzz since opening in June of 2015. It has joined the likes of other H Street treasures such as Maketto, DC Harvest, H St. Country Club, and Granville Moore's. The menu changes daily and the small plates are intended to be shared - my favorite way to eat. I'm totally the girl that reaches across the table for a bite of whatever my dining companion is eating before I try my own, #hatersgonnahate. Sally's is the perfect place to go with close friends or family for unique flavors; fresh, local ingredients; and impeccable service. Keep reading to find out what we tried!

- See more at: https://michelle-scholtes.squarespace.com/blog/2016/7/11/sallys-middle-name#sthash.bATVHbcG.dpuf

Masa 14

Back At It Again

If 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.

Twisted Horn

The Happiest of Hours

Petworth's Upshur Street continues to stay poppin' with the newest installment of the Hank's Oyster Bar family - Twisted Horn. This snacks and cocktails establishment is classy yet casual with drinks to die for and perfectly popable eats to keep you from being hangry.

- See more at: https://michelle-scholtes.squarespace.com/blog/2016/3/29/twisted-horn#sthash.uT9Al6Li.dpuf

ReviewsMichelle StrobelApril 22, 2016twisted horn, dc, petworth, hangry district, happy hour, cocktails, snacks, cheese, meat, hanks, hangry, bars, vermouth, date nightComment

Weekend Roundup: Cherry Blossom Edition

I wanna be, where the people are

The blossoms are in PEAK BLOOM, PEOPLE! It's time to join the hype and get your butts to the District! While you're here, check out some of my favorite spots for dranks and snacks! Take me along on your cherry blossom culinary adventures by using #hangrydistrict! xoxo

- See more at: https://michelle-scholtes.squarespace.com/blog/2016/1/8/weekend-roundup-1816#sthash.P28tu43n.dpuf

The Mpire Club

Not Just a Feast for your eyes

I know what you're thinking: Is Hangry District reviewing a strip club? Yes. Yes, I am. Here's why: It. Is. Delicious. I was invited to try the new and improved lunch menu at The MPire Club by new head chef, Ricardo Planas and was shocked by the beautiful and tasty menu items, heavily inspired by French cuisine. Here's how it all went down...

Union Market

When Hangry, Must Feast

My 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.

Convivial

Come Hangry, Leave Happy

Convivial (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!

Hootch & Banter

But What About the Food?

Sigh. 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.

Stocking Stuffers

The Holiday season is in full swing! I have been prepping by collecting fun local gifts to stuff in the stockings of my friends and family! I also crafted some beautiful cupcakes that may not fit in a stocking, but will easily be stuffed into the mouths of hangry relatives. Check it all out below!

Hangry Michelle on Diners Drive-Ins & Dives!!

Take a Trip to Flavortown

Hey Hangry Hombres, guess what?!? I'm going to be on an episode of Diners Drive-Ins and Dives with the one and only Guy Fieri on Friday, December 18 @ 10pm EST! Guy brought his killer flannel and frosted tips to Toki Underground and chatted with Hangry District about dumplings, ramen and his hatred for eggs. I hope you tune in!

Turkey Time!

Tips to get you Tipsy on Turkey Day

It's the most wonderful time of the year!! Thanksgiving is my favorite day of the whole year, and I am PSYCHED for the feast. Check out my tips and tricks to keep you sane, relaxed and confident about the big day, while allowing for a few cocktails in between!

Crane & Turtle

Dinner & A Show

Petworth's Upshur Street is on fire in DC. Joining the likes of this Japanese must-try Crane & Turtle are Slash Run, the Hitching Post, Alex McCoy's anticipated Southeast Asian restaurant and Petworth Citizen to name a few. I have been chomping at the bit to try Crane & Turtle and the experience was surprising and pleasant.