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?

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!

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?!

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Join Inspirational Entrepreneurs for Hospitality Industry Know-How

I'm excited to announce that the Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) has partnered with The DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs in holding the fifth annual Entrée DC program on September 18, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The event is the city’s premier resource for connecting the food and beverage industry with DC public and private sectors, and IT'S FREE!!

Dolci Gelati and WTF serve up sweet homemade gelato in the District

Summer may be winding down, but these DC sweet spots are heating up! Dolci Gelati and WTF (Woodward Takeout Food) are crafting homemade gelatos that have people, and puppies, lining up!  Gelato is perfect for back-to-school date nights, a quick treat while walking the dog, tasting flavors with an old friend, or just indulging in some decadent homemade delights.  There's something for everyone at these two spots, so go ahead, treat yourself!

Chinese/Korean Counter Service Draws Crowds in Barracks Row

The 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. 

Southern 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! 

Enjoy Your Weekend, Leave the Meal Prep to V+B

Vegetable and Butcher is a subscription-based meal service that caters to the health-conscious (or simply the busy folk of DC). They’re based locally in DC and cook all of their food out of Union Kitchen in Ivy City.

GET YOUR SLURP ON

Ramen is not just a trend, it's a movement.  The Japenese comfort classic is taking the U.S. by storm with new and interesting takes on the traditional noodle bowl.  With the help of photographer Andrew Sherman, I'll walk you through the BEST places to get ramen in DC. Not only will I tell you where to go, I'll tell you what to order! Trust me on this - we spent days trying ramen and I wouldn't steer you wrong. No matter where you choose to go, slurp with confidence and feel all of your troubles melt away through the power of ramen.

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.

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!).