Anju, Ghostburger, Yellow the Cafe: Let There Be Light!

It’s getting darker earlier. It’s colder outside. Restaurant owners are understandably anxious about how they will survive the winter.  Optimism and action in these pandemic times is essential. These past weeks I have filled much of my spare time lying prostrate on the couch, engrossed in CNN, MSNBC, and television shows that I consider anti-anxiety […]

Restaurant Relationship Status: It’s Complicated

My relationship status with restaurants became official in August 2010, when I launched Been There, Eaten That. My feelings have intensified through the years. Fine dining has played a role in every milestone in my life. Family members and friends- without exception- can relay a story about dining with me, and most likely how I […]

Reality Bites: Albi, RASA, Hatoba, Coconut Club

NOTE: Coconut Club is Closed Until Spring 2021 It’s fitting that as the temperature rises, more people are dipping their toes into social distancing with friends and family, shifting from grocery delivery to actual grocery shopping, and planning their return to restaurants as DC announces a plan to allow for outdoor service beginning today. I’m […]

Dram & Grain: Magical!

I am spellbound as I listen to Andy Bixby, Creative Director of Beverage at Dram & Grain, describe the alchemy involved in creating one of his drinks. The cocktail bar is thrumming, and I must strain to hear what he’s saying, I hang on every word. Bixby’s concoctions combine wizardry and science, and there should […]

Blue Duck Tavern: ‘Tis the Season

Here’s something cool about Blue Duck Tavern, located in the Park Hyatt in DC’s West End. Even in frosty weather, you can sit outside in their Fire Garden with heaters and blankets providing additional warmth. A hot toddy or mulled wine is the consummate warm-up to dinner. Blue Duck Tavern strikes me as a fine […]

Closed. Mintwood Place: Reunited (2019)

Mintwood Place is Permanently Closed.  You know those old friends you don’t see very often, but when you finally get together the camaraderie and warm, fuzzy feelings come rushing back? This is how I feel when I make a long overdue return visit to Mintwood Place in Adams Morgan. Mintwood Place is a French-influenced bistro that […]

Emilie’s: SAVE THE BRANZINO! (Closed)

Note: Emilie’s Closed in 2020 It begins innocently enough. It’s my first visit to eat at Emilie’s, the new restaurant from Chef Kevin Tien on Capitol Hill. Visions of fried chicken are dancing in my head. I’ve heard raves about the deep-fried bird which is accompanied by ranch dressing and a hot sauce made from fermented […]

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