Ristorante i Ricchi: Dust Off Your Passport

I came across my passport the other day. My heart lurched, and I sighed so loudly that I startled myself. How long will it be before I can use it again? These days a thrilling journey is getting in my car and driving downtown to dine on a restaurant patio, which I’ve only done a […]

Counting My Blessings: 10 Years of Been There, Eaten That

This week marks the ten-year anniversary of Been There, Eaten That. Writing this restaurant blog has often been anxiety-inducing, frustrating, even maddening, but ultimately it’s been rewarding. While I’m slowing down in more ways than one, I still care deeply about supporting restaurants and for better or worse, articulating my feelings online. It’s a weird […]

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 […]

Montgomery County Restaurants that Snap, Crackle, and Pop!

Every now and again an advertising slogan takes hold and lingers there for decades. We Try Harder. A Diamond Is Forever. Can You Hear Me Now? And then there is Snap! Crackle! Pop! featuring three cartoon characters who promote Rice Krispies. I am reflecting on Montgomery County’s recent increase in independent, casual restaurants when the catchphrase comes […]

Nina May: Happy as a Clam

“Are you content?” The server at the new Nina May in Shaw glances at our party of four with anticipation and a smile. We have chosen the “Chef’s Choice” concept, and the question of contentment is key.  For $39 you permit the chef to determine what he’ll cook for you, after the server ascertains food […]

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 […]

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