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 […]
2018 Restaurant World Summed Up in One Word- Frenetic
When Eater DC invited me to participate in their 2018 year-end survey, I was eager to provide my input. Answering the questions becomes a delightful journey down memory lane. At the same time, it’s daunting, as I know my answers will appear alongside DC’s established food journalists. I took a stab at it from my […]
Daikaya: A Relationship Refresher
Long-term relationships are difficult to keep fresh and interesting. I’ve been married for decades, so I know what I’m talking about. Restaurants have an even bigger challenge. How do they manage to stay attractive and in demand, when the next hot thing is right around the corner? Daikaya, the Japanese restaurant from Daisuke Utagawa, Yama […]
Kith/Kin: Chef Kwame Onwuachi’s Food is A Knockout (closed)
NOTE: Kith/Kin is Permanently Closed There was a song released in 1997 called “Tubthumping” by the group Chumbawamba. If it’s not ringing a bell, the lyrics may bring it back: I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You […]