I like Kaliwa with its jumble of Southeast Asian dishes. It’s a restaurant rooted in tradition and the spirit of sharing, and the potential to create bonds between cuisines and its diners.
Urbano 116: A Fight to the Finish
Wrestling may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about inspirations for a Mexican restaurant in Old Town Alexandria. But the theme, referred to as Lucha Libre in Mexico, fits well at the new Urbano 116. The restaurant is edgy and raucous, and you’ll probably find yourself fighting over the […]
Julii: Stepping It Up on Route 355 in N. Bethesda
Note: Sasha Felikson is no longer affiliated with Julii. The first time I see Sasha Felikson he is on the porch of Doi Moi grilling ribs and chanting: “Jewish boy cooking pork!” It’s during the 2017 Dine-n-Dash event to benefit World Central Kitchen. I am amused and intrigued. Who is this crazy guy? I wonder. […]
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 […]
Supra: Georgian on My Mind
It’s safe to say that most of us don’t find ourselves thinking “Let’s go out for Georgian food tonight.” Yet the cuisine of Georgia- the country, not the state – is distinctive and versatile. Supra, the DC restaurant showcasing the dishes of this Eastern European country, is a fun and interesting venue with lots of […]