I was delighted to participate in Eater DC’s 2019 year-end survey of local food writers and bloggers. Crafting my responses provides me an opportunity to reflect on a year of dining, and hopefully to provide ideas and insight to others.
In reading the collective responses, you’ll find many shared opinions, but also some stark differences. Lists like these serve as a reminder that dining is very personal, and each of us comes at it from a different perspective, based on food preferences and priorities. One person’s best meal of the year or favorite restaurant can be another’s example of a dining disaster. Likes and dislikes can be based on who actually executed the dishes, the quality of ingredients on a particular day, or the result of random interactions with servers or front-of-the-house staff. When it comes to dining, there are obviously many factors at play.
Now that I’ve talked you out of giving much credence to food criticism, I’ll move on and share the full results of the Eater DC 2019 Year-End Survey. Enjoy!
The first question was simple: Sum Up the 2019 Restaurant Scene in One Word. And with this begins our very subjective responses.
- Rick Chessen, Rick Eats DC blogger: Plant-based
- Laura Hayes, Washington City Paper food editor: Impossible
- Lori McCue, DCist food and arts editor: P a l m s
- Tim Carman, Washington Post food writer: Waterfront
- Ann Limpert, Washingtonian food editor and critic: Kwame
- Rebecca Cooper, Washington Business Journal digital editor: Fickle
- Lenore Adkins, food writer: Transient
- Tom Sietsema, Washington Post food critic: Thrilling
- Jessica Sidman, Washingtonian food editor: Good
- Lori Gardner, Been There, Eaten That blogger: Expansive. And if I may expand on that —exhilarating.
Here is the full survey.
Where D.C. Food Writers Loved to Eat in 2019
Media experts share their picks for restaurant standbys
My response: If I’m staying close to home in Montgomery County, my favorites are Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly, Commonwealth Indian, Inferno Pizzeria, and Kenaki Sushi Counter. My New Year’s resolution is to become a regular at Lanzhou Hand Pulled Noodles in Gaithersburg. If I’m dining in the District, I usually prefer to try new restaurants, but I still get excited about return visits to Tail Up Goat, Dabney, Ellē, Chiko, Bresca, and Little Pearl.
All responses here.
———————————-
D.C.’s Best New Restaurants of 2019, According to the Experts
Local food writers pick the most impressive newcomers in the city
My response: This was quite a year for openings that made a splash. The ones that made me smile most were Anju, Emilie, Nina May, Seven Reasons, Stellina Pizzeria, Punjab Grill, and Mama Chang.
All responses here.
———————————-
These Were the ‘Most D.C.’ Food Stories of 2019
Media experts weigh in on the dining news that rocked the city this year
My response: A restaurant named Immigrant Food featuring cuisine representing immigrant cultures and promoting a mission of “gastroadvocacy” is a pretty great DC food story. Plus, it’s a block from the White House.
All responses here.
———————————-
D.C.’s Best Dining Neighborhood of 2019, According to the Experts
Local food writers are loving the changes around Union Market
My response: The new restaurants that opened this year are all over the map, so it’s harder to pinpoint a single neighborhood these days. I do like what’s happening near Union Market with the addition of Coconut Club, St. Anselm, Stellina Pizzeria and, when it’s fully up and running, La Cosecha.
All responses here.
———————————-
What Surprised D.C. Food Writers the Most in 2019?
Seven Reasons becomes a polarizing hit, pizza has a moment, and more
My response: Komi, one of DC’s most respected fine dining restaurants, shifted gears for two months this year to offer a moderately-priced vegetarian tasting menu featuring Greek-inspired diner food. Brilliant!
All responses here.
———————————-
The Best Meals D.C. Food Writers Ate in 2019
Local dining experts dish on their most memorable bites
My response: It’s hard to beat the eleven-course hyper-seasonal tasting menu at Single Thread in Healdsburg, California. The Japanese-inspired cuisine at the three-Michelin starred restaurant is breathtaking, fascinating, and wholly satisfying. The restaurant is built around a concept of being attuned to their guests’ every need, which becomes increasingly evident as the three-hour dining experience unfolds.
All responses here.
———————————-
The Top Complaints About D.C. Dining in 2019
D.C. food writers share their biggest grievances
My response: Why are food halls popping up all over town? Rockville, alone, now has three. I’m not really compelled to eat in a food hall with one exception: Ballston Quarter—Hot Lola’s is worth a visit!
All responses here.
———————————
D.C. Food Writers Make Dining Predictions for 2020
Will this be the year Trump visits a D.C. restaurant outside of his hotel?
My response: Chef Kwame Onwuachi opens a restaurant in Hollywood so he can pursue his burgeoning side hustle as a movie producer.
All responses here.
———————————
Thanks for reading Been There, Eaten That. I look forward to another year of dining and sharing my thoughts. Although you may wish to take them with a grain of salt.
