Year-end lists are inevitable. Best movies, TV shows, books, podcasts, and of course restaurants. The restaurant lists stress me out, as they inevitably emphasize where I failed to dine this year. One of the restaurants sitting high on my “to do” list has been the Taiwanese/Cambodian Maketto. Maketto is owned by Chef Erik Bruner-Yang, who is […]
Centrolina: Keeping it Real
September 22, 2015 · by · 2 Comments
Every time I stumble upon the City Center development in the heart of DC, I feel a sudden jolt. The area doesn’t fuse seamlessly into the rest of the city. Instead it stands apart – with its bright and shiny facade. On the other hand Centrolina, the Italian restaurant nestled between the upscale shops and pedestrian […]
Nido: A Place to Nest No Matter Where You Live- CLOSED
September 9, 2015 · by · 1 Comment
When an establishment is described as a “neighborhood restaurant” and I don’t live nearby, I’m not quite sure whether I’m supposed to dine there. Do they not want outsiders or are they saying the food doesn’t warrant a commute? Food for thought. Nido, in the Woodridge area of northeast DC, calls itself a “unique neighborhood bistro […]
Oval Room: A Quiet Elegance
August 30, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment
Fine dining is a luxury often reserved for special occasions. But now and again, it’s a a worthwhile indulgence to visit a white tablecloth restaurant. Dinner at The Oval Room in DC provides an opportunity to enjoy a level of cooking that is top notch. Nearly as exciting is the pleasure of conversing with dining companions […]
SER: Simple, Easy, REALLY Good
August 1, 2015 · by · 2 Comments
How can I best sum up my feelings about SER, the new Ballston restaurant featuring Basque cuisine? It’s simple, easy, and real. Which is a good thing, since that’s the meaning behind the moniker. The cuisine at SER is based on authentic family recipes from Executive Chef/co-owner Josu Zubikarai. The food isn’t fancy, but the ingredients and […]
China Chilcano: Standing Out and Making a Stand
July 25, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment
With DC restaurants opening at a dizzying pace, it’s critical to stand out. China Chilcano, which opened in Penn Quarter this past January, has a multitude of merits that make it notable. It is one of the newest additions to Jose Andrés’ DC restaurant empire, which continues to grow. Andrés is one of DC’s most recognizable restaurateurs. […]
