Tabard Inn - Dupont Circle, DC

I need to do the whole 'brunch thing' more often. Heading into the city without traffic on a late Sunday morning for breakfast food is my kinda deal. I met my friend and former college roomie at the Tabard Inn, which has one of the most popular brunches in DC. They offer valet out front for $7 until 3pm.

This 40-room hotel has a multi-level restaurant that reminds me of a row house. Cozy, small and Victorian. Thankfully we weren't in the main room (it can get loud and cramped), but were seated next to a window on a higher floor. They have a nice garden patio for when the weather is nice.

It's advised to make reservations 2-3 weeks in advanced. So plan in advance and give them a call!

The menu is inspired by fresh, seasonal, local ingredients and consists of mostly savory items. All dishes are a la carte, and due to high volumes during brunch, there are no substitutions folks!

While waiting for our dishes to arrive, we received a basket of  sweet and salty selections like muffins and cornbread.

My friend went the savory route and ordered the Scrambled Eggs with cream cheese and chives, house-made Toulouse sausage, home fries ($14). She loved her dish! I tried the eggs and potatoes, which were both amazing. We've been inspired to add cream cheese to our eggs in the future.

She also ordered a side of Cheese Grits, which wasn't listed on the menu as an a la carte item, but our server said it was possible.

Isn't this so pretty? It was very simply plated, but tastefully done. I went the sweet route, and ordered the Lemon Buttermilk Waffles with raspberry-plum compote, whipped cream ($12). You can taste a hint of lemon in the batter, which goes along well with the fruit compote. Fluffy texture, and I didn't need to drown them in maple syrup. It was very sweet on its own, which would've been perfect with a side of bacon.

Very nice, and cozy place. All of the items on the menu looks delicious and we've heard about the donuts they make, but we didn't get a chance to try them. Our server was very knowledgeable when we asked for recommendations. I definitely enjoyed trying my friend's food and will probably go the savory route the next time.

Tabard Inn
1739 N St NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-331-8528
www.tabardinn.com/restaurant

Teaism - Dupont Circle, DC

I met up with my girl Michele of Squirrels-n-Sweets for a long overdue dinner. Her baking and cooking blog is so ADORABLE. Her personality just shines through her writing. She explains her recipes very clearly and honestly, and finds the coolest angles for her pics.

We decided on Teaism for a casual Asian-inspired meal. There are a few benches out front, but no tables for actual dining. There is always limited street parking, so take the metro to Dupont Circle on the red line and exit towards Q St.

This small place has a cute, Japanese, hippie feel to it. Very calm and relaxing on the inside. What makes the experience casual is that you order at a register, pick up your food when your number is called, find a seat, get your own utensils and bus your own plates.

This location has two floors. This is pretty much the only seating on the ground floor, where we ate. Upstairs has a few more tables, but it's definitely not a place to go with a large group.

Their Asian-inspired dishes appear healthier and simple. Many dishes offer brown rice, grilled items and vegetarian options. You can see Japanese, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Middle Eastern and Chinese selections on the menu. The price range is $8-10. They also offer a variety of drinks, loose teas and desserts.

It has been hot in the DMV, so we both sought after the perfect thirst quencher. The Ginger Lemonade ($2.25) hit the spot. I could always go for more ginger than most places add, but nevertheless, it did its job.

Michele ordered the Thai Chicken Curry (yellow curry with chicken, coconut milk, jicama, carrots, green beans & brown rice) for $9. It was a pretty good portion because she couldn't finish it. I ate some and thought it was pretty good! The brown rice and extra veggies made the dish taste healthier. The curry also appeared more watery than I'm used to but still had the right amount of spice.

Before I ordered the Palak Paneer, Michele reminded me that I don't need to write about it for the 10th time. True! I decided to try the Buffalo Burger (grass-fed buffalo, with lettuce, tomato, onion & BBQ sauce on focaccia bread & Asian slaw) for $9. It was interesting eating a burger on focaccia bread, but it was good! The meat, veggies and sauce worked well together and tasted very healthy. I didn't care for the slaw though it was very fresh.

Overall, I thought the place was cute and had healthier versions of popular dishes. Once again, not a place to come with a group because of the lack of space/seating. I don't think I'll ever crave the items we had, but I'd be curious to try their other dishes. If you prefer more "authenticity", these healthier (while tasty) dishes might not be for you.

2009 R St NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 667-3827
www.teaism.com

Russia House - Dupont Circle, DC

I've driven past this "building with the stairs" for years on my way down Connecticut Ave into Dupont Circle and now I know that it is Russia House. My cousin bought the Living Social deal (even my family members are addicted) and took me to dinner! This was our first time trying Russian food and we didn't know what to expect.
Good luck find parking around this part of town. I suggest taking the metro like we did to Dupont Circle on the red line.

Well hello there Mr. Presidents...

This DC rowhouse is made of small, cozy rooms.  The top floor is where the entrance and techno-blasting bar is along with some tables. Then you walk downstairs to the floor we were on. You will find traditional decor from the wallpaper to the paintings, etc. You can pretty much hear everybody's conversations because the tables are close together.

I love carbs! We killed this whole basket of bread and butter.

My cousin ordered a Russian beer recommended by our server. I believe it is the Baltika Porter #6 (A classic porter beer brewed according to traditional English recipes. This dark beer possesses a full flavor, as well as high density and strength. Hints of wine can felt in the aroma. 7.0% ABV) She really liked it!

The menu is small with about 10 entrees. There is a wide variety of meats like lamb, rabbit, duck, beef, pork, chicken and seafood. Their vodka list is MASSIVE, like 200 different kinds as well as a nice caviar selection.

My cousin ordered the Beef Stroganoff (Beef Tenderloin, Mushrooms and Root Vegetables in a Red Wine Cream served with Potato Puree) for $26. The only other time I've had this dish was at Noodles & Company, and there was no comparison. So rich and creamy with a ton of flavor. We were both pleasantly surprised. I'm getting this next time.

I ordered the Pan Seared Duck Breast (Confit Parsnip and Carrot Galette, Sour Cream Perogies stuffed with Cabbage and Salt Pork, Riesling Butter Sauce and Duck Jus) for $30. The duck was very tender and had the right ratio of fat to meat. The carrot galette was sweet and the perogies were good.

Our server was super nice and helpful. I liked the intimate space, and the food was tasty and more refined than I anticipated. I can now say I am a fan of Russian cuisine. Wednesday & Thursday nights include classical musicians.

1800 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 234-9433
www.russiahouselounge.com

Taste of Dupont (8/5/10) & Georgetown (8/9/10)

'Tis the season for tastings apparently! Here's info on both of these free events since they're occurring within the same week - next week!

Taste of Dupont
October 5, 2010
6pm-9pm

Tickets may be purchased online or at the event: $5 for each individual tasting, or a five tasting ticket package for $20.
Buy or Will Call tickets at Dupont Circle Resource Center (9 Dupont Circle) beginning at 5 pm.

FYI, this is not an outdoor tasting with booths, street closings, etc. The tastings are provided within each establishment.

List of participating restaurants and their menus:

Annie's Paramount Steakhouse - White Meat Chicken Chili. $4 Stella, $4 House Wine, $4 Stoli Mixed Drinks, $4 House Manhattans and $4 House Martinis
Bertucci's - Stuffed four cheese Portabello with bread crouton crumbs
BGR: The Burger Joint - Wellington Slider
Cafe Dupont - Bouillabaisse and Coq au vin
Cafe Green - Pumpkin Risotto and Stuffed Mushrooms
Current Sushi - TBD
Darlington House - Tortolloni stuffed with butternut squash
Firefly - Devilled Eggs or Truffle Fries
Floriana - TBD
Gazuza - Veggie Combo roll or Crunchy Spicy Tuna Roll
James Hoban's - TBD
Level One - Braised Short-Ribs with Truffle Mac-N-Cheese
Lupe Cantina - Taquito, Quesadilla, or Frozen Margarita. Taste of Dupont After Party with $5 Margartias.
Maddy's - Mom's Meatloaf w/ a Sweet and Tangy Tomato Sauce
Nando's Peri Peri - Chicking Wings, Olives & Nuts
One Lounge - Porchetta Slider on Fresh Baked Brioche
Scion - Braised Lamb Shank over Cous Cous in a Lamb Reduction Sauce
Twist at the Carlyle Suites Hotel - TBD
SoHo Tea & Coffee - Coffee House fare
Urbana at the Hotel Palomar - TBD

Taste of Georgetown
October 9, 2010
11am-4pm
Wisconsin Ave & M St

Proceeds benefit Georgetown Ministry Center's services supporting the homeless.

Tickets may be purchased online or at the event (Eagle Bank parking lot from 11am-3:30pm)
One tasting ticket is good for one tasting.
$5: One Tasting Ticket
$20: Five Tasting Tickets

Also enjoy a Tasting Pavilion for Wine, Ale, Spirits ($10 for four tasting tickets), and live music.

List of participating restaurants:

1789
Baked & Wired
Bangkok Joe's
Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge
Café Bonaparte
Chadwick's
Clyde's
Crepe Amour/Georgetown Wing Co.
Daily Grill
Dean & Deluca
Fahrenheit Restaurant
Farmers & Fishers
Filomena Ristorante
Georgetown Cupcake
Hook
J Paul's
Mie N Yu
Morso
Morton's the Steakhouse
Neyla
Nick's Riverside Grille
Old Glory BBQ
Paolo's
Patisserie Poupon
Ristorante Piccolo
Rugby Café
Tacklebox
Third Edition
Thunder Burger & Bar
Tony & Joe's Seafood Place

Floriana - Dupont Circle, DC

Recently I was invited by Floriana to stop by and check out their restaurant. I've never heard or noticed the place before but it was a cute neighborhood spot. This Italian restaurant has been in Dupont Circle for 30+ years and all of their pastas are handmade.
There is street parking, and the closest metro stop is Dupont Circle on the red line.

The restaurant is inside of a brick rowhouse, so it feels like you're eating inside someone's home. It's very cozy, but kind of tight. The main dining rooms are on the middle floor. The top floor has another dining room for private parties or normal dining when the patio is closed. The basement is for the bar and kitchen.

We decided to eat outside, and that made for awesome pictures. While waiting for our food we were given bread, bread sticks, and a parsley/almond pesto spread.

The bf was so proud of this picture he took, so I'm posting it =)

We didn't know they were bringing out bread until after we had ordered, so we ordered bread, 'Parmesan Garlic Bread' for $4. The flavor was good, but the crusts were a bit too crunchy for my taste.

I ordered the 'Shrimp & Avocado' for $12. It wasn't a huge portion, and was a bit bland if the ingredients were eaten separately. I enjoyed it better when the avocado, greens, shrimp and sauce were all on my fork at the same time.

For our entrees, the bf ordered the 'Meatballs' for $14. It does not automatically come with a blizzard of cheese, but he likes it that way. The dish orginally comes with spaghetti, but he ordered it with whole grain fettuccine. The dish was ok. The meatballs didn't seem homemade, and the sauce was super acidic. The sauce tasted freshly made, but wow it was tangy.

I ordered the 'La Lasagna' for $17. This is Floriana's 30 year recipe, and it tasted so good! Very warm flavor. What was interesting was how many layers of pasta there were. Usually there's an equal amount of meat, cheese, and pasta, but this was different. The pasta was cooked truly al dente, and felt different from non-homemade pasta.

We were stuffed, but decided to share a 'Coconut Sorbet' for $7. The sorbet tasted like ice cream and was served in a coconut shell. I thought that was so cool.

The bf and I had an enjoyable evening, minus the mosquitoes (5 bites for me, 9 for him). The staff and diners were so friendly and nice. It was a really homey atmosphere, that seems to have frequent regulars. The menu was a bit expensive compared to other Italian restaurants though. Every Sunday and Wednesday night Floriana's offers half-price bottles of wine and every Monday and Tuesday half-pasta nights. Thanks again to Floriana for the invitation and the picking up the tab.

1602 17th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-667-5937
http://www.florianarestaurant.com/

Vapiano- Dupont Circle, DC

In celebration of my friend's DC Metro-themed music video, we all met up at Vapiano for dinner. This is an upscale cafeteria-style Italian restaurant. There are parking garages and street parking, but we took the metro. The closet metro stop is Farragut North on the red line (1 block away).

When you walk in, the cashier hands you a plastic card, which is what you use to keep track of your purchases. After you visit a food or drink station, your items are swiped onto the card. You eat your food, and THEN pay your balance off at the register before leaving. Pretty cool concept!

The restaurant is split in half. The left side is the bar and lounge. They also have an outdoor patio on that side of the restaurant. It was very crowded when we first walked in around 8pm.

This is the restaurant portion of the restaurant. They have a huge open kitchen with different stations labeled pasta, pizza, salad, etc. The wooden blocks the women are standing next to is where you get your trays, flatware and glasses.

The decor of the restaurant is very modern. The tables are very high and you use bar stools. They are also open seating, so you may be sitting with sitting with strangers like we did.

The bf and I only went to the pasta station, so I can't really comment on how they make pizza, etc. The pasta guy was like "you take photo?" haha. You tell the pasta maker what dish you want off the menu, then choose from like 9 different kinds of pasta. It takes only a few minutes for your food to be ready and you can make your food spicy if you want. They offer whole grain pastas for those who want to be somewhat healthier.

They also give you free bread with your meal. On the table there are bottles of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. OMG I was in heaven because the quality of the oil and vinegar was awesome. I could have just eaten that for dinner.

The bf ordered the 'Filetto Di Manzo E Rucola (Filet of Beef, Fresh Vegetables, Mushrooms, Arugula) with Whole Grain Rotini pasta' for $11.95. We both weren't fond of this dish. It was very bland and watery. There wasn't enough meat in it either. The bf did mess up and accidentally denied the addition of garlic and chili peppers into the dish because he heard the guy wrong. I'm sure that contributed to blandness and the fact it was with whole grain pasta.

I ordered the 'Pesto E Spinaci (Light Cream, Spinach, Tomatoes, Hint of Pesto) with Penne pasta' for $10.95. I LOVED my dish. The pasta was cooked al dente, the sauce was just salty enough, and the flavors worked very well together. I was recommended this by a friend, and I'd totally recommend this to someone else.

This 'Gold Peak Green Tea' was so light and refreshing. I'm not sure where or if they have fountain drinks. I just saw everyone drinking from the bar or a bottle.

One very unique thing are the actual herb plants on your table! You can pick them and put them into you dish to add some flavor. We had a basil and oregano plant at our table.

After paying they have a bowl of gummie bears for you to take from! If you're a germaphone, I'm sure you're cringing right now, haha.

This place is really cool and young. It has a more of a bar/lounge feel than a restaurant, so it VERY loud in there. Everyone looked and dressed like a young professional, but its still a casual environment. Food is expensive considering its like a nicer Noodles & Company, but you're also serving yourself cafeteria-style. I was able to finish my entire dish, so the portions were average. I think its a very fun, interactive meal that's good for groups.

1800 M St NW # 6
Washington, DC 20036-5828
(202) 640-1868
Website

Mon-Thurs: 11am-11pm
Fri: 11am-12am
Sat: 11am-12am
Sun: 12pm-10pm

Mr. Yogato- Dupont Circle, DC

The same night the bf and I had dinner at Nando's Peri Peri, we all decided to get frozen yogurt at Mr. Yogato. What a cool name!!

It's another tangy frozen yogurt that has been springing up around the area, like YogiBerry in Rockville. There is limited street parking around the place, but it's a couple blocks away from Dupont Metro station on the Red Line. This is what it looks like on the outside. It's in one of the older buildings in Dupont, which I like because it gives it character.

The place is TINY. You're seeing the entire thing because we were sitting at the table next to the window. Seating is very limited and sometimes child-sized.

Here's the view from the other side of the place. It reminds me of a children's dental office with small tables, painted walls, and games. There was a couple playing on an original Nintendo.

They have one register and a small back kitchen. So as you can see from the 1st picture of the interior, the line can get a bit long.

What I liked about this place was that it was cheaper than YogiBerry. They have 2 standard flavors (original soft, original tangy) and 2 weekly ones (cosmé-granate, saori's choco-delicious were the flavors when we went).

Little (5 oz) $3.00, Middle (8 oz) $4.00, Huge (12 oz) $5.00

Toppings (candies, cereals, fruits, nuts, sprinkles): One $1.00, Two $1.50, Three $1.75

FYI, all of the toppings on the top of the counter are FREEEEEEE! Very awesome except some of them include Old Bay, Olive Oil, Basil, etc. I wouldn't want some of that stuff in my Fro-Yo, but to each his own =)

They like to have fun at this place. You can get discounts on your orders if you can complete any of the items on the 'Rules of Yogato' list. How cool would that be to have a flavor named after you?!

The bf got the Original Soft with Oreo pieces. It was mild in flavor, and less 'yogurty' compared to mine.

I on the other hand like the tanginess, so I ordered the Original Tangy with Kiwi and Mango. I wanted something refreshing and it really hit the spot.

One of our friends ordered a weekly flavor, topped it off with gummy bears, and then went nuts with the free toppings.

Our other friend got the Original Soft (I believe) with raspberries and mandarin oranges.

The boys were playing baseball checkers before we started eating. It's a great place to just hang out, listen to the music playing, and beat your friends at board games.

We also played like 3 games of Boggle, lol.

This place is great to just let loose. Its a fun atmosphere because of the music, games and 'Yogato Rules'. Its an affordable place that offers free toppings. Lastly it is great tasting frozen yogurt. Compared to ones I have tasted in the past, the flavors are overall less tangy and more creamy, which is better for fooling your brain into thinking this is ice cream. I love that all the flavors are non-fat and only 30 calories per ounce.
If you're not in the mood to eat anything, they also offer drinks such as teas ($2), and customizable hot chocolate ($3).

1515 17th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
202.629.3531
Website

Sunday - Thursday: noon - 11pm
Friday - Saturday: noon - 1am