"Secret Taqueria" - Columbia Heights, DC

UPDATE: 8/7/11 - I'm not sure if they are still in business. They had a Facebook page with their contact info and it is no longer up. Sorry folks, I don't have their number either. If someone knows, please tell the rest of us!

"Hey, do you want to try a secret Mexican place with me?" was all I needed to ask. My fun-loving friends were all excited to try this apartment taqueria in Columbia Heights with me. I am all about food adventures, so after hearing great things from two of my blogger friends (Girl Meets Food, The Unpaid Gourmet), I marked it on my calender.

I made reservations for my group of 7 a month in advance because I didn't know what to expect. It's hard enough to get friends together nowadays, plus the place was small so I wanted to make sure we could fit. In the end, we didn't need to do that, but whatever, haha. I'm just going to show up next time.

Our group met up at Sticky Fingers bakery beforehand so we wouldn't make the experience more difficult because apparently previous diners have had keys thrown down to them from the apartment window in order to enter the building. It would have been a hassle to do that more than once. I called to confirm we were on our way and to get the address. Thankfully enough we followed someone into the building who was actually on their way to eat there too!

We entered the tiny apartment with such a warm welcome. The dining room consisted of a single, shared table with the kitchen right next to it. It felt like we were eating at a friend's home with their parents' cooking for us. The other diners were super friendly and told us what their favorite dishes were. You can also watch all of the prep and cooking being done and food gets served very fast.

A small menu in both English and Spanish rested on the table. There were some items the regulars were eating that were not on the menu too. Certain dishes offered less common ingredients like brain, tongue and head. Below are only the dishes my cousin and I ordered because we shared our portion of the bill and food.

'Champurrado (Mexican chocolate drink)' was one of the many cool drink options. It is a thick drink made of chocolate and corn. It was really delicious and warmed me up.

Tamales are one of my favorite Mexican foods, so I ordered a 'tamale with mole sauce' to start off my meal.

Look at the beautiful presentation! My cousin enjoyed her 'chicken tostada', which had freshly pulled chicken.

Ok, some of y'all might think I'm nuts, but this was THE BEST TACO I'VE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE. I still think about it and crave it. This 'beef tongue taco (onions, cilantro, homemade corn tortilla)' was seasoned so simply and perfectly. The tongue was tender, the homemade tortilla had great texture and the veggies brought a crisp and fresh sensation. When a simple dish with few ingredients can be this memorable then it's something special. I didn't have to use any hot sauce either!

The cousin and I shared a 'beef steak and cactus taco'. The cactus actually tasted much different alone, but really complimented the rest of the dish as a whole.

Hot sauces! There were about 6 homemade sauces in the middle of the table ranging in color and spice level. I enjoyed the green ones a lot.

Doesn't that look spicy? Someone told me it wasn't that bad. So vibrant!

Thank you to the family for their hospitality. My friends and I had an awesome time that day eating delicious, homemade food in someone's home. There aren't any prices listed next to the dishes, however all of the food I pictured plus a soda ended up making 2 of us super full for around $18. You can't beat that! I can't wait to go back and get a trio of crazy tacos (tongue, brain, head).

Usually I post pictures of the exterior and interior of the establishments I eat at, but I don't want to compromise the family's privacy. So, if you're interested in checking out this place, shoot me an email!

Open Saturdays and Sundays from 7am – 7pm

Carbon - Rockville, MD

My family friends and I try to meet up for dinner every other month. It's always someone else's turn to pick the place and this time it was to try the new Peruvian chicken restaurant - Carbon in Rockville Town Square. That night was freezing, so hot food sounded heavenly. There is metered parking, and garage parking for $1 using a parking machine. The closest metro station is Rockville on the red line.

Very casual on the inside but clean and simple. You order food up front, give your name and pick it up when they call it.

Here is the self-seating area, which has a good number of tables actually.

The display case of desserts and drinks at the register. The desserts were around $5.

Their menu includes a few items like their signature Peruvian rotisserie chicken, which is marinated in spices for 24 hours then charbroiled on site. They have items "Off the Grill" (like steak, beef, ribs, pork and tripe), sandwiches and sides.

For economical reasons, we ordered '1 Whole Chicken that comes with 2 sides' for $15.50. This was food for 3 people to share, which ended up being plenty. I had a dark piece of chicken, which was so juicy and flavorful, I loved it! My cousin had white meat and raved on how surprisingly juicy it was too. 3 kinds of dipping sauces (mayo-like, spicy green, and a mix of the two) accompany the chicken, which I believe are free unless you want extra for $.50 each.

Who doesn't love fried plantains? We ordered a side of these for $3.50 because if they are on a menu, we're getting them. They were sweet, firm yet soft with nice caramelization on the outside.

The 'rice and beans' were the two sides we ordered along with our chicken. Individually they would have been $2.50-3.00 each. They were really good together as the rice was fluffy and the beans were smooth and had a good amount of liquid. I was hoping they wouldn't be considered individual sides considering I don't know who would order them independent of one another.

I'm getting hungry while typing up this post!

This is a really a nice, quick and delicious place to grab a simple meal. The menu is very straight-forward and the staff was friendly. I will say the desserts were a bit over priced considering you could get a whole meal for a tiny bit more. We actually bought a 'tres leches' to eat at home, which we found to be ok.

100 F Gibbs St
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 251-1944
www.carbonrockville.com

Zengo - Chinatown, DC

DC Restaurant Week was like forever ago, so forgive me, but life gets in the way. The bf and I decided to only check out one place since we did 2 restaurants for Bethesda Restaurant Week. We agreed on trying out Zengo because of my friends' recommendations, and the cuisine. It's a Chinese and Latin fusion restaurant, so it was something different that we haven't had before.
Located in the heart of Chinatown, street parking is limited, but there is garage parking. The closest metro stop is Gallery Place-Chinatown on the red/green line (its literally next to the main metro entrance at 7th & H St).

There are 2 levels to the restaurant. The 1st level is where the main bar/lounge is.

The main floor upstairs is huge! Nice high ceilings and comfy, yet modern decor. They did have these "potato-like" items hanging from the ceiling, which the bf and I found funny.

Isn't it cute? I love the soft lighting and simplicity.

They had a great restaurant week deal ($35, 3-courses). You could choose your 1st and 2nd meal off the menu, minus a few options. Then the dessert was on a separate menu. The prices listed below are the regular a la carte prices for reference.

One of my friends that recommended the restaurant raved about the 'Charred Tuna Wonton Tacos (Sushi Rice, Mango Salsa, Guacamole) for $10. I was in love! The flavors melded together so well, and I ate every little thing off that plate.

The bf and I love duck so he ordered the 'Peking Duck Daikon Tacos (Duck confit, curried apple, orange-coriander sauce) for $10. You have to assemble the tacos yourself and the "tortillas" are slices of radish. Everything together was good, but I would've liked it better if they were already assembled.

For my entree I ordered the 'Roasted Scallops Al Mojo de Ajo (Bacon, corn, sushi rice, yuzu-sriracha aioli) for $22. The scallops were seared perfectly, but the sauce was spicy! I ate 3/4 of it and gave the rest to the bf. He didn't like the bacon in it at all. Overall I thought it was good.

Our server recommended the bf order the 'Beef Tenderloin Palomilla (Sauteed chile pablano-onion, fingerling potato, ginger-serrano sauce) for $26. The meat had a more acidic sauce on it, which I liked but the bf was not a fan. The fries looked like yucca to me, even though it says fingerling potatoes on it. Perhaps I'm mistaken?

For dessert, they had this special item, 'Ancho Chocolate Cake (Hibiscus-sake cherries, milk chocolate mousse) for $6. We did not like it very much because it was a very "musky" flavor. I've had chocolate with chipotles, but the ancho chiles tasted different. The mousse was very mediocre, but the cherries were my favorite part.

The bf got the 'Blackberry & Cream sorbet', which I found to be very mediocre, but he liked it.

Our server was awesome and very knowledgeable of the menu. Our food came out quickly and water glasses constantly refilled. I liked the space of the restaurant and the variety of food. We were about to order sushi (love the stuff) but decided to try something else. The prices are expensive with the entrees being in the $20's. It's a nice place to go on a date or with friends because they have larger tables made for groups.

781 Seventh Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
Tel. 202.393.2929
http://www.richardsandoval.com/zengodc/

Lunch
Monday - Friday 11:30am - 2:30pm
Dinner
Sunday - Thursday 5pm - 10pm
Friday & Saturday 5pm - 11:30pm
Bar & Lounge
Monday - Thursday 5pm - 11pm
Friday 5pm - 1:30am
Saturday 5pm - 1:30am
Sunday Closed
Happy Hour
Monday – Saturday 5pm - 7:30pm

Lima Restaurant & Lounge - McPherson Square, DC

For my cousin's 25th birthday, us ladies went to Lima Restaurant and Lounge off K St NW. We chose this place because we could eat dinner and then stay to party afterwards. They serve 'Latin-infused' cuisine. Street parking is difficult in the city, but there's valet parking for $6 if you're only eating dinner, otherwise it's $20. The closest metro station is McPherson Square on the orange line.

The lower picture is their covered seating area with heat lamps outside. The bouncer checking ID's to get into the place was really rude to us when we asked him to take a picture of us. Not cool.

Lima is 3 floors. The entrance is on the 2nd floor with the hostess stand, bar and projector TV. The Ravens were playing that night.

After waiting around 35 minutes for our table (we had reservations too), we were escorted up to the 3rd floor. The interior is kind of trendy with glass, stainless steel, etc. They also had another screen behind us.

I don't recall being in a more hectic restaurant ever. This is my theory why:

1. The empty table behind the screen was then filled with some important people that had cameras following them around and recording them eat. We think it was The Real Housewives of DC. So the wait staff was literally running around to make sure things were perfect, managers were yelling, etc.

2. It was a Saturday night, so the place turns into a lounge with a DJ at 10pm. We had reservations at 9pm..

3. They were showing the Ravens in the playoffs on both floors.

4. It was DC Restaurant Week.

For dinner all 5 of us decided to get the pre-fixed restaurant week courses ($35.10 for 3 courses), so the prices I list will be as if they were a la carte.

We each got a roll with Lime butter. It was so unexpected (yes I know the place is called Lima) but I loved it. Tasted like 'Tostitos with Lime' chips.

Top: I ordered the 'Lima's Empanada - beef, pastry, raisin, olives, chimichurri sauce ($10).' It was really flaky with a nice filling, and the sauce really tied the whole thing together.

Bottom: 'Wild Ecuadorian Shrimp- lime breaded, ginger passion fruit sauce ($12).' Two friends ordered this and thought the shrimp was good but not with the sweet fruit sauce.

Top: 'Salted Cod Fritters -with spicy tomato sauce and lemon ($9).' As you can see, they forgot the tomato sauce and when we told the server there was a bit of an argument amongst the staff about the status of the sauce...hmmm.

Bottom: 'Chicken Croquettes - with cucumber, queso fresco, spicy tomato sauce and lemon ($9).' She found them to be OK, kind of mushy. The sauce wasn't as flavorful either.

For my entree, I ordered the 'Cuban Chicken (Organic) - Half roasted chicken, lime braised red onions, steamed aged basmati, black beans, fried plantains ($24).' WOW the chicken was SO GOOD. Very tender, seasoned well and juicy. The grilled veggies, rice and beans were so good and complemented the chicken. I was very surprised at how good it was and the portions were huge! I only ate 1/3 of my plate. The plantains were like chips, where as I like them soft. 2 of my other friends ordered the same dish.

Top: 'Salmon (Wild Atlantic)- Latin spices-blackened, grilled vegetables, yellow corn tamale, chipotle mojo ($24).' My friend thought it was good, and everyone kept picking at the tamale.

Bottom: 'Lima's Churrasco- Grilled flat-iron steak, grilled vegetables, steamed aged basmati, chimichurri ($24).' My friend didn't think the steak was that flavorful and was mushy.

We all agreed... Dessert was a Disaster.
Three of us ordered the 'Coconut Tres Leches' , which was so dry! That's the complete opposite of what the dessert is supposed to be. It looked like they took a dry cupcake and poured 3 types of milk over it.

Top: 'Warm Chocolate Cake- Vanilla creme & dulce de leche ice cream ($7).' The only way to describe the cake would be: Powdery. I don't know how that is even possible.

Bottom: 'Flan Caramel - tropical fruit ceviche ($7).' This was the most edible one, but it was more firm than we would've liked the consistency to be.

I have mixed feelings about this place. I think there were more negatives than positives. My Empanada, Cuban Chicken and Lime Butter were the highlights of the night. The atmosphere, service and dessert were poor. The food is expensive, so I wouldn't come here if it wasn't for Restaurant Week. We checked out the basement level after dinner for some drinks and dancing. It was packed and an older crowd (30's) were dancing to electronica. 30 minutes to get my car from valet wasn't fun. So, if you want to go, I'd suggest going on a weeknight for food only, or on the weekends for drinking/dancing only.

1401 K St NW
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 789-2800
 
Mon-Thu. 4:00 pm. - 2:00 am
Fri. 4:00 pm - 3:30 am
Sat. 5:30 pm - 3:30 am

Azucar- Silver Spring, MD

I met up with my long-time friend "Umbrella" for some dinner and catching up. We tried to pick a restaurant that was in between our places, and we decided on Azucar (Fine Mexican, Latin American Cuisine). Located on Layhill Rd with the closest metro stop being Glenmont on the red line. It's in a shopping center with a large parking lot, however every time I go, finding parking can be a little challenging.

There are two parts to this restaurant: a dining room and a room with a bar. We sat in the dining and it was packed! It was Wednesday, and we took one of the last tables. You can't tell what that interior looks like from the outside because of the curtains.
The decor is very warm with votive candles, wall lighting, and colorful walls. The white linen table clothes and napkins are a nice touch too. They do go for a romantic mood, so it can be a bit dim in there.

I think all places should serve chip/dip or bread/butter because people get hungry! The chips were fresh and light with a nice salsa.

My girl ordered the 'Nachos- corn chips, topped with refried beans, Monterrey Jack cheese, guacamole, sour cream and Pico De Gallo' for $7.95. I liked how the chips were spread out on the plate so the toppings could cover everyone. She let me try one, and you can't go wrong ordering this dish.

I decided to order the 'Carne Asada- 10 oz. of grilled marinated Skirt Steak served with salad' for $14.95.' It was very tender, cooked the way I like, and seasoned well. The plate was huge! I ate all of the steak with no problem.


The rice and black beans are the BEST I've ever had. The rice is buttery and light, and the black beans had so much flavor. I loved it so much.

They have a great menu with a salads, meats, seafood and specialities. The staff was very attentive with water, etc. I enjoyed all the food I tried, and the place was packed. I might just come back for the rice and beans, haha. The entree price range is large, between $11-50. Maybe I'll try the beef tongue tacos for fun. Also, check out the bar side. It's a separate room from the dining area so you can't hear the TVs or bar talk. On Sundays they offer a Brunch menu from 11am-3pm.

14418 Layhill Rd
Silver Spring, MD 20906-1911
301) 438-3293
Website

Sunday - Thursday 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM,
Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM to Midnight

La Brasa - Rockville, MD

I had the pleasure of having a casual dinner at La Brasa, a Latin restaurant located in Rockville, MD, close to the Twinbrook Metro stop on the Red Line.

I was pleasently surprised how cute and comfy the place was considering it's located in a more industrial part of the city across from a gas station on Parklawn Dr and hidden in the shadows of the US Health and Human Services Building.

There are outside chairs and tables for those that prefer the ambiance of being outdoors. The parking is on the side of the building and there is just enough.


It being my 1st time here, the outside made it look more like a carry-out place that perhaps had minimal or quick seating...


...but I was wrong! It's very inviting with warm colors, lights and the table cloths. You are able to seat yourself and a server will come over to your table and hand you menus. You also have an option to walk right up the register and order food to go.

As you can see, the place is very small but there are many small tables within the resturant. On a Friday night, it wasn't very crowded, so food was served quickly.


Instead of being my usual boring-water self, I decided to order a special drink they had there, and it was called Tamarindo for $1.75. It is a juice made from the Tamarind plant that looks like a large, brown string bean pod with a couple brown sticky things in them. In a nutshell, the drink tastes kinda like apple juice but with a more fragrant and tart taste. There is no pulp, just the juice, and it's quite refreshing!


A little perk about dining in is the complimentary tortilla chips and salsa. Plus the staff is extremely patient, helpful, nice, attentive and warm. Good service can make or break a restaurant, and this place has awesome service.


This place has food ranging from chicken (which I got and will discuss), to burritos, fish, soups, salads, steaks, carne asada, etc. They also have a large selection of sides including fried yuca, fried plantains, and black beans.

I got the 1/4 dark chicken meal, which includes 2 sides, so I chose the fried yuca and plaintains. All that food was $5.50. What a great deal especially for women who don't like to eat that much so they can save room for dessert like myself. =)

The yuca was very good, starchy, crisp, and fried just enough. I liked eating it with ketchup because they're very much like big french fries but slightly sweeter.


The chicken had the right amount of seasoning. Some other peruvian chicken places are a bit salty which I think can take away from the other spices. The chicken was drier than others that I have had, but was by no means dry. It was very tender, and was easy to remove from the bone.


I'm a huge fried plaintains fan, and these passed my test! They were sliced long-ways instead of into smaller slices, which I think helped make them more tender. They were very soft, caramelized and tasted sweet. I wish I had ordered some to go!


Here is the view of the entire plate to show that it's a good amount of food for the price.


My cousin came along with me and he ordered 1/2 a chicken instead and black beans and rice as his sides. He said he liked the black beans, so I'll have to get them next time.


Here is the rice that he mixed his beans with, and its nice there are some herbs on top to add to the flavor.


With the meals were two dipping sauces. I don't know exactly what they are, but other places I've had Peruvian chick at have also served me the yellow sauce. It seems like a sort of mayo to me. The one on the left tasted spicier version of the 'mayo' to me. For the record my spicy tolerance is pretty low. Like eating too many Hot Fries at once can make me be like "ow" for a second, so please try to use that as your gauge to the hot factor of the sauce.


Even though I'm full, I always have room dessert. So I ordered a slice of Tres Leches cake. In Spanish it means 'three milks' cake, and it's extremely moist, wet even because of all of the liquids. My cousin asked if I wanted to share it, and I said no because I wanted my own!


Dinner was relaxing because it wasn't loud and crazy in there. The service was wonderful. The food was delicious, fast and plentiful. The place is very affordable with $3.75 Tres Leches cakes, and $15.75 Surf & Turf, which is the most $ thing on the menu.

I would recommend this place to anyone who is up for a casual evening out, and doesn't feel up for paying an arm and a leg for good food.

La Brasa
12401 Parklawn Drive
Rockville, MD 20852
301.468.8850
Website