Dinner at Red Hen DC

By now most have heard about Red Hen, which opened in 2013 in the ‘up & coming’ area of Bloomingdale neighborhood.

After putting Red Hen on a sticky note I was finally able to remember to suggest it for dinner one evening.  So off we ventured.  We put our names in with the hostess then hovered around until bar seats became available.  The space is semi-small so tables and bar seats require a small wait (unless you had prior reservations).

I would describe the interior to be minimal/rustic with lots of wood-everywhere, with a negative being that the space gets extremely loud and the lighting is rather low (as you will see from the photos).

We first ordered the salt cod brandade with chives and garlic toast.  I was not actually sure what this would be and have to say I would never order it again.  It was similar to fish tasting mashed potatoes…. 😉

We followed with bowls of pasta.  Though a small portion for someone with a large appetite, it was a perfect portion size for me.  The pasta was fresh and something I would recommend trying, potentially as an appetizer before ordering a larger plate.

Though I did not get a photo of it, one of my favorite parts of this dining experience was that Red Hen and DC Brau (basically DC’s golden child when it comes to District breweries)  had done a beer that was brewed with wine leaves and it was this wild combination of beer/wine tasting.  I have never had anything like it and would certainly trek back to Bloomingdale just to have it again if it was on the menu.  As far as the rest, ehh, it was okay.  Worth trying at least once.

Details: 

The Red Hen 
Neighborhood: Bloomingdale
1822 1st St NW
Washington, DC 20002
202.525.3021
Serving: Dinner
Price Range: $5.00 – $25.00

 

 

Dinner at Hill Country

Coming from NC, barbecue was a main staple of my diet.  We’ve had a hard time finding some good barbecue, and Hill Country is definitely not like North Carolina bbq, but it is a good second with their Texas style bbq.

Hill Country has a unique set-up.  They sit you down and each person gets a meal ticket.  Then you go to the “market” and order up your meat then get your bread and sides.  A friend and I share The Two-Step (for 2) or each get The Pitmaster if we want different sides (lean brisket, pork spare rib, beef rib; quarter chicken, and two sides).

If I am not as hungry (or wanting leftovers), I like really like the Longhorn Brisket Chomp which comes with 1/3 lb. lean brisket, a side, and cornbread.  When they slice the meat, it won’t look like much, but you it will most likely fill you up, but if it doesn’t, then go back to the marketplace or eat dessert!

Hill Country can end up being on the expensive side, so make a reservation on Savored DC for up to 30% or sometimes LivingSocial/Groupon/Travelzoo have a Hill Country deal too.

Details: 

Hill Country
410 7th St NW
Washington, DC 20004
202.556.2050
Serve: Dinner
Price Range:

Happy Hour at Tortilla Coast

One weekend I happened up on Happy Hour at Tortilla Coast.  They have margaritas on tap.  Yeah you read that right… frozen margaritas…strawberry, lime, or prickly pear. Delish!

They also have some great food specials during happy hour such as tostadas, molotes, quesadillitas, and tamales and just $4.00 each.

I wish that I lived closer to Logan Circle just to be closer to Tortilla Coast (I’ve been to the one in Capitol Hill but didn’t like it as much).  Cheers!

Details: 

Tortilla Coast
1460 P Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
202.629.3280
Serve: Brunch, Dinner, Happy Hour
Price Range:  (happy hour) $4.00 – $5.00

Dinner at District of Pi-DC

The District of Pie started out as a food truck and added on a brick and mortar location near Chinatown/Penn Quarter.

Now the caveat with DC PI is that they are ‘supposedly’ known for their Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, but I actually did not like it very well, but what I did really like was their regular thin crust specialty pi.  The crust is good and slightly crispy, the toppings are great, and the portion is good enough to certainly share with a few people.  My favorite of their thin crust is the East Loop, which is mozzarella, pesto, roasted chick, mushrooms, and onions.  I love pesto and I love mushrooms so this pi is made for me!

Also, if you are looking for an appetizer, they have some of the absolute best oven-blazed wings I have ever had.

Another tip, stick with the beer or wine… A group of us tried out a few of their specialty mixed cocktails and I’ll just say, it is better to stick with the thin crust pizza here 😉

Details: 

District of Pi (aka. Pi-DC)
910 F St NW
Washington, DC 20004
202.393.5484
Serve: Lunch, Dinner
Price Range:  $4.95 – $22.95

 

Brunch at Sixth Engine (Round 2)

I bragged about how amazing Sixth Engine was back in January, but I have to tell you about my second visit to Sixth Engine for brunch with my Mum.  I requested to sit upstairs just so she could enjoy the exposed brick, murals, and lighting.  I just love this space.  If I was looking for a rehearsal dinner (or even reception site) in DC, this space would definitely be on my list.

We ordered a round of the chocolate chip flapjacks (which is buckwheat batter, Vermont maple syrup, butter, & whipped cream).  Which is what I had in January but devoured before I remember to take a photo.  So here they are… even though the photo is still not that great…Sorry!

Mum ordered a No. 6 which is two eggs (any style), sausage, ham, hash browns, and toast (or english muffin).  This sounds like your standard brunch meal, but it’s not.  The sausage is huge and amazing, definitely not shipped in and frozen.  Plus everything else taste really great too.  This is now what I order every time.

 

During the summer months, Sixth Engine also has a great patio area out front, so take advantage when the weather is nice.

Details: 

Sixth Engine
438 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.506.2455
Serve: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Bar
Price Range:  (brunch) $8.00-$19.50  (drinks) $~10.00

Dinner at Founding Farmers

If you ask me what one of my favorite restaurant is in all the land, I’ll tell you Founding Farmers.  Just a few blocks down Pennsylvania Ave from the White House, this restaurant has become my go-to restaurant for celebrations and when visitors come into town.

I first stopped in at Founding Farmers for an early dinner after a day at the Legg Mason Tennis Tournament and have continued to go back at least a few times a year…

I have tried a few things on their menu, but typically do not deviated away from their southern pan-fried chicken and waffle dish.

The fried chicken and waffle comes with Founding Farmers delicious mac ‘n cheese as well as one side from their always changing side menu.  Plus, the some syrup and gravy  to top it all off.

Off their small plates/appetizers list, I always ask what the popcorn of the day is, but usually go with the Smears, Dips, and Table breads.  The skillet corn bread is rather amazing as well.  I also decided one evening to try the Bacon Lollis, cinnamon-brown sugar glazed thick cut bacon.  I clearly liked them…

If you possibly have room for dessert, their Uncle Buck’s Beignets are something that every person should try, especially with their sauces.

Another cool tidbit, is that Founding Farmers doesn’t have a cork fee for the first two bottles of wine, so you can bring your own along and save some $$$ that way!

Dinner is a must!  Recommend getting reservations as the reputation of this place is well known… making the wait quite long sometimes.

Details: 

Founding Farmers
1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20006
202.822.8783
Serve: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Bar
Price Range: $2.00 – $18.00

Dinner at El Centro D.F.

El Centro D.F. is one of Richard Sandoval’s restaurants, which includes 19 restaurants, like Zengo, Masa 14, and Ambar.

We started out the evening with a $4.00 happy-hour margarita in the open-air (but covered) bar upstairs.  The happy hour guacamole and house made chips is a great starter to go with the El Centro margarita as well.

For dinner I ordered up one of the Grilled Nopal taco option, which came with three tacos made with cactus, vegetables, chayote, queso fresco, salsa roja, rice, and beans.

If you are looking for Mexican near 14th st/U Street this is worth dropping by for, especially if you want to take advantage of the drinks/tacos during their rooftop happy hour.

Details: 

El Centro D.F.
1819 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.328.3131
Serve: Dinner, Bar
Price Range:

Dessert at Shake Shack

With winter behind us and summer in its place (what happened to spring?!) I suppose that some talk about ice cream is in order… (although I’d eat and write about ice cream probably any type of weather, cause it’s one of my favorites!).

I met up with a friend for a snack at Shake Shack and I wasn’t in the mood for a full meal, so instead I opted to try out the custard flavor of the day, which just so happen to be peanut butter chocolate all in one.  Jeepers, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.  Shake Shacks Custard Calendar (<–this one is April) is updated each month so check online or in stores to see what the latest flavors are.  Looks like the month of April has some amazing flavors with Malted Marshmallow Milk Chocolate and Boston Cream Pie as flavors. Oh boy!

   

So needless to say I loved every single rich/decadent bite of my frozen custard. Whether you find yourself near Dupont Circle or at Nat’s Stadium, some frozen treat from Shake Shack is definitely one to try…plus their other food is top notch too, especially their cheese fries!

Details:
Shake Shack
1216 18th St NW (at Conn Ave.)
202.683.9922
Serve: Lunch, Dinner, Dessert
Price:
Custard/Concretes$3.25-$6.50
Food: $3.00-$8.95