Food on Wheels, The Final Chapter [DC Summer]

My summer in DC and the food truck adventures that have come along with it have finally come to an end. To celebrate both my last day of work, and last day in DC, Stef, Laura and I met for a final food truck lunch break.

To get through all of DC's food trucks, I'd need 5 more summers down here (and a lot of dedication) - so I'll leave this food truck adventure and this summer saying that this is only the beginning. For my last food truck, I went for Korenergy - a Korean food truck serving up familiar classics like BiBimBap. And...even though it was a sweltering hot DC day, nothing satisfied my hunger better than a warm bowl of Spicy Chicken Bibimbap.

Here's how it looked: 

SPICY CHICKEN BIBIMBAP

[mushrooms, rice, sprouts, radish, carrot, broccoli, egg, sesame oil, pepper paste]

Cost? For $8 you'll get a bowl that's big enough to (happily) satisfy you through the rest of the workday.

The bowl was a perfect balance of spicy, tender chicken complimented by crisp, fresh vegetables and was a great way to end both the summer and my DC food truck adventures.

Putting to rest the [DC Summer] food adventures for now and continuing to blog as I head back to NJ and soon (but not soon enough...) Ann Arbor!

Small Plates and Big Appetites [DC Summer]

Fun.fresh.fast.delicious. These are the only words needed to describe the meal that we ate at Zaytinya last Saturday. Luckily, the benefit of going to eat at a "small plates" or "mezze" (for mediterranean food) style restaurant with 8 girls was that we were able to sample almost the entire menu. Each dish we tried was absolutely mouthwatering and flawless with its' balance of flavors and spices. 

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves - but if you're in DC for the weekend and only have one restaurant to try, this one is it. The price is right, the atmosphere is fun, and the food helps to bring the dining experience to another level. 

Here's how we ate our way through Zaytinya's menu:

HOMMUS

[puree of chickpeas, garlic, tahini]

BABA GHANNOUGE 

[fire-roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon, garlic]

TARAMOSALATA
[traditional spread of cured carp roe]

HTIPITI
[marinated roasted red peppers, feta, thyme]

CRISPY BRUSSELS AFELIA
[brussels sprouts, coriander seed, barberries, garlic yogurt]

SPANAKOPITA 

[house-made phyllo, spinach, feta cheese]

SEASONAL MUSHROOMS
[sautéed mushrooms, dates, toasted almonds]

BAMYA
[caramelized okra, fresh and crispy chickpeas, cardamom tomato stew]

GRAPE-LEAVES DOLMADES
[grape leaves with rice, tomato, fennel, pine nuts, golden raisins, served with labneh]

GARIDES ME ANITHO
[sautéed shrimp, dill, shallots, mustard, lemon juice]

SEA SCALLOPS

[seared scallops, yogurt-dill sauce]

BAKALIAROU MAVRO SKORDALIA
[ouzo battered black cod, orange, potato-garlic puree]

AGLAIA KREMEZI STYLE CRAB CAKES
[mini jumbo lump crab cakes, roasted garlic yogurt]

KOTOPOULO YOUVETSI
[chicken, orzo, tomato, kefalograviera cheese]

SPECIALS:

 DESSERT:

Cost? Most dishes are between $8-14 and 2-3 per person is more than enough for a complete dinner.

Atmosphere? High-ceilings, bright colors and modern decor make this a chic, fun atmosphere that's appropriate for dates, fun meals with friends, and family dinners. The bigger the group you go with, the better. Trust me, you'll be wanting to sample the whole menu.

 

 

If you want to check out the menu before heading over.

Zaytinya

701 9th St NW

Washington D.C.

Behind the Bookshelf [DC Summer]

There's no better way to finish off a jam-packed weekend of eating, exploring, and lots of walking than with a Sunday brunch. While I've covered most of Ann Arbor's brunch offerings (like Angelo's, Broken Egg and Afternoon Delight), I've only just grazed the surface of the hundreds of brunches scattered across DC and this weekend when my mom was in town, I had to try out one more.

Nearly every full-service restaurant here has their own take on a Sunday brunch - ranging from the classic eggs and pancakes, to the not-so-traditional crab cakes benedict or chicken and waffles. Knowing that my mom would probably choose a breakfast that falls somewhere in this range, I chose to take her to Kramerbooks and Afterwards Cafe in DuPont Circle. 

Kramer's is slightly deceptive - from outside it looks like any other bookstore in DuPont or nearby neighborhoods, but once you're inside and behind the books, you'll find yourself in food heaven. Kramer's unsuspecting appearance and incredible food is what makes it so great

Immediately after being seated, my mom and I were greeted with homemade breakfast breads and jam (such as buttermilk biscuits, coffee cake and sweet muffins), alongside fresh orange juice. As if this wasn't enough, the service was fast and friendly and we were served our main meals in under 10 minutes of ordering them. Everything on the menu is absolutely worth-getting and is more than enough food to fill you up for the afternoon.

Here's how my mom and I did Kramer books:

ORGANIC MUSHROOM OMELET

[portobello & organic mushrooms sautéed w/shallots in a 3-egg omlet w/Jarlsberg cheese]

SOUTHWESTERN OMELET

[sweet peppers, onions, mild green chilies, jack cheese, corn & scallions;folded in a three-egg omelet with guacamole & salsa; mini quesadilla]

Cost? Kramer's brunch runs a little bit higher than what I'm usually willing to spend for brunch (most dishes are between $15-17), however, you're paying for quality and great service.

Atmosphere? Go for the indoor/outdoor seating - you'll get all the sunshine of a DC summer morning in the comfort of an air-conditioned atrium.

Check out their Sunday brunch menu to try it out for yourself. Or, if you're not in the mood for brunch Kramer's also offers up an awesome dinner selection.

Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe

1517 Connecticut Ave. NW (Across from DuPont Circle Metro, Q St. exit)

Washington DC

When It's Acceptable (And Required) To Eat With Your Hands [DC Summer]

I think everyone can remember when they were younger how many times their parents told them not to eat with them hands or fingers (this was something I, unfortunately, heard too many times). So, when I suggested to my mom that we try Ethiopian - a cuisine that is eaten only with your hands, using the injera bread in place of utensils - I was surprised at how receptive she was.
 

When I visited DC with my family a few years ago, I was amazed at the amount of Ethiopian restaurants that were scattered around the city. I love the spices and flavors of Indian food, and eat Meidterranean and Asian foods regularly, but Ethiopian was something I had yet to try. This summer before I left DC I was determined to try Ethiopian food, which led both my mom and I to Das Ethiopian last Friday when she was here to visit. 

For most of my reviews, I focus solely on what was ordered and how the food looked. But with Ethiopian, it's truly about the experience of eating the food. Every dish or platter is served on top of injera bread, a bread made from .........., that has a spongy, light consistency.You're given additional bread that will take the place of your fork and knife for the meal. And, when you're done with the dishes that are served on top of the injera bread, you can finish off the now spice and marinade bread (making for a great end-of-meal treat).

So, to start we ordered...

MUSHROOM INGUDLAY TIBS

[Sautéed mushrooms, onions, special sauce with a touch of chili peppers] 

And for the main meal....

CUBED BEEF SPECIAL TIBS
[Extra lean cubes of beef marinated in our chef’s special sauce]

DAS COMBINATINO VEGETARIAN ENTREE SAMPLER
[Collard Greens Gomen, Red Lentil Miser Wot, Split Pea Kik Alicha, Ethiopian Harvest Vegetable Specialties, Cabbage with Carrots in Sauce Tikile Gome, Eggplant and Carrot Wot]

Cost? Most dishes range from $13-18 and for the amount of food given, this was a good deal. The abundance of injera helped to ward off any feelings of hunger we thought we might have afterwards when we first saw the size of the dishes. 

Atmosphere? Great for the pseudo authentic-Ethiopian food lover (someone looking for authentic Ethiopian cuisine in the comfort of an upscale restaurant). Excellent service.

Best dish? The vegetarian sampler - yes, the whole thing. While the meat dish and mushrooms were full of flavor, it was the depth and variation of spices in each small sampler on the vegetarian platter that made this dish truly enjoyable. If you go, my best suggestion is to order a single meat dish alongside the vegetarian platter so you have enough variation without overwhelming your palate (or your stomach). 

If it's your first time eating Ethiopian, do NOT be shy about asking the waiter or manager what kind of dishes you should be getting - in the end you'll be happy you did.

Here's their menu to check out before heading over.

Das Ethiopian
1201 28th St N.W. (Corner of M and 28th in Georgetown)
Washington DC

Food on Wheels, Chapter 3 [DC Summer]

As I had written about in my previous post, whenever a visitor is in town it is absolutely necessary to show them your favorite places to eat. Although I had missed most of Jordan's visit to DC because I was away for the weekend, I was lucky enough to grab lunch with her, Pam, and Corey this past Monday and have them all partake in my summer food truck adventures.

Mediterranean-style food is one of the most common across all of the food trucks, so it's hard to distinguish which one to choose and if it's worth foregoing some of the other food options. However, when we came across the Kababji food truck we knew this one was worth stopping for. The food is a great deal - for $9 you can get a meat or vegetable platter with rice and two generously portioned sides - or if you're not quite that hungry a $4-5 salad or side will be more than enough to satisfy your appetite. 

All of the food is fresh, light, and authentic. If it wasn't for the incredibly fast service (you'll have your food in your hands by the time you finish your order), I'd be doubtful that this food came from a truck.

Here's how we did Kababji:

Grilled Vegetable and Rice Platter 

with Labneh (house-made strained yogurt cream spread)

and Baba Ghannouj (fresh roasted eggplant lightly mashed with tahini, lemon juice and a dash of garlic)

Grilled Chicken with Kababji Salad 

(diced tomato, cucumber, dry mint, lemon juice and a hint of balsamic vinegar)

Hummus

Follow where the Kababji Food Truck is today @KababjiTruck or visit their website to see all of their offerings.

Not nearby their trucks? Kababji also has a full-service restaurant located in Dupont Circle that's worth checking out. 

Kebabji

1351 Connecticut Ave N.W.

Washington DC

A Hot Mexican Fiesta for a Cool Summer Night [DC Summer]

Everyone knows that when a visitor comes in for the weekend, it's necessary to take them out to your favorite restaurants and show them around to your favorite parts of town. This past weekend, Lizzie came to visit from Michigan and it was only appropriate that Jenna, Melissa and I showed her the best of DC (which meant lucky for us, we were able to be tourists all over again).

Located right outside of DC in Arlington is Guapo's which offers up fun, fresh Tex-Mex cuisine...and don't forget the homemade tortillas. These tortillas are the best tortillas you will ever eat - and there's no doubting that they're made fresh all night, just look at the tortilla oven when you walk into the restaurant. The theme of fresh, homemade food is present in all of Guapo's dishes, even the salsa and chips.

Since neither Jenna, Lizzie nor myself were that hungry because of our continuous eating adventures throughout the weekend, we decided to split two entrees and were more than satisfied with the amount of food we were served.

Here's what we got...

Chicken Fajitas

Served on a sizzling platter over a bed of sauteed peppers and onions 

Vegetable Fajitas

Combination of zucchini, mushroom, tomatoes, broccoli and carrots

Both fajitas were served with Mexican rice, a la charra beans, guacamole, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, Mexican butter and homemade tortillas on the side. The vegetable fajita was a great complement to the chicken fajita and provided a lighter fare to what I normally would consider a heavier dish.

Best dish? Since we only went for the fajitas, it's tough to judge how the other dishes at Guapo's would have matched up. That being said, they all looked incredible and I'd highly suggest getting any dish that comes with or is made with their homemade tortillas. Between the two fajitas, the chicken fajita's flavorful marinade and tender, juicy strips is what made this one the winner.

Cost? Most fajitas were between $13-17 dollars, though they're large enough to share. Other dishes ranged around the same price and for the amount of food you're given, this place is a great deal.

Atmosphere? Fun, young and lively - great for both large and small groups.

Here's their menu if you want to check it out before heading over.

Guapo's

4028 28th St South
Arlington, VA

Food on Wheels, Chapter 2 [DC Summer]

To continue this summer's Food Truck adventures, I met Julian, Faith and a few of Julian's co-workers for lunch last Friday and decided to try out the Kimchi-BBQ Taco truck. Although Kimchi had one of the longer lines in Franklin Square that afternoon, it was well worth the wait. 

Here's what I went for...

Spicy Chicken Kogi (BBQ) Box with white rice, salad and vegetable dumplings.

The rice and salad were nothing out of the ordinary - but it was KimchiBBQ's spicy chicken that made this meal particularly memorable. The chicken was packed with deep flavors, a mild spice and was extremely tender. Complimented by crisp, fresh dumplings, this BBQ box really hit the spot.

If you're not in the mood for one of their BBQ boxes, I'd suggest trying out one of their Burritos, filled with your choice of Kogi (Pork, Short Rib, Beef or Chicken), Kimchi and rice. Or opt for their three taco deal and choose between three of KimchiBBQ's delicious homemade tacos.

Most meals range between $8-10, an incredibly reasonable deal for the amount of and quality of food you're getting. Another great food truck to add to this growing list of DC eats.

 

Follow on KimchiBBQ on Twitter @KimchiBBQ to see where they are located today!

Ready to Test Your Luck for Some Frozen Yo? [DC Summer]

Over the past five weeks that I've now been in DC, I've worked through my fair share of yogurt spots. While some offer up a tarter blend and others a sweeter, creamier yogurt - one has successfully set itself apart from the others for one reason: trivia. 

Mr. Yogato located at 1515 17th St NW takes frozen yogurt to a different level. Yogurt-goers have the option to answer up to 4 daily trivia questions and each question you answer right will snag you an additional 5% off your final bill. If the trivia isn't enough of a challenge for you, Mr. Yogato offers a more difficult challenge that's fit for only the most dedicated frozen yogurt eaters. Those who eat at Mr. Yogato for 30 consecutive days will have a new combination named after them - are you up for the challenge?

The atmosphere makes you feel like you're stuck in a 90's videogame - fitting for the Nintendo Entertainment System that's right next to the counter. While you're enjoying your soft or tart yogurt (or new flavor of the week) you can play a relaxing game of Candyland. As I was saying, this isn't your average frozen yogurt spot.

Overall, the yogurt was one of my favorite I've had since being in DC. As someone whose a huge fan of a more tart yogurt, Mr. Yogato's really hit the spot and the endless and creative topping options, such as junior mints, cocoa pebbles and yes, siracha, made it worth the trek up to DuPont. 


Cost? A small or "little" yogurt costs $3, and a huge costs $5, before your trivia discounts and without toppings. Toppings cost an additional $1-2 depending on how many you're in the mood for. 


If you want to check out their website before heading over: http://www.mryogato.com/


Mr. Yogato
1515 17th St NW, Washington DC

Food on Wheels, Chapter 1 [DC Summer]

A short lunch-hour break (or in my case half-hour) doesn't allow many Washingtonian's the opportunity to get a good sit down lunch. So what's the solution to satisfying an empty stomach and crammed lunch-break? Food Trucks.


Scattered all across DC are a variety of food trucks serving up cuisines ranging from Bibimbap to Mexican Tacos and homemade Mac and Cheese. Some trucks have their own take on some well-known classics (like the BLT mac and cheese) while other's stick with the traditions they know best - like homemade gyro in fresh pita. Regardless, any truck that you choose is guaranteed to fill you up with some delicious food without bursting your wallet.


Luckily, the food trucks found me - only a block away from my office (around K and 13th if you're living in DC) is a food truck mecca. Everyday at least 8 food trucks are present and the actual food trucks vary on a daily basis.


Throughout the summer, I'll blog about each "chapter" of this food truck experience and hopefully along the way find out which food truck wins the race.


June 14 2012 - Sate


Between trucks decorated with pictures of food that leaves you salivating and yearning for free samples is an unsuspecting red truck bearing only the words "Sate Indonesian Food" in white writing. So why did I go for this truck when the others were waiting to reel me in? Simplicity. Sate's food and menu is simple, serving only two options, with a combination platter as the third, leaving you less overwhelmed and more ready to eat.


Here's what I went for.....

Chicken Sate with Spicy Vegetable Stew, Rice and Peanut Sauce - $8

Julian and Faith went with different trucks - Julian went with the gyro and Faith the chicken bowl - and both looked equally as delicious. Look out for posts on these places in the coming weeks.

Looking to track where your favorite DC food trucks are today? follow @foodtruckfiesta or visit the Food Truck Fiesta website for an up-to-date track of the DC food trucks.

Small-Bites and Big Flavors [DC Summer]

To continue this past weekend's eating and exploring adventures, Stef, Lauren and I decided to make a reservation at Ping Pong Dim Sum after stumbling upon it on our way to Dupont Circle. The restaurant's sleek and modern atmosphere is what instantly drew us in - not to mention all of the dim sum that was being served to the customers seated outside. 

Over the past few weeks I've featured several restaurants in DC that serve up small-bites. Bodega in Georgetown cooks traditional Spanish Tapas, while SEI in Penn Quarter offers small plates of Asian Fusion fare. What separates Ping Pong's cuisine from the others is the fact that it gives you the dim sum experience in a more American setting - and away from the traditional style of serving and eating dim sum.

With so many options to choose from, trust me you're best off going to Ping Ping with a big group so you can really sample the menu. If not though, don't worry...you'll be more than satisfied with any of these dim sum dishes.

Here's how we did Ping Pong Dim Sum:

chicken puff.

puff pastry filled with tender chicken breast, flavored with soy sauce, spring onion and topped with pineapple

beef and black bean puff.
thinly sliced beef with peppers, onions, and black bean sauce wrapped in puff pastry

seafood dumpling.

crab, shrimp and scallop, in a carrot pastry

king prawn and scallop sticky rice.

seafood and rice in a steamed lotus leaf

golden vegetable dumpling.

sauteed vegetables with olive oil, shallots and garlic and a touch of tumeric

in a golden color pastry 

vietnamese rice paper shrimp roll.

shrimp, rice noodles, vegetables served with fish sauce, lettuce and mint

steamed edamame.

spicy vegetable dumpling.

mixed vegetables, chili and garlic in a translucent pastry

Cost? Most dumplings (steamed and fried) were between $5-6 and were served in threes. On average, 3-4 orders would be enough for a complete dinner, though I would advise going with a large group so you can share and try out the entire menu.

Atmosphere? Hip and modern - a great weekend spot. This place is perfect for a date night or for large groups. Try to get a spot outside, its' location in Dupont is hard to beat.

Best dish? Difficult to say - each dish was extremely unique and brought a different flavor to the meal. I wouldn't be quick to get another chicken puff - the idea of sauteed chicken in a puff pastry wasn't particularly appealing, though the flavors were great. Of all the dim sum we ordered, my favorite would be the Vietnamese Rice Paper Shrimp Roll - fried just right (not too oily or too soggy), this roll was a great modern take on the traditional spring roll.

If you want to check out their menu before heading over:

http://pingpongdimsum.us/#eat-and-drink

Although the restaurant was not packed until around 9pm on the Saturday that we went, I suggest getting a reservation before heading over, especially as the summer goes on. 

Ping Pong Dim Sum

1 Dupont Circle NW, 20036

To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth [DC Summer]

Since starting my internship, I have come to realize that weekends have one purpose: to explore all of DC's incredible offerings (which can usually be narrowed down to food, monuments, and lots and lots of walking). This past weekend, Lauren, Stef and I covered a lot of ground in the NW quadrant of the city and came across some incredible restaurants and events that made this a truly unforgettable weekend.


Our unintentional discovery of The Taste of Georgetown is what led us to checking out Baked and Wired. Located at 1052 Thomas Jefferson Street NW, Baked and Wired offers a decadent array of cookies, cupcakes, bars, pies and other baked goods that are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.


We were lucky (and hungry) enough to sample a few of Baked and Wired's treats. Here's how it went:

An assortment of Baked & Wired cookies

Strawberry Cupcake.
Vanilla cake with fresh strawberries folded in the batter finished with a swirl of pink buttercream.

O.M.G. 

A graham cracker crust is layered with homemade caramel, marshmallow and a bittersweet chocolate glaze. 

Blueberry Pie. 

Blueberries with a dash of cinnamon in a double crust.

Berthas. 

Soft oatmeal cookies filled with cream cheese frosting. 

Banana Nut Bread. 

Sweet and moist banana loaf with walnuts and mini chocolate chips.

Best bite? Without hesitation, the Strawberry Cupcake. Each bakery in Georgetown has it's own take on this classic dessert - but it is Baked and Wired's fresh, creamy frosting layered on top of a fluffy, sweet cake - that make this dessert a true winner.


Not in the mood for a cupcake? Try out the O.M.G. bar. With layers of gooey caramel, crunchy graham cracker, fluffy marshmallow and semisweet chocolate - this bar lives up to its' name...and then some.


If you want to check out a full list of their baked offerings before heading over, visit:
http://bakedandwired.com


Baked and Wired
1052 Thomas Jefferson Street NW
Washington, DC 20007