A Breakfast Fit for a Founding Father [DC Summer]

Since starting University Meets Food Diversity, I've made my breakfast and brunch restaurants frequent posts on this blog. While Angelo's and Broken Egg will remain my favorites from Ann Arbor, nothing quite compares to the brunch I had last week at Founding Farmer's in Washington D.C.


Although Founding Farmer's hasn't been in DC for more than a few years (yes, despite it's name it has not been around since Washington and Jefferson were alive...), it has become a staple in the DC food culture. The restaurant's menu consists almost entirely of locally-sourced and/or organically-grown ingredients, so the food is always guaranteed to be incredibly fresh. My dad, brother and I may have only had the opportunity to check out Founding Farmer's brunch selection, but rest assured, I'll be back sometime this summer to try out their dinner menu.


Here's how we did Founding Farmer's:

 

Bloody Mary. In-House Organic Infused Pepper Vodka, Founding Farmers Bloody Mary Blend

 

Drag Through the Garden. Pan Scrambled Egg Whites, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, Spinach, White Cheddar Cheese. 

Pastrami Hash. Shredded Leek Hash Browns, Poached Eggs, Beef Pastrami, Creole Mustard Hollandaise.

Banana's Foster Buttermilk Pancakes. Golden Griddled Cakes, Whipped Farm Butter.

Artisan Thick Cut Bacon with Black Pepper Maple Glaze


Cost? Not the cheapest of fares. While most breakfast meals were between $8-12, you'll want to order plenty of sides and fresh made drinks and juices, which will tack on at least an additional $4-6 to your meal.


Atmosphere? New-age, eco-friendly...yet rustic feel. The pickled vegetables and fruits scattered around the restaurant add to it's organic ambiance.


Best dish? Impossible to give the award to one dish. The Banana's Foster pancakes were fluffy and full of flavor and the banana-rum syrup wasn't too overwhelming - if you're going to get the pancakes you have to get some sort of addition on top. When you go though, you have to get the bacon (preferably with the Black Pepper Maple Glaze). This is the best bacon I've ever had - take it from a girl who occasionally claims to be vegetarian and never eats bacon. This bacon - thick cut and griddled to perfection - is worth foregoing any dietary restrictions you may have.


If you want to check out their menu before heading over:
http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/washington-dc/ff_menus/menu-breakfast/


Founding Farmer's 
1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 

Not Your Average College Late Night

About a year ago I first visited Frita Batido’s and was instantly wowed by their amazing flavors and college-friendly prices. Although this Cuban-inspired restaurant is not located nearby other late-night hangouts on South U or State Street, this should not stop you from heading over to satisfy your need for some late-night munchies.

On top of the savory Fritas (Cuban for “burger”) and sweet churros, Frita Batidos has a new addition that makes this even more appealing to college students – an exciting and varied drink menu.  The drink menu is sure to quench any late-night thirsts. Customers can choose between locally brewed beers, wine, Mojitos and make-your-own style Mix and Match Tumblers. If you’re in the mood for a sweeter drink – ask for a Batido (Cuban for “milkshake) with a splash of rum

On Monday-Friday if you head in between 4-6pm, or the last hour of service nightly, each item on the drink menu is only $3.50 (a steal for the already very reasonably priced drinks).Of course, there’s no better way to complement your drinks than with the other latest addition to the menu – the Chicken Frita. Although my personal favorite is the Fish Frita, the Chicken Frita is a close competitor. Simple yet packed with tons of flavor, this burger will definitely be a great addition to the other inexpensive burgers and sandwiches that fill the menu.

Here’s a glance at the treats Frita Batido’s has to offer:

Ready to late night with a big group of friends? Chef and owner Eve Aronoff recently debuted the “LOVE FEST”. If you bring 20+ people to Frita Batidos any night after 10pm and your group will be greeted with lots of complimentary food and treats to supplement your meal!! You can reserve your LOVEFEST by emailing frita@fritabatidos.com

Prices? All drinks, burgers and side are well under $10.

Atmosphere? Hip, young, inviting and great for large groups.

Best dish? Close call – my favorite will always be the Fish frita with Cilantro Lime Salsa, however if you’re a meat lover, I’d highly advise the Pulled Pork Sandwich.

Location: 117 W. Washington St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104

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

Drink Menu: http://fritabatidos.com/drinks.pdf

Food Menu: http://fritabatidos.com/menu.pdf

THANK YOU FRITAS FOR THE LOVEFEST!!