dcglobejotters

Hello, Blog. It’s been a minute. Okay. It’s been A LOT of minutes. But I’m back. And I’m as hungry as ever. Over the past year, I’ve been eating and drinking my way around the DC area (I know, it’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it!) all in the name of research for my next book, Unique Eats and Eateries of Washington, DC. Nearly 100 eateries are highlighted: from family-run cozy neighborhood gems to extravagant Michelin-starred establishments to chocolate and doughnut havens to breweries, tea shops, and distilleries, no sip or savor was left on the table.

Or so I thought. Of course, in the ever-changing restaurant industry, it’s nearly impossible to keep up with inevitable closures, grand openings, and reinvented concepts, especially in a constantly evolving food-centric metropolis like DC. And so, for the next several months (did I mention that my book is scheduled to release in April?! And have I mentioned how utterly excited I am?!), I’ll be sharing some favorites among my most recent dining experiences that didn’t make it into the book. Why didn’t they make the cut, you might ask? Well, for several reasons. But primarily because either: 1. the establishment opened after my manuscript was submitted, or 2. I sadly didn’t have enough space to include them all! And trust me, I tried my hardest to squeeze in as many restaurants, markets, food trucks, bakeries, and watering holes as my publisher would allow!

And so, without further ado, and to stop me from dishing out any more delicious delights from my book, below are 5 swoon-worthy spots deserving of savoring, sipping, indulging, and relishing in around our nation’s capital.

COMPLIMENTS ONLY

Rooted in positivity and birthed out of the pandemic, Compliments Only is where all of your carb-loving, Joey Tribbiani dreams come true. This award-winning sandwich shop checks off two important boxes: 1. a welcoming staff that emanates kindness, and 2. soul-satisfying 10-inch subs stuffed with equally delicious and creative combinations of meats, veggies, and other delectable fillings. Their Farmers Market After Dark sub might just be one of the best vegetarian sandwich compilations I’ve ever had: a symphony of layers of cucumbers, hot and sweet peppers, onion, arugula, shredduce (shredded lettuce), green goddess dressing, and oil and vinegar. Add fresh mozzarella to take this super sub to the next level. Arrive with an empty stomach and a broad smile to match the vibe of this joyful establishment.

Location: 2029 P St. NW

DONSAK THAI RESTAURANT

While the Woodley Park neighborhood isn’t exactly known for its stellar food scene, the zoo-focused enclave has recently been rejuvenated by the arrival of Donsak Thai Restaurant. This cozy newcomer is the brainchild of Beau Thai (proudly featured in my upcoming book! Ack! I’ve I done it again!) alum Supisa Teawbut and Boontom Ratana (the former chef at Arlington’s Urban Thai). Crab Rangoon shines brightly here, crispy wontons stuffed with crabmeat, cream cheese, and scallions, as do the drunken noodles and crispy tofu, pillowy cubes of tofu perfectly fried and served with sweet and sour sauce and crushed peanuts. Don’t miss out on Donsak’s comforting curries. The red curry is a harmonious blend of coconut milk, squash, red peppers, and basil leaves, guaranteed to leave you feeling nourished and satiated.

Tip: Donsak currently only takes reservations by phone. I dined here on a Tuesday night and it was packed, so reservations are highly recommended!

Location: 2608 Connecticut Ave. NW

EL PRESIDENTE

You’d have to be living under a rock to not have heard the buzz surrounding El Presidente, Stephen Starr’s latest gift to our nation’s capital. This dazzling showstopper of a restaurant is reminiscent of the spots you’d come to expect from trendsetting heavy hitters like New York and Miami, bringing a sultriness and sparkle to the already chic NoMa neighborhood that we didn’t know we needed.

The vibrant establishment is a feast for the eyes. Luxuriant murals, crimson and mustard stained booths, fringe-adorned bar seats, and bold (and somewhat bizarre) visions of animated sharks and one-eyed specimens are just the beginning of this over-the-top, whimsical venue.

And luckily for us Washingtonians, the food and drinks are spectacular, too. Starr’s ode to Mexico City features a robust line-up of zesty appetizers, tacos, enchiladas, nachos, mariscos (seafood), a raw bar, and more. Kick off your meal with one of their inventive cocktails like their SGT. pepper or picante Miami, followed by a heaping bowl of creamy guacamole and their light and flavorful Baja tuna tostada. My shrimp enchiladas were melt-in-your-mouth fantastic, and T’s snapper chicharron was divinity on a plate. The only miss of the night was the crab tostada. We found it a bit too creamy for our taste while simultaneously bland.

Top off your night with the El Presidente sundae, a dizzying doozy of a dessert as grand and audacious as its surroundings. A decadent and fitting way to cap off a daring dining experience you likely won’t forget.

Tip: El Presidente is pure fire and so is their wait time, so do yourself a favor and make a reservation in advance!

Location: 1255 Union St. NE

OYSTER OYSTER

This almost vegetarian restaurant, save for its namesake, has been a lovely addition to the already posh foodie neighborhood of Shaw. At its helm is the esteemed Chef Rob Rubba, who boasts a Michelin Star and the prestigious 2022 title of Best Chef in America by the James Beard Foundation. Oyster Oyster prides itself in being rooted in sustainability. Great lengths are taken to procure local and seasonal ingredients from farms and purveyors who believe in organic and regenerative farming practices. The first part of its name pays homage to the oyster mushroom, a favorite ingredient of the restaurant, while the latter represents the importance of the oyster bivalve and commitment to rebuilding the oyster reefs along the Chesapeake Bay.

Diners can expect an imaginative tasting menu, attentive and affable service, and a welcoming space that’s refreshingly unpretentious and relaxed. A winning combination that also happens to be environmental friendly. What’s not to love?

Tip: Oyster Oyster’s tasting menu changes regularly and is currently offered at $105 per person. Optional wine/beverage pairings are available for an additional cost.

Location: 1440 8th St. NW

PETITE CERISE

If I’m being honest, French cuisine isn’t my favorite. Other than its buttery pastries and exceptional cheeses (and let’s not forget France’s greatest contribution to the universe: CHAMPAGNE), it’s rare that I will seek out a French restaurant when dining out. Hell, even on a recent trip to France, I opted for a cheese plate and bread instead of a traditional dish for more than one meal.

But Petite Cerise is remarkably different and it’s here that I enjoyed one of the best French meals I’ve had in a very long time. It comes as no surprise, of course. This dreamy neighborhood bistro comes from the team behind The Dabney, which also happens to be one of my favorite restaurants in the District. While Petite Cerise’s menu changes seasonally, standouts include their beignets, which can only be described as exquisite morsels of heaven, fluke crudo, pan-fried fish, fresh oysters, and pommes frites.

Order the Manifest Bread baguette served with beurre de baratte. Trust me, Manifest is one of the best bakeries around and also prominently featured in my upcoming book (That’s it! This is the last one!).

Tip: Visit Petite Cerise’s website to discover special events and offerings like their Chef’s Dinner Series and Wine Club.

Location: 1027 7th St. NW

Well, there you have it. This closes out 2023…I know, I know…one measly blog post and I act like I’ve been here the whole damn year. Stay tuned for more food and drink recommendations around the DC area and more news related to my soon to be released book, Unique Eats and Eateries of Washington, DC (you knew I had to mention it one more time, right?)!

Wishing you and yours a wonderful and delicious holiday season!