DCVegEats

This unique restaurant in North Del Ray came up as one of the rare Nepalese restaurants in the DC Metro area.  The staff is gracious.  I was doing take-out but was served water and the "special bread" at the bar, along with pickles, while I waited for my order to be prepared. There isn't a lot of veg stuff on the menu but a definite effort to cater, with a couple of dishes being noted as vegetarian options.  I ordered the Classic Royal Thali, vegetarian version.  I laughed when the waitress asked if "that was all" as it is a very large dish, a sampling of nearly all the offerings.  I got a bag with no less than seven separate containers of food.  The result was mixed.  The "special bread" was a small circle of slightly sweet bread, lightly fried with sesame seeds.  It was yummy.  The pickles were terrific -- unique veggies pickled with a spicy seasoning and sesame.  The rice tasted and smelled funky and came with avocado, which I can almost guarant

Tried out another Wharf restaurant last night.  Kaliwa, a mix of Filipino,  Korean and Thai fare.  The menu listed only one veggie option so I selected it -- the Bibimbap.  Fortunately for me, the waiter forewarned me that the selection was made with Oyster sauce.  He said they had a green curry, not on menu, which could be made veggie.  I opted for that, despite his warning that it would be very spicy.  It was.  I was able to mix in a lot of rice (one of my companions is trying to cut back on carbs and the other didn't see the point of eating rice in addition to noodles) but it would be too hot for many.  Note to restaurant owner:  When you indicate that a dish is veggie it CANNOT INCLUDE OYSTER SAUCE. While my group and me waited, we enjoyed the fun, funky atmosphere.  I got a couch seat, which was nice on my back, but given the numerous food stains on the velour, may not last.  We read the "About Us" handout and admired the neat aluminum chopsticks.  Unfortunately

Yes, there are multiple Lebanese food establishments around the DC metro area, including the very respectable Me Jana in Court House, but Lebanese Taverna reigns mostly supreme.  Lebanese food offers a host of veggie options and I have been a patron of this locally grown restaurant chain for many years.  The good:  My favorite is the Lebanese Taverna Marketplace on Lee Highway, where one can grab nicely tart Dolmades, fresh Baba Ghanoush and tangy Shakshouky along with a yummy Spinach Fatayer.  Periodic cooking classes in the basement include occasional veggie options and lots of laughs (and wine).  Head over to the Pentagon Row restaurant for a large, rotating menu, which often includes more than one way to experience Falafel.  My one caveat -- I have learned to avoid the original spot in Westover.  There is just something "unwelcoming" about it, like I am crashing in someone else's living room.  This came to a head during a birthday celebration when we arrived to a mo

This New York City transplant has been the talk of the town but I have to say I'm not a fan.  My first try was a Creme Soda Cookie at &Pizza.  It was ... kind of blah.  Not as sweet as a sugar cookie but otherwise bland, I didn't feel encouraged.  Then, I was down at the Wharf and grabbed a slice of Crack Pie.  This gave me "intense" gastrointestinal distress so I figured I was not a Milk Bar person.  Nonetheless, I like a good dessert and figured it is "three strikes" before you are out so I went to the Logan Circle flagship location.  With parking (pretty neat for DC) it was smaller than I expected, being the "lab" store.  I went on a Wednesday as that was supposed to be their big experiment day but nothing was going on.  I had a Dulce Con Leche MilkQuake (thicker than a milk shake).  Caramel flavored chocolate ice cream was wrapped around pretzels and butterscotch bits for a hugely yummy treat.  The only problem was that it was "too m

Given that this is summer, thought I would depart briefly from my restaurant reviews to talk ice cream.  The impetus for ice cream in the summer begins with the Good Humor ice cream truck.  Earlier this summer I was at my childhood home when "that sound" came up.  The jingle jangle of the ice cream truck.  All of us, mostly aged 50 and up, squealed and ran out to see a 1950s era ice cream truck coming up the street.  Along with neighbors and very few kids, we each got a treat.  I went for the classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bar (230 calories), something I always got as a child, usually for 50 cents.  Well, they aren't 50 cents anymore and don't taste anything like strawberries or even anything natural, but there is a small sense of pleasure at going back to your youth, however briefly. This was followed by my determination to find the "best" of the various ice cream bars out there.  Magnum made a major splash with their overtly "obvious" c

This is one of those places where you take that first bite and you are transported.  It's like, "bite" then "ooohhh" and "aahhh".  This counter-top, quirky location has lines out the door whenever it is open.  The menu varies and is placed on a chalkboard each day with a clear delineation for carnivores, vegetarians and vegans.  The decor is eclectic.  The inside section seats maybe a dozen and has walls covered in random signs and grafitti which covers the amusing to the artistic.  The outside seating looks like the tables and tents that your family puts up for a neighborhood barbeque.  The whole thing has an off-beat funky feel more likely at a private home than a restaurant.  But let's get to the food. The samosa filling is light and airy.  And yes, there is dipping sauce!  Fruity, tangy, acidic and slightly spicy, it makes a perfect accompaniment for the mild samosas.  I also got the fried spinach cheese rolls.  Not my thing but a great &qu

Hate to flame a restaurant, particularly this one, which has had its share of issues.  A reminder this is a blog about veggie places and it is possible that the meat offerings at Bistro 1521 are just fine.  The meal I had, however, was just sad.  It should also be noted that the menu I was given at the restaurant bore little resemblence to the one online.  They did highlight a vegetarian sandwich with some sort of shredded carrot and other ingredients.  I got it, along with a side of sweet potato fries. A "slab" of the carrot stuff showed up on a massive bun.  The bun was bland and too much.  I scooped the carrot mixture off the bun and ate it alone.  It was actually pretty good and would have worked had it been served on a seasoned flatbread or in a wrap of some kind.  The fries were limp and cold.  Returning to my theme -- no sauces.  Nothing to dip fries into, nothing to invigorate the carrots.  Come on, folks, condiments ~matter~! Bottom line:  Won't go back.

This small cheese shop has blossomed into a restaurant chain with real appeal.  From Del Ray to Shirlington, Ballston and now Mosaic, these restaurants have grown far past their cheese board beginning to honest-to-goodness restaurants.  The food leaves you feeling well-fed without feeling overfull or like you have blown your diet.  The salads are "okay" (my last experience involved a pear which wasn't particularly ripe and walnuts which tasted burnt) but the soup, grow-up mac and cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches are terrific and worth repeat trips to try them all.  The cheese boards, which they began with, are not to be dismissed, with multiple and interesting "sides" which deeply enrich the cheese selections.  From a veggie standpoint, there have been challenges when they have special menus -- for restaurant week, National Mac and Cheese Day, etc. where veggie alternatives are not always offered.  That being said I like this place a lot and visit often

There is a glut of Indian restaurants in this area, and many are very very good.  That being said, I continue to rank Raaga as a long-time favorite.  Their simplisticly decorated dining room allows the food to be the focus.  The large menu means lots of choices for each diner.  One thing that sets this Indian restaurant apart is a Tomato Curry soup, which is unlike any other soup I have ever had.  They use curry from the curry plant to give the soup a nice heat which is transformative.  It's a "feel good" dish if ever I have had one.  I get it almost every time I go and when I don't, I get some to take home.  The food in general has a nice heat to it without being overwhelming, which makes it great for groups.  The restaurant isn't perfect.  Despite the fact that they have 11 (!) breads, the bread is not the biggest star on the menu, sometimes being overdone and rarely "fluffy".  Nepalese dishes have been added in recent years, meaning that there is al

I can't speak to the wine at this unique little spot but the crepes are, quite frankly, to die for.  One would never expect this quality at a paper-napkin counter service restaurant but the food far exceeds the humble settings.  I find myself going back again and again, so that I can try out every variation offered on the rather large menu.  They mark everything for dietary options and even have tofu chicken (which I haven't tried yet).  Don't expect speed here.  There are usually only a few people working and the crepes and their contents are not made until you order, so it takes time.  The result is often presented like an artistic masterpiece, looking too pretty to eat.  Feeling full after every meal, I haven't yet made it to their takeout pastries, but those are "on the list" to check out as well.  Never think that a 20 seater restaurant can't satisfy. Fast Casual Creperie and Wine Bar 3000 Washington Blvd. https://www.obylee.com/

This Spanish restaurant in Ballston is one of my "regulars."  With their recent flood I can only tell folks that they should come back, and do so soon.  The spare setting reflects clean, yummy food prepared fresh for each order.  While they do have the tapas which is raging elsewhere I prefer this restaurant for their solid sandwiches at lunch (for tapas, you really just have to go to the overpriced but wonderful Jaleo).  Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are clearly outlined on the menu which ranges from tapas to sandwiches to large entrees.  I've had any number of their offerings and am always happy with my selection.  Food is flavorful and sometimes surprising.  Go for it. Spanish 1110 Glebe Rd. http://www.ser-restaurant.com/

This Jose Andres counter service veggie joint was even better than HipCityVeg.  The warm salad bowl I had (the "Frida Kale") was a truly inspired mix of ingredients:  Rice, Kale, Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Tomato Sauces, Cherry Tomatoes, Scallions, Corn Nuts, Pepitas and Cranberries with Lemon Honey Dressing.  It was a perfect balance of sweet and savory, crunchy and smooth.  The kale and sweet potato could have been cooked a little more and the rice cooked a little less but the overall effect (for less than $9) was totally worth it.  One note of concern was the facility quality.  The table was sticky, the bowl I had was cracked, and some rodent "material" was clearly visible on the window ledge (inside).  Despite those concerns the thoughtfulness of ingredient choices was intriguing and this will stay on my list for future visits -- although maybe carryout next time. Fast Casual Vegetarian Multiple locations, I went to: 1528 Connecticut Ave, NW http://beefs

Got a flier in the mail for this unique blend of offerings restaurant and noticed a real effort to provide veggie sushi selections.  (Yes, vegetarians might like sushi, and not just for the wasabi ...)  Picked up a couple of lunch rolls (cucumber and avocado) which came with a Miso soup which the Maitre D' assured me was 100% veggie.  Even though this was take-out, the service was very friendly.  The food was good -- quite good, enough so that I will be going back to try out the other veggie rolls.  Two minor compaints.  Way too much soy sauce (two containers of it) and not enough wasabi.  Other than that, this one is definitely on the list for a second round. Cajun Seafood and Sushi Restaurant 3225 Washington Blvd. http://asiatiquedmv.com/

A big question in the vegetarian and vegan world is whether one needs meat substitutes to mimic meat or not.  While I like my fake hot-dogs and bologna (in a wrap, no less) along with my fake homemade chili (thank you Morningstar Crumbles) I've rarely had a veggie "burger" that satisfied.  In general, I'm not a big fan of the growing list of pseudo meat products.  I honestly don't remember what steak or chicken tastes like and I never liked seafood so faux versions of those items are rarely an enhancement to a meal ... for me.  For others, who knows?  Tempeh, Seitan and Tofu can be a rough transition for your average meat eater, so it is possible that these pretend meat substitutions can make the idea of eating vegetarian seem more palatable (although I have it on good authority from a number of non-vegetarians that they actually don't taste like meat).  Who knows?  My stepdad loves the fake bacon and a local bar used to make a veggie chili so good that patr

Attending yet another protest in DC I chose to grab lunch at this vegan place across from the Capital One Arena.  Wall-to-wall crowded on a Sunday I managed to grab a stool and greatly enjoyed my Carrot Ginger Lemonade, which hit the perfect spot on a hot summer day.  I also got the Chipotle Fajita Wrap.  I liked the seasonings and most of the ingredients (cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado, chipotle crema).  Ironically, the fake "Blackened Chick'n" was the least interesting part of the filling wrap.  It kind of gets into that thing about whether vegetarians need meat substitutes which mimic meat or whether a good veggie option is sufficient.  In this case, the "Chick'n" was not really needed.  Bottom line:  I would go by again if in the area, if only to try out other options on the menu. Counter service vegan 712 7th St, NW http://hipcityveg.com/

This classic Del Ray restaurant has been around a while and finally landed on my "to visit" list.  I got a Samosa, Garlic Naan and the Kadai Chole.  The Samosa was different from what I have experienced in the past.  Tasting more baked than fried they had a solid filling which was somewhat unique (unfortunately my palate can't tell you why, but they didn't seem to be the standard potato/chickpea filling I am used to.)  No dipping sauces, which is a thing, but quite good nonetheless.  The Naan was amazing -- light, fluffy, heavily garlicky, and better than the Naan in my favorite local Indian restaurant (Raaga).  The Kadai Chole, listed as "spicy" was the hottest thing I have ever eaten.  I like spicy but this is the first time I have ever found that line of "too much."  The head waiter, seeing my distress, brought some Cucumber Raita, free of charge, to help cool me off.  The very affordable lunch prices belied the linen napkins and high-end sett

One of those restaurants I had "passed by" for years, I finally got a chance to check it out.  I ordered the Vegetable Buns and the Stir-Fried Spinach with Garlic.  Both were very good.  The buns, listed as an appetizer, were really a meal in and of themselves.  Unfortunately, they came without any kind of dipping sauce, which just seemed odd.  When I took home leftovers I tried using Hoisin and Duck sauces to zip them up a bit.  The spinach and garlic was just that -- very fresh spinach with lots of garlic.  I ate the leftovers of that for several days as it made a perfect accompaniment to many dishes.  Bottom line:  I would do take-out, most likely, if I am in the area again but might not make a special trip. A variety of Asian cuisine offerings 3434 Washington Blvd. https://www.mala-tang.com/

The latest incarnation of restaurants at the corner of Wilson and Quincy in Arlington (there seems to be a new restaurant there every year or so) I was eager to try out the Indian buffet offered at lunch.  The problem with a buffet, of course, is that you can't select the options and the options on the day I tried it were not the choices I typically make.  No Channa, no Spinach, no Samosa, no bread.  Also, they had quite a number of meat options and didn't make clear which were veggie and which were meat.  Which leads me to:  Not all Indian restaurants are hugely vegetarian.  The truth is, a good number of Indian restaurants are actually being run by Pakistanis, who eat far more meat than Indians.  Why don't they call them Pakistani restaurants?  Politics.  In any case, was this good?  It was okay.  Given that the selections were not ones I would make I would say the food was "okay" without being outstanding.  The seasoning was non-existent or forgettable. Bot

Came upon this one by accident while touring 14th Street with my mom.  An extremely diverse menu of noodle options from a host of different cultures, it was a delight.  The bar-like interior is blended with exceptional and thoughtful art installations and unique light fixtures.  Had the Taro Spring Rolls and Red Curry Noodles.  My mom got the Brussels Sprouts and the Shrimp Pad Thai.  The food was fresh, clearly hand-made and well seasoned.  One small hint -- when they say spicy, they mean it.  My mom caught a small bit of hot pepper in the Brussels Sprouts and was coughing for a bit.  I got the same thing when finishing off my noodle left-overs the next day.  Bottom line:  Would absolutely go back.  Too many neat things to try and a great price-point for very good food. Unique Asian food offerings 1412 U Street, NW http://dcnoodles.com/

Heard about this one on Eater DC.  The biscuits live up to their reputation.  They are huge, fluffy and just downright yummy.  A perfect balance of sweet and salty, I got the biscuit with sorghum butter (OMG) a baked egg and the gouda grits.  The egg was forgettable but the grits were downright addictive.  Staff was super friendly and offered to freshen my water and even bussed my tray even though this is a counter-order place.  Bottom line:  Return, definitely.  Have to try out the Rice Krispy treats which could feed a small country. A breakfast/lunch spot in Del Ray 2309 Mount Vernon Ave. https://www.stompdelray.com/

I don't eat exclusively at veggie restaurants but I do appreciate it when an omnivorous establishment makes an effort.  So, IMHO, what constitutes "veggie friendly"?  A veggie friendly restaurant is one which marks veggie selections, usually with a (v) and/or makes a point of writing out on their menu that they are happy to adapt items to dietary restrictions.  A veggie friendly restaurant can also be one where there is more than one veggie option.  An Afghani restaurant nearby has a great veggie entree -- but only one.  I like it but I don't visit often unless I am in the mood for that exact meal.  I will admit to a personal bias.  I tend to "expect" Indian and Italian restaurants will have a good number of choices for veggies and get peeved when they don't.  In the meantime, here are some do's and don'ts for restaurateurs: 1)  Don't get attitude.  If you don't serve veggies, then just admit that up front without talking down (I'

I was dying to check out the Wharf and started with Lupo Marino.  I was surprised in a number of ways.  1) It is one of the few restaurants with no water view.  Pearl Street is essentially an alley and I got to watch trucks back up into delivery spots for most of my meal.  2) Most of Italian restaurants have a plethora of veggie options.  This one doesn't.  Even the Arancini comes in a beef ragu.  3)  The place is small.  Very small.  Squeezing in the seating means a lot of back-of-chair bumping.  4) Wharf restaurants are not cheap.  Be prepared for some sticker shock. I arrived just as they opened for lunch and it wasn't clear if they were really open.  After trying to get me to sit in a corner of the bar, I was able to convince them to let me sit at a tall table near the small window.  I wasn't hugely hungry so I skipped the appetizers and salads and went for the only veggie pasta  -- a Cacio E Pepe.  It is a simple and classic djsh with black pepper and parmesan, typ

Selected this restaurant for Father's Day.  Had a reservation for 12:15 but it was a zoo with people waiting in the walk-in line out the door and up the block.  Arrived 15 minutes early and they would not seat us at that time.  Along with others who had reservations, we stood, cramped, in the small entry area.  It was very noisy.  They kept calling out names but you couldn't hear the names they were calling.  At 12:15 "on the dot" I went up to the Maitre' D's desk and reminded them that we had reservations.  They seated us at this time, fortunately upstairs, where it was quieter. The server was very helpful and nice and the food quite good.  I had the bourbon batter french toast.  The toppings were fresh fruits, not sweetened sugary stuff, which I liked.  The "bourbon" in the toast was not particularly evident and the toast slightly overdone and did not have the fluffiness I look for in "awesome" french toast.  It was just okay.  The hi