DCVegEats

This local farm-based diner has always far exceeded one's concept of a traditional diner but the latest version of their voluminous menu goes even further, making "plant-based eating" a primary goal.  With a significant number of dishes marked for vegetarians, vegans and gluten free eaters there are enough choices here to return several times in order to try it all.  It's not just veggies, it's flavorings.  There is an Asian influence as well as Central American seasonings.  Prices range from reasonable to mid-range.  The menu lists dishes for under $10 and dishes which are less than 600 calories.  On my latest visit I got a brown rice bowl with Asian-inspired tofu and slaw, along with greens and radishes.  My companion got a green salad with was rich with dark greens and sauteed vegetables.  Both dishes exceeded expectations on flavor, with subtle and complex seasonings interplaying.  The one downside was the brussels sprouts, which were a...

Finally, a few things at Ballston Quarter worth going back for.  Roll'd , a sushi place with a few other options has veggie dumplings which were exquisite.  Hand-made dough which was nicely chewy and a cabbage/carrot/corn filling that delights made for a great appetizer.  It looked like there were other options (one sushi, a beet poke bowl and some sides) which are also veggie but weren't listed as such so I just tried the dumplings.  Fortunately, based on the goodness of the dumplings I think I will likely give this place a second try.  There is also Sidekick , a quirky bakery partner to Ted's Bulletin, which also just opened.  Offering some very "different" items (a Reuben croissant, amongst others) it initially seems to be a focus on volume more than quality but that was challenged a bit in the items I took home to try.  The Everything Croissant (cream cheese and everything bagel flavoring) and the Frostee + Fries Croissant (chocolate malted &...

Okay, not DC.  But this is a possible day-trip and for those who wander out there it is nice to know if there are any veggie friendly options.  There are, sort of.  A few things to know.  First, this is a tourist town.  It is pretty much shut down from Monday through Wednesday.  If you want to actually see many of the attractions (most of which were closed during my visit) go Friday or Saturday.  You can even check the online calendar to see if there are any special events, such as the Chocolate Festival I "just missed" ( http://berkeleysprings.com/festivals/ ).  Second, there are really only about three blocks along the main drag (South Washington Street) and a block in either direction which one would want to wander around.  I can't imagine spending a week here.  Go for some window shopping and meals, a spa treatment, a soak in the waters at the State Park, then head home.  Make sure to gas up in Virginia as the gas tax here is ...

Green Pig Bistro isn't exactly what you think of when you want a veggie-friendly restaurant.  But then, it's not meant to be.  Born in the era of charcuteries this pork heavy restaurant is true to its name.  In point of fact I have dismissed it many times due to the limited veggie options but it was Father's Day and I was curious about a place which repeatedly tops the list for brunch spots in Arlington.  Reservations were made in advance and for the most part, it did not disappoint.  I ordered completely off the a la carte menu, getting two eggs scrambled, cheese grits and the biscuits with cream cheese and hot pepper jelly (yes, this a place where you have to "earn" the meal through workouts the day before).  The eggs were voluminous and tasty, not overdone at all.  The biscuits were firm and flavorful (although I would have liked the jam and cream cheese to be served on the side rather than pre-schmeered into the cut biscuits) and the grits, heavi...