DCVegEats

Returned from an overseas trip (abruptly) to an empty fridge and a more empty grocery store.  Instead of getting my "list" of grocery items, I went for what they had.  Coleslaw mix (basically shaved cabbage in a bag), some hot peppers, Thai Eggplants and picked-by-hand Spinach (complete with clumps of mud).  Started searching recipes.  Made an Asian stir-fry yesterday, will do a Coconut Green Curry tomorrow, then soup.  Days of meals off of the leftovers of the produce department.  Not bad!  Flexibility, patience and a willingness to try new things is a must in this day and age.  Yes, I will be buying some restaurant take-out (they desperately need the funds) and will not be eschewing Asian places.  There is zero fact -- fact, not fear -- that the poor of this nation who man the kitchen areas of restaurants are more likely to spread any kind of disease.  Much more worried about my elderly white parents in a community of other elderly w...

Tried out a new Middle Eastern restaurant, Astor Mediterranean, which was so weak it didn't deserve a review.  The DC Metro area is replete with really good Falafel and Babaganoush options these days.  This one simply didn't rise to any kind of bar. Also stopped by Union Market again.  It's worth a return visit since the vendors change a good bit.  New additions include local favorites, like  Teaism .  On this most recent trip I had a savory black truffle crepe from Petite Loulou , which was just delightful. In other news I may have finally found some real competition for the top-of-the-line Chocolate Croissant at Best Buns .  Another downtown appointment led me to Firehook Bakery .  Their huge croissant isn't as flaky as those at Best Buns but it is the first chocolate croissant I've had where there was actually a lot of chocolate.  Good chocolate, too.  The thing to do would be a taste test -- compare them back to back.  Bu...

An appointment downtown allowed me to do lunch at this ritzy upscale restaurant only a block or two from the White House.  Under the Knightsbridge Restaurant Group umbrella (Rasika, Olivia, Modena, Bindaas, Oval Room, Sababa & Annabelle) this one didn't fail to disappoint.  Food was outstanding as was service.  Prices for lunch were somewhat reasonable -- I got out for under $34 with tax and tip, although I do have some problems with their pricing scheme which I will address later.  It is a quintessential DC style establishment.  There was Mozart playing as I arrived, and an interior which screams elegance from any time period from the 1950s to now.  The seating might be the most comfortable I've ever had in a restaurant.  Yes, there is a dress code, and tables are arranged (with white tablecloths, of course) in such a way to provide a sense of privacy, if not actual privacy.  During my meal a diplomatic meeting was clearly taking place...