DCVegEats

Wow.  Actually able to try out a new restaurant which opened during quarantine -- and it was terrific!  Yes, I got take-out, but that was an advantage as I was able to sample a much wider range of menu options.  This place isn't just vegetarian-tolerant, it is downright friendly and the chef seems to embrace the idea of going beyond the expected in this type of cuisine.  A wide variety of dishes are marked as being vegetarian or vegan.  We start with the cheese dip which is not your typical electric orange stuff which echoes the artificiality of Velveeta.  No, this is a much less refined but far better tasting dip which seems to have a base of crema, cojita and roasted poblanos.  Honestly, I could have eaten it solo with a spoon.  The chips are equally nice being made onsite, and were still warm when I got them home.  Nothing here is what you would expect ... it is better.  The Empanadas are my favorites with light and fluffy exteriors...

If you love local restaurants as much as I do, the thought of all the struggles they are facing (along with their employees) is heartbreaking.  From the very beginning, I made a pledge.  In addition to donating to charities for out-of-work restaurant staff ( https://www.ramw.org/coronavirus-worker-relief-fund ) I would get takeout at least once a week.  I've stuck to that, trying to balance my choices so that the waistline didn't expand along the way.  So far:  Peter Chang's, Raaga, Mexicali Blues, Bethesda Bagels, Pupatella, Lebanese Taverna, Sweet Leaf, Oby Lee, Masala Express, Troy's Italian Kitchen, Silver Diner, Il Radicchio and two local Farmers' Markets.  Up next, Bakeshop, Livin' the Pie Life and True Food Kitchen.  Keep the faith, folks.  If we all pitch in (and what a huge challenge -- having to eat food you don't prepare!) we can help these places out.