District Of...

Colorado Kitchen - 50s diner meets Grandma's Kitchen

2007-10-14T19:53:00.000-05:00

Colorado Kitchen is an unsuspecting little cafe, nestled in a cluster of stores tucked away in a far corner of upper Northwest (more accurately, the 5500 block of Colorado Avenue). Though located in the largely residential Brightwood neighborhood, Colorado Kitchen drew a crowd that belied its quiet surroundings. We arrived and were quoted a wait time of 45 minutes for a party of two. When we asked about the handful of empty tables in the restaurant, we were told that the "servers are catching up" and sent outside to wait. To appease the waiting masses, a large thermos of complimentary coffee was placed outside, but was quickly drained and not readily replenished.

Our wait was slightly longer than quoted (it was 55 minutes before we were seated) and poorly managed. At one point a hostess came out and said that any two parties of two who were willing to sit at a four-top together could be sat then, and took the first two parties who responded, who happened to be the last two parties to arrive. Overall the seating process seemed very disorganized.

Inside, the decor is kitschy and cozy. Black and white tiled flooring and red and chrome furniture is reminiscent of a 50's diner; the assortment of vintage Campbell's, Quaker Oats and other advertisements and chotskies makes it feel like the warm country kitchen of someone's grandmother. Adding to this welcoming vibe is co-owner and chef Gillian Clark who was visible in the kitchen. The tables are clean, each topped with a different ceramic salt and pepper shaker (ours was two ears of corn) and a small plastic sign advertising Gillian Clark's new book and their fall specials (pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin beer and sweet potato pie).

The brunch menu features the standards (eggs cooked to order with hashbrowns, eggs benedict, french toast) as well as fried catfish, grilled jumbo shrimp, and homemade donuts and donut holes. The written commands on the menu are whimsically worded(children must be seated at all times, else the "leg irons are in the basement."), but a little reminiscent of Seinfeld's Soup Nazi. Our server was perfunctory, greeting us and immediatey asking if we were ready to order. I ordered eggs over medium with hashbrowns and an assortment of three homemade donuts; my companion ordered scrambled eggs, hash browns and biscuits. The drink menu alone is an impressive site, comprised mainly of various floats and flavored sodas. I stuck with a large cup of fairly weak coffee; my companion ordered a black cherry soda.

The donuts arrived at our table hot and fresh; and we soon learned were the second to last batch they sold for the day. The assortment included donuts topped in powdered sugar, toasted nuts and a chocolate glaze. Rich and savory, they were well worth the wait! The biscuits were as round as silver dollars and thick, fluffy, and just the right mix of sweet and salty. The hash browns were fresh and perfectly seasoned and my eggs came out perfectly - fluffy whites and gooey yolk.

The menu was a little on the pricier side - the Eggs Benedict were priced at $12.95 - but the food quality was top notch. Everything was very fresh and had a delightful home-cooked feel to it. The service was the only real pitfall; the staff seemed disinterested and overwhelmed, but for this, the food and atmosphere more than compensated.

Colorado Kitchen is worth exploring, but get there early - by the time we were seated the kitchen was out of several items, including grits, and the day's special of french toast.

Haydee's - A pleasing find in Mt. Pleasant

2007-02-07T09:47:00.000-05:00

The 'Gringa loves her some Mexican food. I do not discriminate - be it Taco Bell or the utmost of authentic south-of-the-border cuisine, so long as "mex" is involved somewhere I'm content.
So naturally living in a predominantly Latino section of the city has presented me with a wealth of options for getting a burrito fix. The best of which, in my opinion, is Haydee's Restaurant on Mt. Pleasant street near Irving Street.
It kind of looks like a strip club or something skeevy from the outside. The small-ish windows are covered in Christmas and neon lights and are blocked on the inside by several green plants. Inside however it is bright, and though larger than expected is still very cozy. It was a Sunday and the place, though not packed, still had a good sized crowd, including a group near the bar watching football. We barely had time to look at the tequila list before our server appeared. She was not overly friendly, but very quick and attentive without being intrusive. There was a minor language barrier issue, only a problem when we veered away from the menu (she was a bit confused by questions of substitutions and my request for box).
As might be expected the margarita and tequila list is pretty lengthy. I ordered a pineapple margarita. Though I was expecting something more along the lines of a rocks margarita with pineapple juice, the frosty blend of pina colada mix and house tequila was still tasty. My companion ordered a traditional margarita, on the rocks and with salt. Unlike many other establishments there wasn’t an overkill of sour mix, and enough of a tequila kick so that you knew you were getting your money’s worth.
My companion ordered a combo with an enchilada and a chimichanga. I chose the “Twin Burrito” entrée which featured both a beef and a chicken burrito. Each entrée was just $6.50, including sides of beans and rice – that’s cheaper than just one Chipotle burrito! And while the price was right, the portion was even… righter? Our server brought out large oval platters, with heaps of beans and rice on either side, and our entrees in the center under a delectable smothering of cheese and sauce. Each of my burritos was a good size, not as large as Chipotle, but a big bigger than Taco Bell, to give you an idea. Everything was amazingly delicious, not only then but the next day when I devoured the leftovers for dinner.
Total cost? Just $12 for the massive entrée and margarita (before tip).
The only negative were the complimentary chips and salsa. Neither were fresh nor particularly tasty, I’ve definitely had better at some of the bigger chain places like Chevy’s or Don Pablo’s. But considering the size and quality of the entrees there is no need to waste precious tummy room on chips.

Viva Ventnor!

2007-01-28T19:09:00.000-05:00

Dear happy hour enthusiasts,

What can I say? Gringa and I are becoming quite the experts at finding those happy hour "deals". And while going through some old photos, I found a small remnant of one such very happy hour!

Ventnor Sports Cafe in Adams Morgan is quite the unassuming venue for anything out of the ordinary. It's a bar, a sports bar, to be slightly more specific. And your experience there will probably be nothing surprising, until... it's time to pay the tab. As you can see, being able to beat the bartender in a challenging game of rocks paper scissors makes all the difference when it comes time to whip out that debit card!

Sincerely,
Happy Hour Guru

The Melting Pot '07: Round Two!

2007-01-16T12:02:00.000-05:00

Reservations for ten? No problem! That is, after our spunky crimson diva (she's always in red & black) had something to say about it. What we didn't realize was that the tables actually had electronic equipment built in -- kind of hard to move them about, duh. But I guess logic comes a little later when one has a fancy Strawberry Basil Mojito or Paradise Punch in one's hand!

The occasion -- a birthday celebration for our newest and fabulous colleague. She's like a mini superwoman around the office and her kryptonite ultimately maker her one of us (everyone hates a pointless memo...).

After socializing at the bar, we were finally seated at a very intimate circular booth. We crammed in, claiming our seats and also the color of our fondue forks (hey, it's important!). We even shuffled around, making sure that the seat to the left of VirGringa was free for the "single guy" attending the dinner. He was really quiet...

Soon after, the square table next to us became available and we scooted over there (can we say, "High Maintenance"?). Much more space for everyone, ideal. I sat down next to VirGringa, forgetting to leave that special seat free, but she gestured for me to stay put. Yeah, the quiet guy wasn't so impressive, oh well!

A lesson learned from our last Restaurant Week outing at this location -- it's much better with a crowd! VirGringa and I warned everyone of the impending belly expansion that would take place... "I'm a little melting pot, full? yeah just about!" And actually, the continuous passing of the bread, etc. helped keep one's own serving to a minimum.

On the menu (keep in mind we had two pots due to the large party):
~ Fiesta (cheddar/Mexican herbs) & Traditional Swiss (white wine/garlic) Fondues
~ California, Chef (both included in the Restaurant Week selection) & Mushroom Salads
~ Court Bouillon (seasoned vegetable broth) & Bourguignonne (Euro style/cholesterol-free canola oil) Cooking Styles
~ Original (milk chocolate/peanut butter) & Flaming Turtle (milk chocolate, caramel, pecans -- flambeed!) Fondues

Instead of the flight of wines we tried last time, we remembered the one that had stood out and got a bottle of that sparkling pink wine we loved ~ Banfa Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Aqui 2005 (absolutely delicious!)

Despite the switching of the tables, the indecisiveness of picking two selections for each of our fondue pots, and the customary waiting as the final check made its way around the whole table... our server was extremely patient, pleasant and upbeat. A second thumbs up for the service and atmosphere!

***

This post is dedicated to friends old and new. To the old one who has moved a few blocks down -- we miss you already! And to the new one sitting right behind me -- have I told you how happy I am to have you on my team??

Looking forward to another great outing ~ Peace Out!

West End of the Work Day

2006-09-12T11:56:00.000-05:00

I know I know, it's really Foggy Bottom. But what young, up and coming professional wants to work in a foggy bottom? Bottom of what? And it's also kinda Georgetown, but better. And the number one reason for superiority -- the monument to the fittest (and hippest) survivors -- can be found on 25th St., between M and L Streets, NW. I'll give you a hint: it's the only upscale grocer that services you in Hawaiin T's. Beat that, Social Safeway!

Outside, on beautiful blue cloudless days, the West End seems almost surreal, with its perfectly paved sidewalks, spanking new condos, and... (There is surely more!) Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, floating on the foam of a venti skim triple-shot wet capuccino. But as we come back down to the district, landing inevitably in some automobile's way, we realize (after quickly dodging a hell bent bicyclist), that this is not just some posh poster of the most fab neighborhood, but also a place of work. Yes, the posh must also put their nose to the grindstone, and for most of the day, we will not see what these little devils get themselves into. Past all those glossy windows in the sky, there will be meeting after meeting, window-lined offices, money being made. Big talk, big business. And of course, the flip side...

"I sit in a closet squeezed into the nook of an L-shaped shelf. I've filled this tiny place with small remnants of me, to make it more my own space. I used to have a miniature Zen garden, but fidgety fingers of others kept raking the sand for kicks. Recently, I brought out my mini billiards table, making sure to keep the tiny balls inside the triangle, rather than roll around all over the place. Tacks, tacks everywhere, pinning up guidelines, rates, glossy photos of this fabulous institution. The only splashes of color that stand out against the gray walls are from various cards of well wishes over the years, along with blue yellow and green Post-It's all askew, reminding me of work numbers to other worlds outside this closet.

One corner of my small space glows throughout the day, and it is toward this light that I direct most of my attention. It is my communication hub, my filing cabinet, my Google friend. In the other corner a black box chatters nonstop with its blinking lights and monotonous call. I am here!

I have a sort of manual conveyor belt along this L-shaped ledge. My mini information highway has two lanes, and the fast lane better keep a'movin', or else there'll be a knockin' on my closet (door). These lumps and clumps of stern nods of agreement, professional handshakes, elaborate plans of leisure-like business gatherings come to me and leave me daily, via this assembly line. I first disassemble, and peer and poke and then notice -- a hole here, an aberration there -- and get to work. I chatter back to the black box, consult the glowing orb. I stand and step out of my closet momentarily. On swift days, when the belt is well oiled and the traffic moving along, I can easily plug in the hole, and click away the errors. Inevitably, there will be some days where the lumps and clumps simply must move over a lane, and then I anxiously await the missing puzzle piece to come my way.

Such is the way in which eight and a half hours go by. From one closet to another, Hellooo out there...!"

The 51st State

2006-08-29T19:46:00.000-05:00

This one is for Sprezzaling for all her daily reminders that I need to post more.

The 51st State - an obscure little place nestled in the West End. It's a bar with an identity crisis. Is it a dive bar? Neighborhood bar? College bar? Irish bar? YES!

It's got a motley crew of a crowd but everyone is there to have fun. I have never been in a DC bar with such friendly folks - why it's almost like being in a Baltimore bar (mock the "hons" all you want, there is a reason they call it Charm City). Every time we're there it's a party.

51st lured us with it's 50 cent taco night (Mondays) which were convenient to our softball schedule. Nothing assuages a sports-related ass-kicking like a plate-full of 50 cent tacos and a beer. For 50 cents you are definitely getting your tacos worth - real ground beef, cheese, lettuce and sometimes onions. They are meatier than a Taco Bell taco... and less likely to wreak havoc upon your digestive system.

But wait, there's more - a wonder known as 10 cent wing night. For college students or young professionals like Sprezzaling and myself (who, considering the socio-economic status of the average GW kid are probably on the same budget as they are) this is a really great alternative to spending money on this thing they call "groceries"

Two evenings with dinner and drinks for under $5. Freakin awesome.

Dining in Dupont... Melting my worries away

2006-08-21T09:09:00.000-05:00

VirGringa and I were able to squeeze in a last minute reservation at the Melting Pot last Friday before the (supposed) end of Restaurant Week.

The summer months are slow for us at work, so the day dragged on, and floating images of melting dripping cheese swam in front of my computer screen throughout the day, and especially during lunch! My stomach got the better of me though, and I caved and actually had lunch in the cafeteria, knowing that a full meal would be waiting for me at 7:15 PM! Oh well, I have to get through the day, right?

The timing was just right, though. After work, we headed out toward Dupont and stopped at the M Street Grill on the way to have one margarita each, just to warm us up. A few quick glances at the time, and we continued on our way to 19th Street. The Melting Pot is in a cute neighborhood, with popular restaurants of all cuisines lining the same block. It was early evening on a Friday, and the nightlife was already beginning to peak out from the shadows.

Funny looking restaurant -- the entrance looks a bit like a dentist's office, with no purpose except to lead you to the stairs on the left, which go down into the actual restaurant. It's dark and cozy down there, and quite a "date" place, if you needed such a venue. There are more booths than tables, and the backs of the booths go up enough that you cannot see anyone else when you are seated. VirGringa quickly noticed how much this bothered me, as I kept popping my head up to scan the crowd.

The deal for Restaurant Week was excellent, as we had a four-course, rather than a three-course meal for our delight. We started off with the Wisconsin cheese fondue; some tasty salads; the Mojo broth for the shrimp, meat, and veggies; the to-die-for Oreo chocolate fondue; and then indulged in a flight of four half-glasses of various wines. Our favorite was a sparkling red wine which was served with our salads -- delicious!

Quite a treat and a unique dining experience ~ Our server was extremely pleasant, as was the bar staff and hostesses, and I am eager to go back and dip my way through the whole menu!

One minor disclaimer: It would really be a good idea to fast throughout the day before sitting down for fondue madness... VirGringa and I had quite a difficult time getting back up those stairs.

Still hungry?

2006-08-20T22:54:00.000-05:00

Found on Downtown DC BID:

Restaurant Week extended @ the following:

~ Butterfield 9... (butterfield9.com)
~ Indebleu... (bleu.com/indebleu)
~ OYA... (oyadc.com)

One more chance! Go for it ~

Mt. Pleasant Tonic... It's good for you

2006-08-18T09:38:00.000-05:00

Every August, without fail, I get sick. This is due in large part to the impending doom of Labor Day, the end of summer, the shorter days and the evenings that will soon be too cool to enjoy happy hour outdoors. As a result, I spend way too much time drinking and way too little time sleeping. My theory is, I can sleep in the winter - isn't that why it gets dark at 5pm?

But far be it from me to forgo what's left of summer nightlife over a silly cold - I just switch from beer to something with o.j. in it and sally forth - isn't vitamin C and activity supposed to be good for what ails you?

Also good for what ails you - Tonic, in Mount Pleasant. It offers all the coziness of a neighborhood bar without coming across as a dive. It's like an upscale Cheers. Drinks are good and relatively inexpensive for city drinking, the bartenders are efficient and attentive, striking that perfect bartender balance of being personable without being intrusive.

For me, when I'm under the weather, it's the perfect mix. Its laid-back atmosphere and the fact that it's staggering distance from my studio makes it feel like I'm relaxing in an extension of my living room - but as my living room is not a sleek, candlelit bar nor has an impressive selection of brews on tap I still get to feel like I'm part of "the scene." Even if I have the sniffles.

11th Restaurant Week

2006-08-17T16:20:00.000-05:00

Thanks to VirGringa for reminding us all...

Restaurant Week is ending this Sunday, August 20th!!

So go out, have a great lunch/dinner and then come back and tell us all about it while your tummy is still full!

Happy Eating!

The Elephant & The Castle

2006-08-15T16:11:00.000-05:00

12th & Penn. NW, Washington, District of... Really Bad Service.

So, quite a few friends praise this place for its... many varieties of draft beer? That is the only reason I can think of, because the food is eh, the decor is reminiscent of a Friday's/Tuesday's (and I hear that it was a TGIFriday's), and the service... must we go there?!?

Yes! Because time and time again I am dragged there -- to meet up with my girlfriend and her friend and their friends, etc. and also for the post softball celebratory happy hour. Ironic though, since we always lose and always miss happy hour! But hey, as someone reminded the team after losing the playoffs, we may not be good at softball but at least we know how to drink! Toast to that ~

Now, picture us, pouring in and filling all the gaps at the bar -- a sort of team effort to get our drink on. As if it wasn't obvious enough that we were together (burgundy league T's dotting the now crowded bar), the bartenders/bus(people)/servers still could not figure out that yes, all the drinks were going to the mass of athletic (ha!) types taking over two and a half booths.

One beer at a time (and a few cocktails), and we eventually re-grouped at our tables. But oh, one person suggests ordering a few munchies and then we were all at it again -- shotgunning the opening at the end of the bar where surely we couldn't be ignored.

... To be continued, perhaps by fellow smarty-blogger VirGringa!

* Oh Snap! *

2006-08-11T11:28:00.001-05:00

This is for the Georgetown folk. Yes, prepsters, I'm talking to you! A little place tucked away on Thomas Jefferson Street, between the Barnes & Noble and Loews theatre (two of my frequent destinations). I had first heard about this place while sinking back into my cushy theatre chair, popping popcorn in the darkness, and wishing again that the ads shown before a movie were not so lame, at least more amusing, and perhaps a bit informative? But no, that would probably be pushing my luck. But there it was, and all I remember now is *snap*. A simple ad but it worked! So eager I became to find this hotspot, but I couldn't find the darn place! Months later, signs appear to point me the way. And no wonder, it is just another townhouse-type space stuck in the middle of the block.

And why the excitement? Crepes and bubble tea!! Still confused? Crepes (the "e" is pronounced like "red", not "raid") is the wonderful French wonder that translates into snack or hearty meal (if it is stuffed enough) for all times of day. They are made on the spot, on one of two turntable-style grills and are filled with yumminess of your choice (I highly recommend the Nutella or just plain ole' chocolate chips!).

Now, to enjoy the bubble tea (for those of you who are new to this concept), I will need you to open up your minds for just one moment. The best way I can explain it is a beverage version of tapioca pudding. Haha, that even sounds weird to me. Well, start with tapioca -- you know those little clear balls in the pudding, the chewy ones? Those are the "bubbles" in bubble tea (it has nothing to do with carbonation). Except they're black, much bigger and more fun to chew on! You get a bunch of bubbles and just ask for the flavor of your choosing, anywhere from green tea to passion fruit to stuff you've never even heard of. My fave is red bean paste, but this is an acquired taste, so I've been told. The best part is the big green straw you get to suck up the big black bubbles! Yeah, it's a little freaky, but your inner freak needs to have fun too every once in a while!