What to eat in D.C.

Hey, D.C.! You were pretty great. 

I'll miss your restaurants and your rooftops, but most of all I'll miss your people.  Specifically, my awesome roommates, my super smart inspiring co-workers, and the dear friends and family that call you home. 

I had mixed feelings about being away from N.C., but it turned out to be a total blessing on lots of different levels. 

And the FOOD. The food was a highlight, for sure.  Though I was living on a budget, I was still able to try a lot of phenomenal food. Overall, the culinary highlights of the summer were the palak chat and chicken tiki masala from Rasika, the Elvis Impersonator cupcake from Baked & Wired, and the caramelized banana pancakes from TICO.  

Here are some more of my favorites. Please share any other D.C. spots that you love!

QUICK LUNCH OR DINNER:

Teasim--cute tea and lunch spot
Neighborhood: Penn Quarter, Dupont, Layfayette Park, Old Town
What to try: Moroccan mint iced tea, sea salt chocolate oat cookies, fried chicken or salmon bento box

& Pizza--delicious make-your-own-pizza, Chipotle style. The ingredients are quality too--They make their own mozzarella!
Neighborhood: Multiple Locations--usually by metro stations
What to try: Everything. I like broccoli, spinach & feta pizza with sun-dried tomatoes

Daikaya--Delicious, authentic ramen
Neighborhood: Chinatown
What to try: Shio Ramen with extra veggies

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Chop't--chopped salads, made to order in front of you
Neighborhood: Multiple locations
What to try: Santa Fe, Kale Cesar

Sweet Green--fresh, seasonal salads with fun ingredients like spicy broccoli
Neighborhood: U Street, Georgetown, Foggy Bottom
What to try: Harvest Salad with sweet potatoes, wild rice, apples, kale, goat cheese, and almonds (my favorite!) Also the watermelon, feta, and arugula salad with spicy sunflower seeds.

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Taylor Gourmet--great sandwiches and salads (apparently one of Obama's favorite D.C. spots!)
Neighborhood: Multiple Locations
What to try: Diamond salad, polenta fries, any of the sandwiches

COFFEE/SWEETS:

Paul--cute French coffee spot
Neighborhood: Penn Quarter
What to try: coffee or latte, macaroons, almond croissants

Zombie Donuts--fantastic, warm, made-to-order donuts. I'm not even really a donut person, but I am obsessed with these!
Neighborhood: Columbia Heights
What to try: everything

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Baked & Wired--well-known cupcake and coffee shop. Totally lives up to the hype!
Neighborhood: Georgetown
What to try: German chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, Elvis Impersonator (banana cupcake with peanut butter frosting)


BRUNCH:

Tabard Inn--traditional brunch restaurant in a historic inn
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle
What to try: the homemade donuts! Also the eggs benedict

TICO-upbeat & elegant Latin inspired food
Neighborhood: U Street
What to try: caramelized banana pancakes with crunchy hazelnuts & orange zest (TO DIE FOR!!!), breakfast burrito

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Bus Boys and Poets--super fun brunch & literary spot
Neighborhood: Multiple Locations
What to try: sweet potato pancakes, omelette

Le Diplomate-upscale french bistro
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle
What to try: omelette, french toast


DATE NIGHT: 

Oyamel--elegant, creative Mexican 
Neighborhood: Penn Quarter
What to try: Guacamole, any of their tacos

Lincoln--delicious small plates and happy hour specials 
Neighborhood: Mount Vernon
What to try: macaroni and cheese, kale salad, roasted brussel sprouts

Rasika--Fancy Indian food--maybe the best in D.C.!
Neighborhood: Penn Quarter
What to try: palak chaat, chicken tiki masala

Founding Farmers--Well known farm to table restaurant with a Southern American vibe
Neighborhood: Foggy Bottom
What to try: cornbread, short rib, pickled veggies, any of their cocktails

Other City Restaurant Reviews:
Charlotte, North Carolina
Savannah, Georgia 
Florence, Italy