november 1, 2013
FOOD ISSUE
A DINING GUIDE FOR EVERY OCCASION
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 GROUP GRUB FAMILY-FRIENDLY 4 FEASTS 6 RECIPES 8 STUDY SPOTS 9 HEALTHY FARE DIVE BARS 10 & DESSERTS 11 LATE-NIGHT BITES the guide DANNY FUNT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
SHEENA KARKAL GUIDE EDITOR
EMMA HINCHLIFFE EXECUTIVE EDITOR
HUNTER MAIN MANAGING EDITOR
2 | THE GUIDE
Ian Tice, Layout Editor David Chardack, Copy Chief Alexander Brown, Photo Editor Contributing Writers and Photographers: Eugene Ang, Kim Bussing , Charlotte Glasser, Zach Gordon, Rachel Habib, Julia Hennrikus, Olivia Hewitt, Jess Kelham-Hohler, Jacqueline Kimmel, Joseph Kuperschmidt, Lindsay Leasor, Amy Lee, Charlie Lowe, Emily Manbeck, Julia McCrimlisk, Ariel Pourmorady, Sophie Saguil , Claire Soisson, Michelle Xu Front Cover Photo: Buffalo Shrimp from Grillfish | Ariel Pourmorady Back Cover Photo: 3.6.9 Mini Burgers from Matchbox | Michelle Xu
For the next big group outing, try one of these restaurants. Each offers reasonably priced meals, lots of seating and a vast menu that will have something for everyone.
GROUP GRUB
MATCHBOX
ROTI
TEAISM
One of the newest editions of Matchbox, a venture by Matchbox Food Group, has taken up residence in a recently renovated industrial chic structure on 14th Street. It is clear the group paid close attention to decor, and this careful attention to detail carries through to the restaurant’s food as well. Matchbox boasts a wide variety of options while also classing up traditional crowd favorites. The menu offers everything from crisp thin-crust pizzas made with fresh dough tossed daily to Asian-infused dishes like their Korean short ribs. Some other great menu options include the mini trio, chicken curried salad, which comes with the superb fries — crisp and salty on the outside but containing a true bite of potato on the inside — and flash-fried chicken. Matchbox is sure to be a crowd pleaser and despite the distance, is definitely worth the jaunt on Metro.
There’s the original Chipotle, the knockoff Chipotle (Qdoba), the Asian Chipotle (Shophouse) and — if you’re willing to head down to The George Washington University — you can find the Mediterranean Chipotle. Roti Mediterranean Grill offers the same sort of build-your-own menu you see at the other Chipotle-inspired restaurants. Patrons have a choice of starting with a sandwich, rice plate or salad, and then can customize their creation with an array of different protein, sauce and side options. Some of these delicious toppings include falafel, chicken, steak and salmon, which can be topped off with a mild dill, yogurt and cucumber sauce. An unlimited number of sides can be added, including tomato, cucumber, Spanish eggplant, fresh vegetables, onions and feta. A great option for those in the mood for a pita, Roti offers ample indoor and outdoor seating, which makes it a fun place for group outings if you’re looking to change things up.
Despite its name, Teaism offers far more than just tea. The shop, with locations in Dupont Circle, Penn Quarter, Lafayette Park and Old Town Alexandria, includes an extensive selection of Asian-inspired dishes that is perfect for a large group. Both the Korean BBQ beef and the Thai chicken curry are great entree choices. While the beef is delicious and perfectly cooked — falling apart on the fork — the green beans are by far a standout part of a meal at Teaism, as each savory bite is sauteed in a ginger and garlic-infused butter. The curry is served in a round dish with the curried chicken, jicama and carrot slices complemented with a side of naan bread that comes with mango chutney to spread on top. In addition to offering a fantastic selection of Asian food, a trendy atmosphere and an affordable menu, Teaism is a great place to go and hang out with a large group of friends.
713 H St. NW $$$$
2009 R St. NW $$$$
2221 Eye St. NW $$$$
ASIA 54
2122 P St. NW | $$$$
A quick jaunt down P Street, Asia 54 appears right before Dupont Circle. The restaurant occupies an entire floor so there is plenty of space to seat large groups. The eatery offers an extensive selection of Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese options, including a sushi bar. The coconut shrimp tempura and the crispy spring rolls make great appetizers. The former tastes exactly like coconut macaroons and comes with a side of sweet, tangy chili sauce for dipping. The spring rolls feature chicken wrapped in crisp rice paper and are served with a light peanutflavored sauce. While Asia 54 doesn’t look like much on the outside, the food is delicious and the service is welcoming. The next time someone is in the mood for Mai Thai, suggest Asia 54 for more refreshing spins on the standard noodle and sushi dishes.
FOOD ISSUE | 3
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEASTS CENTRAL MICHEL RICHARD
LE MIRCH
More expensive than can usually be afforded on a Georgetown student budget, Central Michel Richard is the perfect place for a special family dinner. At first glance, the menu is a bit worrying, with simple food that lacks the pizazz to warrant its price — chicken nuggets as a $12 appetizer, for example. However, the quality of the food completely makes up for the elevated prices. Warm, soft and delicious, the cheese puffs alone are a motivation to visit the restaurant. Despite how off-putting the name may be, the frog legs with prosciutto are another delicious way to begin the meal. The dinner menu offers a variety of pasta, meat and fish dishes along with salads. The salmon with miso sauce is refreshingly different, and both the sea bass with mushrooms and the steak tartare are worth the indulgence. This is an absolute must for parent visits. Although loud and bustling, the tables are spaced far enough apart to afford you a sense of privacy, and the overall environment should suit both students and parents.
This small, modern restaurant by Dupont Circle is a great place to take family or visiting friends and adds a nice mix to the general food variety available in Washington. With a modern take on a number of classic Indian and Southeast Asian dishes, it offers a chance to sample a number of different dishes, such as the chicken satay, which is spicy, tender and a great start to the meal. Their lamb shank, braised in onions, tomato, ginger and chili, was exceptionally soft — the meat falls off the bone — and was spicy enough to be interesting without being overwhelming. The butter chicken, which sounds deceivingly mild, is as spicy as it is delicious. The flavors pair well with the ingredients without being overpowering, and it all tastes remarkably fresh. Le Mirch is upscale without being exceptionally pricey, and the design of the place makes it look far more expensive than the menu prices suggest. If you can take the heat, it is well worth a visit.
1001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW $$$$
ZENGO
781 Seventh St. NW $$$$ Pleasantly quiet for a lunch break with the family downtown, Zengo offers Asian-fusion food with a slight Latin twist. The lunch menu is simple and healthy, although not wildly exciting. The pan-roasted rockfish, which came with chorizo and a tangy sauce, was modern and fresh. However, having parents who are familiar with upscale cuisine makes it difficult to find places to impress them. The Zengo fried rice and the Hot Box — Zengo’s unique lunch offering of tandoori chicken, rice and wok vegetables — are safe picks, even if the rice can risk being overcooked. Zengo is a satisfying midday dining spot for days spent in the city because it is close to all the best museums and within walking distance of the White House. The portions are just right size, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it a good place to catch up.
4 | THE GUIDE
1736 Connecticut Ave. NW $$$$
Whether it’s Parents’ Weekend, graduation or you’re looking for a new place to go with friends, these restaurants accomodate large groups and satisfy cravings for everything from brunch to seafood to Indian dishes. Choices range from casual to upscale to fit whatever dining experience you’re looking for.
LOGAN TAVERN
GRILLFISH
Omelets, coffee and pancakes all at one meal? Yes, please. To give parents the best exposure to the Georgetown student’s obsession with brunch, try Logan Tavern just off Logan Circle. The French toast sticks are soft and delectable; paired with a delicious maple pecan dipping sauce, they won’t last long at the table. Breakfast options range from classic choices, like omelets stuffed with wild mushrooms and spinach, to the untraditional, such as burgers which are irresistible, even if it seems too early to start getting your red meat intake. Home to great brunch food, Logan Tavern is an excellent spot to brighten your Sundays and have some quality time to catch up with family.
A lesser-known Dupont Circle spot offering a variety of fresh fish and daily specials with friendly service, Grillfish is a great place to escape the bustle of M Street. The homemade ravioli, stuffed with a soft mushroom filling and a slightly spicy tomato sauce, is a standout on the menu, even though the restaurant focuses on seafood. The arctic char is simple and tantalizing, and the seafood Sicilian pasta dish is a heartier option. One of a variety of light and delectable desserts, the melon sorbet is a refreshing end to a fishy meal. This is a great place to take family when you want a good, straightforward meal without the pretentiousness of some fancier restaurants.
1423 P St. NW $$$$
1200 New Hampshire Ave. NW $$$$
FOOD ISSUE | 5
RECIPES L
et’s face it: Most of us college students don’t eat as much healthy food as we should, let alone eat food we’ve cooked ourselves. Classes, jobs and extracurricular commitments force us into routines that drain our energy and leave us exhausted. That changes with these recipes. Designed originally for one, you can create a quick and delicious dish for yourself or cook multiple servings for an affordable meal with your friends. Though they might not have the lowest calorie counts, these recipes provide you with ingredients from all the major food groups in order to help you remain full and energized.
PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM PIZZA
Cooked with a mushroom instead of bread base, these pizzas are much lighter and healthier than Domino’s single servings and take only 30 minutes to prepare. This one assumes you’re dining alone, but you can cook multiple servings at a time if you’re expecting company.
1 portobello mushroom
1 to 2 tbsp. tomato sauce
1 clove of garlic, chopped
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Place your mushroom on a baking sheet and put it in the oven for 5 minutes. 2) Take it out and spread the tomato sauce on the hollow side of the mushroom. Sprinkle on the cheese and additional toppings, if you have any. 3) Bake for 20 more minutes or until the cheese turns a brownish gold color.
6 | THE GUIDE
APPLE CRISP
Now that local apple orchards have opened for fall, take advantage of the fresh fruit with seasonal desserts. Whether served on its own or with a single scoop of vanilla ice cream, this apple crisp will fill you with warmth and sweet, sugary goodness.
6 apples peeled, cored and sliced
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a baking pan. 2) Layer the apple slices evenly on the bottom of the pan and then pour 1 cup water over them. 3) In a bowl, combine 1 bag of white cake mix, cinnamon and brown sugar. Add in 1/2 cup melted butter and continue to stir until blended. Crumble mixture over apples. 4) Bake for 50 to 55 minutes and then cool for 10 minutes.
+ PIZZA EGGS 2 eggs per person 1 tbsp. milk 1 tbsp. butter or cooking spray Salt and pepper to taste Dollop of pizza sauce Handful of mozzarella cheese
MICROWAVEABLE MEALS SPECIALTY M&C
HOMEMADE CEREAL BARS
1 1/3 cups hot water 1/4 cup butter or margarine 1/4 cup milk 1 package of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Extra cheese slices Bacon bits 1/8 tsp. pepper
1 serving cereal of your choice 2 tsp. mini marshmallows Dried fruit, nuts or other ingredients
In your microwaveable dish, add 1 1/3 cups hot water. Pour the pasta from the box into the hot water (and be sure to remove the packet of cheese sauce first!). Stir the pasta, and put the uncovered dish in the microwave oven. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes on high, but you must stir the pasta every 1 to 2 minutes to avoid having the pasta stick together. After you rinse and drain the pasta, add and stir in butter, milk and the cheese packet.
Spray a microwave-safe bowl along the inside with cooking spray. Combine the cereal and marshmallows in the bowl and microwave them for 30 seconds. Mix together the cereal and marshmallows until they are combined, and let the mixture sit in the bowl for 1 to 2 minutes so the marshmallows can harden. With your hands, grab the cereal mixture and start to form into a rectangle. (Make sure to wet your hands beforehand.) If the cereal bars are not sticking together, let the marshmallows harden more or run your hands under water again.
‘GET YOUR ORANGE’ FLAX SMOOTHIE
SPICED PUMPKIN CIDER
WHITE CHRISTMAS
For a smoothie that’s as vibrant in color as it is in taste, pair frozen peaches and carrots with orange juice for a healthy beverage. The addition of ginger adds extra flavor, while the flaxseed is packed full of omega-3 fatty acids. Combine 2 cups frozen peach slices, 1 cup carrot juice, 1 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp. ground flaxseed and 1 tbsp. chopped fresh ginger in a blender and blend until smooth.
Venture beyond the traditional this holiday season with a variation on apple cider. In a large pot, mix together 1 cup pumpkin puree, 2 1/2 cups apple cider, 1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice and a cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes. Add 1/3 cup spiced rum, and mix. Serve warm.
An alternative to eggnog-heavy cocktails, a White Christmas complements the classic coldweather beverage with chocolate liqueur and the fruity and spicy Southern Comfort. Decadent and indulgent, it is best served cold, so feel free to add a few ice cubes to cool it down further. Stir together 4 oz. eggnog, 1/2 oz. white chocolate liqueur and 1 oz. Southern Comfort. Sprinkle chocolate flakes on top.
Spray or grease a microwave safe bowl with cooking spray or butter. Crack the eggs, pour a tablespoon of milk into the bowl and whisk them together with a fork to ensure a fluffy consistency. Then, place in the microwave and cook for 1 minute. Microwave the eggs in 30-second intervals until the egg solidifies. Mix the eggs with a fork, and add pizza sauce and cheese. Return to the microwave for an additional 30 seconds.
FOOD ISSUE | 7
STUDY SPOTS DOLCEZZA ARTISINAL GELATO
Sometimes, it’s good to get off campus for a change of pace. Try out some of these trendy spots around the city for a caffeine fix and a fresh, new study atmosphere.
TRYST
1560 Wisconsin Ave. NW $$$$
CHINATOWN COFFEE CO.
475 H St. NW $$$$
2549 18th St. NW $$$$
Dolcezza Artisanal Gelato has many of the features of a coffee shop but focuses on something sweeter. Its gelato, with flavors like maple syrup and Madagascar vanilla, are fresh, tasty and well worth their high-end prices. Though Dolcezza has a location in Georgetown, its Dupont Circle store has the seating and space that allows for a productive afternoon with lots of studying and delicious treats. The space has one large table in the center with many chairs around it where you can sit amongst others. If you’re looking for more privacy, however, there is also a bar by the window. One thing Dolcezza lacks is Wi-Fi; computer users may find this problematic, but those who need to do some reading may enjoy the forced break from the web. For those who would prefer something sweet to something strong while getting down to work, Dolcezza acts as a nice alternative to the traditional coffeehouse.
At Chinatown Coffee Co., java is no joke. The coffee selection at this cafe changes every week and features beans from all over the globe; the barista will prepare them in a French press or by hand pour upon request. Regardless of the way the the coffee is made, it will be strong, flavorful and satisfying. Everything about this coffee shop feels straightforward — no artsy decor, no elaborate menu and no expensive prices. Although there are plenty of seats, it might be difficult to find an empty one but once you do, it’s pretty easy to dive right into studying. For one, almost all of the customers have laptops out, taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi. The music, which sounded like a Rolling Stones Pandora station, never gets too loud, and the ambience is pleasant without being hectic. If you find yourself lacking motivation, you’ll definitely find some at Chinatown Coffee Co., either from a cup of Joe or the productivity buzzing around you.
Located in Adams Morgan, Tryst calls itself a coffeehouse, bar and lounge. Unlike most coffeehouses, however, Tryst has table service. This may, at first, startle those who have been conditioned to Starbucks, but it makes for a more luxurious studying experience. The music sets a great, relaxed vibe for the cafe, but it may get a little loud for someone who wants to focus. In the same way, art lines the walls, giving the place charm but also providing studiers with many other places to look besides their notes. The menu includes an expansive selection of reasonably priced salads, sandwiches and small plates, as well as many desserts and drinks. The waiter will stop by every so often and ask if you want anything else. And whether it’s their signature lavender hot chocolate or one of their delicious sandwiches, chances are you will enjoy an indulgent break from studying.
SOHO TEA & COFFEE 2150 P St. NW $$$$
Those who like a homey study environment may find it in Soho Tea and Coffee. From its festive red and yellow walls to its friendly staff, this cafe in Dupont Circle feels cozier than most other coffee shops. It has a large menu of sandwiches, sweets and drinks, which are in Mason jar mugs. With their coffee, they avoid the typical and instead introduce new flavors like the Bahama Mama, a coconut and banana latte. The coffee shop gets a lot of students and people looking for a place to work, and they seem equipped for the task. If you plan on using a laptop, Soho asks for a minimum purchase of $5 to use the Wi-Fi. Soho Tea & Coffee doesn’t close earlier than midnight all week, meaning customers can stay for long stretches of time to get work done. Overall, this cafe provides most of the amenities a studier could want, along with warmth, character and charm.
8 | THE GUIDE
With alternatives for anyone with food allergies, these health-conscious restaurants provide delicious dishes that you can crave guilt-free.
HEALTHY FARE
JUICE JOINT CAFE 2221 Eye St. NW $$$$
DC BREAD & BREW 1247 20th St. NW $$$$
Nestled away on a side street off of Dupont Circle, DC Bread & Brew would be easy to walk by. The cafe offers healthy food that is sure to satisfy. Its pizza selections, with toppings such as spinach and artichoke hearts, are baked on a delightfully chewy homemade crust. A variety of breads form the basis for an extensive selection of sandwiches, and quiches and salads are also offered — all for less than $10. Daily specials showcase seasonal, local food. For those of you over 21, the cafe is known for the dozen or so beers it has on tap that make it a favorite pub crawl location. The vibe of this restaurant is eco-chic; plates are accompanied by reusable, burlap napkins, and rainforest leaves adorn the walls. Because the cafe is relatively isolated, it’s the perfect place to study for a few hours or get into a deep lunch conversation with a friend.
Most people think of juice as a beverage for kids, but make no mistake: Juice Joint Cafe serves choices for the more refined palate. Featuring both signature blends and the option to build your own flavor, the cafe’s juices range from sweet to spicy. The Melon Cooler is a blend of melon, strawberry and ginger, and the 24 Karat is a more traditional combination of orange, pineapple and carrot. Usually ginger is more of an undertone in a juice, but in the Melon Cooler it is much more of a prominent flavor, so be prepared for a little heat. For a richer beverage, Juice Joint also blends up smoothies, made entirely with fresh fruit and juice and with no added sugar. The cafe also features a full menu of salads, sandwiches, stir-fries and wraps, with many vegan and vegetarian options. The caprese salad is made with amazingly fresh mozzarella that makes the simple dish something special. Take the opportunity to also stock up on healthy snacks while at Juice Joint. The cafe carries a huge selection of vegan and gluten-free sweets and features a small marketplace that sells dried fruit, trail mix and other similar items. Juice Joint Cafe is located just a few blocks away from the McPherson Square Metro stop. Make sure to plan your trip wisely though, since the cafe is only open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and stops serving food at 4 p.m.
FIREFLY
PHO VIET & GRILLE 1639 Wisconsin Ave. NW $$$$
If you have a craving for pho, the delicious broth-based Vietnamese soup, then Pho Viet & Grille will provide it. The small restaurant is a 10-minute walk up Wisconsin and has a pleasant atmosphere with about a dozen tables downstairs, a secluded upstairs area and a back patio that is lovely on a warm day. While the menu has steak, chicken and fish dishes, the real highlight is the pho. Their five varieties come in ceramic porcelain bowls substantially larger than the size of your head. If you order the regular instead of the appetizer size, you may not be able to finish it alone. The pho is accompanied with the classic fixings: bean sprouts, lime, sriracha sauce and jalapenos. These accompaniments add flavor to what otherwise could be a simple soup. Inexpensive like the rest of the experience, the prices are reasonable and the service is friendly.
2122 P St. NW | $$$$
For gluten-free diners, finding a restaurant that satisfies both the tastes of their dining companions and their dietary restrictions can be a nightmare. Firefly offers the perfect solution to this problem. Conveniently located in Dupont Circle, this cozy restaurant goes out of its way to create a comprehensive menu that includes choices for everyone, regardless of allergies. While the complimentary rolls are amazing, don’t let that stop you from also ordering a starter. Of the 10 dinner entrees, seven were already gluten-free and two were easily customizable to be so. Despite being glutenfree, the fresh Atlantic salmon paired with truffled cauliflower puree, spaghetti squash and mushrooms doesn’t taste like you’re settling for a mediocre meal. Make sure to not only arrive at Firefly with an empty stomach but also make sure to save room for dessert. The caramelized banana split is the perfect ending to a meal pleasantly free of compromises.
FOOD ISSUE | 9
DIVE BARS
Refresh your weekend routine and check out one of these unique establishments. Sample custom drink recipes, tasty finger foods and a variety of music to find a vibe to fit your mood.
RED DERBY
RECESSIONS
THE CODMOTHER
Tucked away in Columbia Heights, Red Derby is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. Marked only by the red hat painted above its door, this restaurantbar is notable for its cheap beer (cans only) and great happy hour, where every drink is $1 off. There are also daily specials that should definitely be taken advantage of. Four days a week, they offer discounted special mixed drinks as well as daily food specials — be sure to stop by on Mondays for half-off burgers during happy hour and Wednesdays for burritos. Their rooftop is one of the best in the District, although with the cold weather quickly approaching, it will be harder to capitalize on the outdoor setting. Red Derby is definitely one of the most underrated dive bars in Washington, serving up great food, cheap drinks and a great neighborhood culture that can be otherwise hard to find in Georgetown.
While certainly not the typical image of a dive bar, Recessions provides a great escape from the more run-of-the-mill yuppie D.C. bars. If anything, it embodies the anti-trendiness of dive bars. Placed among the hustle and bustle of Farragut Square, this basement diner is a quiet and quirky space. The interior is a cross between a cheesy ’70s bar — with its exposed fake stone walls — and a grungy ’90s club with mirrors everywhere. Recessions is rarely packed, allowing for breathing room and easy conversation. During happy hour, patrons will find $5 appetizers and even cheaper beer, including the massive King Kong beers. However, it does not have to be happy hour for you to take advantage of their great discounts, as all of their food and drinks are very reasonably priced. Recessions is also a pool hall, so pool players will feel right at home at this odd yet charming dive.
Looking for traditional fish and chips in D.C.? The Codmother is the place to go. A dive bar in the U Street corridor right next to the Metro stop, this is the best spot in town to get cheap drinks and listen to your favorite rock and punk hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Although there are not many tables, which forces people to stand, the atmosphere is open and welcoming, and mingling with the bartender or other patrons is fun and easy. The dance floor can be either filled with drunken patrons or empty, with people sitting at the bar or at tables chatting and drinking beer. With winter coming up, the warm, cozy lighting will be amazing — as will the fried food. If fish and chips is not up your alley, you can get just about anything else that you can imagine fried. They even serve fried Snickers bars — can’t get more decadent than that.
3718 14th St. NW $$$$
DESSERTS
PITANGO
10 | THE GUIDE
1823 L St. NW $$$$
1451 P St. NW | $$$$ Sourcing ingredients from family farms, the product at Pitango Gelato is not your average ice cream. Traditional flavors like gianduja (chocolate hazelnut), stracciatella (vanilla with chocolate chips) and pistachio keep customers flowing through the doors, although crema is a musttry. New flavors, like black tea, constantly appear on the menu. Try the affogato: a double shot of espresso or hot chocolate topped with a scoop of your favorite gelato.
1334 U St. NW $$$$
TED’S BULLETIN
505 Eighth St. SE | $$$$ While Ted’s Bulletin is not solely dedicated to dessert, its homemade pop-tarts make it worthy of being considered a dessert hot spot. Living up to expectations, the signature pastry is warm and flaky and oozes delicious fillings from classics like chocolate and strawberry to more adventurous combinations like strawberry lemonade and peanut butter bacon. The blueberry cheesecake flavor is decadent, while cinnamon brown sugar paid proper homage to its inspiration.
Sometimes the perfect end to a night out is satisfying a craving for something greasy and reasonably priced.
LATE-NIGHT BITES
GEORGE’S
ALBERTO’S PIZZA
THE DINER
A quaint location on 28th Street, George’s King of Falafel and Cheesesteak is a great place to stop in at any time of the day, but with its Thursdayto-Saturday hours extending until 4 a.m., it is the ideal place to be for Mediterranean food in the late hours of the night. George’s popular reputation for falafel is well deserved. The falafel platter is beautifully presented with deep-fried falafel and a colorful array of vegetables to enclose in warm pita bread. Pair it with any of George’s wide selection of fun fruity beverages, including tart homemade lemonade or fresh mango juice, to mix in something sweeter. The restaurant offers something for everyone, with small sides for those who may have the late night munchies, sandwiches for the truly hungry, large platters for the ambitious and cheesesteaks for the more adventurous.
Redefining what it means to be a holein-the-wall, Alberto’s Pizza in Dupont Circle offers your new favorite late-night pizza. The crust is thin and crisp, and the generous toppings don’t make it soggy. There are several reasons that Alberto’s should be the go-to pizza shop: First, it has amazing hours; on weekend nights, it’s open until 5 a.m. It delivers with no extra charge to Georgetown, Dupont and Adams Morgan, among other neighborhoods. Alberto’s also offers fresh-tasting spins on traditional pizza. While the standard pizzas are available, Alberto’s also offers fun toppings. The Parmesan and zucchini pizza is fantastic. The crust is paper thin, the cheese is melted and the zucchini is the exact right texture: neither mushy nor charred. Be sure to look at the options beyond pizza, including the tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate cake. Alberto’s is not cute or quaint, but it offers some great pizza and good old city attitude.
Adams Morgan’s The Diner on 18th Street does something we can all appreciate: It serves breakfast all day. They also get creative with their weekly special, Southern-style appetizers and giant selection of burgers and sandwiches. Best of all, these dishes and drinks are available anytime: It’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is not a greasy diner; the meals are quality and delicious. Alberto’s Creole shrimp salad is served on a bed of Southern-fried green tomatoes with a selection of vegetables, and, while technically classified as a “small plate,” there’s nothing small about the portion or the flavor. It’s spicy, crunchy and the cold shrimp contrasted well with the hot tomatoes to make a great late-night snack. And if you’re in the mood, there’s always dessert like a brownie a la mode or even alcoholic “adult milkshakes,” as they are called by the whimsical wait staff.
2010 P St. NW $$$$
1205 28th St. NW $$$$
OLIVIA MACARON
3222 M St. NW | $$$$
After hype for Olivia Macaron circulated around campus for the past few months, it is finally open and serving up delicate French cookies. It offers some of the usual favorites — vanilla and salted caramel — but also some different flavors like coconut and red velvet. The macarons are delicate, subtly sweet and encapsulate their promised flavors without being too overpowering. As every French macaron should be, the cookies are light yet chewy, with the perfect wafer-to-filling ratio. The shop sells its cookies individually but also offers beautiful black and white boxes, perfect for when you’re looking to give a gift.
2453 18th St. NW $$$$
LIQUID DESSERTS
Good Stuff Eatery, Pinkberry
Good Stuff Eatery and Pinkberry offer the perfect way to enjoy dessert on the go. For those looking for that traditional yet sinfully delicious milkshake, Good Stuff Eatery is the place to go. Some of the most popular flavors include toasted marshmallow and salted caramel. For anyone looking for a healthier drink, Pinkberry’s line of Greek-yogurt smoothies satisfy any sugar craving with nearly half the calories of a milkshake. The mixed berry, consisting of fruit mixed with tangy Greek yogurt, is a great choice. Pinkberry also blends its frozen yogurt with fruit to create strawberry pomegranate and chocolate banana.
FOOD ISSUE | 11