DC restaurant reviews
Table for a party of two, please.
Today’s newsletter concerns a party of two — me and my boyfriend, Matt.
Last week I visited Matt in our nation’s capital, where he goes to school. I’ve spent a good chunk of time in DC over the past few years, and I’m starting to finally (sort of) get an idea of the city’s geography — right before he’s about to graduate. Thanks, Matt.
Jokes aside, I love DC! It’s just the right amount of quirky and stuffy — my favorite and essential qualities of an East Coast city — and there’s a lot to do. Museums, monuments, day-tripping through the DMV, but you all probably know by now that eating out is my favorite American pastime.
Eating out is my sport. You must prepare ahead of time in order to fully appreciate each dish that arrives at your table. Typically, Matt and I make reservations a month before our visits to each other. Then, we plan the rest of our weekend around which neighborhoods we’ll be eating in.
Last week was a delicious end to my semester break — my last one ever. Tomorrow my final leg of college begins (online, of course), so expect something light next week.
Without further ado, DC EATS!
Lutèce
Lutèce is a little French bistro located in Georgetown. Our hopes were high because we ventured out during a blizzard for this meal. Luckily, the vibes were stellar. I’m a sucker for eateries with cheeky branding, so the wine list had me immediately smitten. But the food was what won me.
Matt and I like to play this game called “I know what you’re going to order” as soon as we sit down at any restaurant. At Lutèce the game was over in a second because if gnocchi and a burger are on the menu, that’s what we’re going for. We also split the grilled octopus to start — my first mollusk!
Maketto
I first wrote about Maketto in October, and my love for it has only grown after a second visit. “I want to be hungry when I get there,” I told Matt over breakfast the morning of our reservation. Remember what I said about eating out being a sport?
Not only is Maketto a great restaurant and cafe, but it’s home to Cool Kids Vinyl and other cool brands (see sneaker pic below) and it’s a community center of sorts. “We wanted to create a space where everyone felt at home, whether it was to enjoy a coffee and a pastry, a nice dinner, a great selection of wines, to shop for new shoes, or to just work quietly in the cafe. Our hope is that you learn/try something new and can always find a reason to come back to see us,” chef Erik Bruner-Yang writes on their site. In a way it feels like you’re eating inside Flight Club, but I think that’s what they’re going for.
Thomas Sweet
I like to think that a visit to Georgetown isn’t complete until you’ve been to Thomas Sweet at least once. Plus, there’s something to be said about licking an ice cream cone when it’s below thirty outside. Some crazy people enjoy iced coffee in the dead of winter. I enjoy hand dipped ice cream. Same thing!
Jane Jane
Not to throw my boyfriend under the bus, but despite what he’s about to tell you, he thinks DC is uncultured.
“I think DC is SOMEWHAT LACKING in culture,” says Matt. “Not uncultured.” Ooookay there, Matt. (Sorry for throwing you under the bus. I appreciate the quote.)
Although I think DC has lots to offer — it is our nation’s capital, after all — I must agree with him on the craft-cocktail-bar front. According to Matt, DC “needs more places like this,” and by “this” he means Jane Jane — a new edition to Logan Circle. The drinks were great and fairly priced, but what sold me were the WELCOME CHEEZ-ITS. And the BATHROOM WALLPAPER. If you have a favorite cocktail bar in the DMV, please let Matt know because he is dying to have more cultured nights out. :D
Call Your Mother
Depending on who you ask, Call Your Mother is either worth the hassle of ordering online the night before or it’s not. I’m in the former group. The Sun City has to be one of my favorite egg sandwiches, even if it is just a fancy egg & cheese number. It’s sweet and a little spicy. The way the cheese melts into the egg is harmonious. Matt’s go-to is The Horizon — avocado, Fritos, red onion, and jalapeños on an everything. Feast yer eyes.
If you’ve made it to the end, please hit the like button above. It helps me decide what to write about next. Have a great week, and see you next Monday!
What a fun time. Always love trying new restaurants too. A lot of good eating
…and I HAVE.