Dining In Dc – Food and Restaurant Blog

A Weekend Getaway to Historic Frederick, MD

After being married almost eight years, my husband and I finally decided to take a special trip to celebrate our wedding anniversary.  With two kids (ages seven and three), we don’t often get the opportunity to disappear for a week or even a weekend. If you have kids, then you can relate.  If we were going to be able to get away, then we needed a place that didn’t take half of a day...

A Celebration of Thanks at the Capital Grille for the Conclusion of Take a Bite out of Breast Cancer

On Sunday, October 30th, Pink Jams! founder, Christa Floresca and I, as Chairwoman hosted more than twenty local food bloggers at the Capital Grille in Washington, DC to celebrate the conclusion and success of the first annual Take a Bite out of Breast Cancer awareness campaign. The Capital Grille agreed to generously host the group as their contribution to the cause, since they were not able to participate...

Livin’ up to the hype: Mike Isabella’s Graffiato

Like a summer movie blockbuster, rarely does a restaurant so highly anticipated , as Graffiato (707 6th St., NW) live up to the hype. Mike Isabella‘s first baby whose name means “graffiti” or “scratched”— is the latest addition the GalleryPlace\Chinatown ‘hood, open just 10 days when I visited, and has been one of the most talked about restaurant openings in months (possibly...

Spring Brings Anew at Urbana with a New Chef and Menu.

Urbana located inside the Palomar Hotel in DC’s Dupont Circle, has been one of my go-to spots for a proper gastronome happy hour for a while now. Not only does the bar and lounge ooze a swanky and sophisticated vibe, it has an eclectic happy hour menu with delicious appetizers, great ‘wood-stone pizzas‘ and  wine list. There is something for everyone. Also, I would be remiss not to...

Kababji Grill, the hidden gem in Dupont Circle

The saying, “Never judge a book by its cover” and “Looks can be deceiving”  are cliché but are ultimately proven by a visit to the Kababji Grill in Dupont Circle (1351 Connecticut Ave., NW), an import from Beirut. You would never be able to guess by peering into the front window of Kababji Grill that it’s actually a charming sit-down restaurant. Impossible to know from...

Chima Brazilian Steakhouse: The Perfect Date Night Spot for Carnivores.

Have you ever visited a churrascaria or Brazilian steakhouse?  My husband and I had the good fortune to be invited to enjoy a complimentary dinner at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse in Tysons Corner. I was really excited because it was my first time dining at a Brazilian steakhouse, but not for lack of interest. I have heard that they are really a lot of fun, so I was eager to check it out. The tradition...

Re-creating Chef Susur Lee’s Singapore Slaw at Home.

I have really grown to love ZENTAN, internationally acclaimed chef Susur Lee’s Washington, DC restaurant located in the Donovan House Hotel (1155 14th Street, NW) in Logan Circle. I’ve learned to love Susur, even more since watching him compete on Top Chef Masters last year and earned the highest marks in Top Chef Masters history. If I ever have a chance to visit Toronto, his restaurants...

Cava Grill Opens in Bethesda: Good Quality Food in a Fast, Casual setting.

Cava Mezze, the team behind the delicious Greek-inspired restaurants, Cava with locations on Capitol Hill, Clarendon, VA and Rockville, MD, have opened their first fast-casual concept, Cava Grill on Tuesday, January 18th, at 4832 Bethesda. Ave. in Bethesda, MD. The grill has opened in the Bethesda Row storefront formerly occupied by Marvelous Market, the same block where Chicken Out closed in December. Founders...

Dinner in the Old Havana. A Review of the new DC Cuba Libre. Part I.

The new DC Latin-inspired Cuba Libre Old Havana Restaurant & Rum Bar with locations in Philadelphia, Atlantic City and Orlando opened Friday, October 1st at 9th and H. Although I am usually the one that gets the treatment at DC restaurants, this time it was my husband, Ben. He won a contest offered via Thrillist, a daily e-newsletter (basically the Daily Candy for men) that provided a $350 credit...

A preview of Bacon Week October 14-21 at Restaurant 3.

There are two types of people in the world: Bacon lovers and those who should be. Executive Chef Brian Robinson, at Restaurant 3 is a firm believer in the foodie philosophy that, “Everything tastes better with bacon.” Back by popular demand, the Second Annual “Week of Bacon” goes from October 14-21. The entire week is chock-full of tastings, demonstrations, and bacon themed happy hours....

Return to Bibiana: A second look.

My very first visit to Bibiana was for lunch a year ago on September 4, 2009, its opening day. Since, I have recommended it so highly to everyone. I had such a wonderful meal with top-notch service, which is usually difficult to find the same day a restaurant opens. Bibiana’s servers were knowledgeable about each dish on the menu on day one — impressive. I shouldn’t have been surprised...

Carmine’s DC packs the house and stuffs the belly. Great for groups and family fun.

The new Carmine’s DC, a New York outpost of the famous family-style restaurant is doing what they set out to do — pack the house and stuff the belly. The largest restaurant in Washington, DC with more than 20,000 square feet and 700 seats, Carmine’s has managed to draw thousands within days of opening. In fact, according to Jill Collins, who is managing their public relations effort...

Family Friendly Brunch in Dupont Circle: Firefly.

Recently I was invited by lovely ladies, Charissa Benjamin and Skylar Thompson, the public relations team for Kimpton hotels and restaurants, to join them and several other bloggers for brunch at Firefly. Ever since I saw Executive Chef Danny Bortnick and his adorable son, Noah for a Restaurant Week demo last year at the Eastern Market, I’ve been eager to try Firefly. I don’t normally...

Potenza trumps Restaurant Week offering 3 courses for $28 with wine pairings.

With a supreme location in DC, just a block away from the White House, Potenza offers Washingtonians a chance at fresh bread or baked goods from their bakery, a place to unwind at their spacious bar and lounge, and authentic Italian food sure to make your belly smile. I was invited on Thursday for a media gathering, which was my first opportunity to visit Potenza. I won’t stay away now …...