Washington DC

Back from DC! This food-centric trip has filled me up for at least a week. While attending the Fancy Food Show I has the opportunity to go to great dining locations in this historic city.

1. Tryst Coffeehouse - Bar - Lounge
Upon my arrival my friend suggested that we head to this mutt restaurant - a mix of coffee, drinks, and food. I indulged in a delicious drink - The Afternoon Delight (209 gin, fresh blackberries, lemon juice and soda) while F enjoyed a Cool as a Cuke (vodka, muddled with cucumber & melon, topped with soda). And of course my life is only half complete with alcohol, I need my dessert! We got:
Peanut Butter Fudge Pie with swirls of peanut butter and chocolate throughout and the Flourless Chocolate Mascarpone Cake rich layers of flourless chocolate cake filled with sweetened mascarpone filling. The waitstaff was super friendly and helpful which made it a great experience. The one problem was the high volume of the music which made it difficult to talk at anything but a yelling level. No bathroom visits here.


2. Todd Gray's Watershed Restaurant

Red Snapper w/Wild Rice, Rock Shrimp, Mango, and Cilantro

Drink: NoMA Blend Stoli Ohranj, Lemon & Soda
Appetizer: Baked Oysters, NOMA Style with Spinach, Pancetta and Gruyere
Main: Special, Red Snapper w/Wild Rice, Rock Shrimp, Mango, and Cilantro
Dessert: Pecan Pie Sunday

3. Birch & Barley

Drink(s):Harpoon Summer Beer, Hoffman Hefeweizen, Danny's Irish Red Ale, and Back in Black
Apps:
- Shrimp & Chorizo Flatbread Baby Shrimp, Fresh Chorizo, Romesco, Toasted Almond
- Fig & Prosciutto Flatbread Gorgonzola Cremificato & Caramelized Onions
- Butcher’s Board fresh and cured charcuterie made both in house and by Red Apron served with mustard, toast & cornichons
- Summer Salad Grilled Cucumber, Baby Beets, Patty Pans, Yellow Wax Beans
Main: Honey Glazed Duck Breast Leg Confit, Wild Rice, Brandied Cherries, Radishes and Truffled Herbed Mac & Cheese
Dessert: Bittersweet Chocolate Cheesecake marinated cherries, pistachio powder, micro arugula

4. Rasika
Drink: Red Wine
Main:Chicken Biryani - Aromatic chicken with basmati rice/saffron and raita
Dessert: Chocolate Delight - Phyllo dough with chocolate inside

Overall DC was great culinary experience. I attended a party at Occidental Grill & Seafood which was amazing as well. Birch and Barley was definitely my favorite with the spattering of lights hanging from the ceiling and an elevated kitchen one passes to the restroom and can peak in an see the action.