A Mobile Gal's Guide to the Best Working Cafes

As I was took a conference call while running on Rock Creek Park trail yesterday I decided that I love my job.  Now, do not get me wrong, I am busy but I am mostly the master of my time... and where I spend it. 

I have a home office on K but mostly I am mobile finding the best real estate
in the city's best cafes.

Mobile Gal's Favorite DC (and one VA) Office Spots

1. TrystPros: Strong coffee, good music, tuna melt
Cons: I almost always have to purchase the tuna melt and frequent run ins with people I want to avoid.

2. Filter
Pros: Amazing pour overs, sometimes a tasting from owner, quiet enviornment
Cons: Filter is small so you have to wish and hope and pray (and often stalk) for a good table.

3. MidCity CafePros: Pour over coffee, tasty yogurt (see above) and almost always a table.
Cons: Often runs out of baked goods (could be pro or con)

4. Michas
Pros: Great iced Americano, amazing scones and good service.
Cons: Location is only right for my Alexandria working days and see second part of Tryst con. 

5. Baked and Wired
Pros: Amazing iced Americano and cappacino, friendliest staff in town and best baked goods.
Cons: Location is rarely near where I need to be and I cannot leave there without one of their delicious brownies! 

The Vegan Experiment. All or Nothing Vegan?

Today I made a conscious decision that I will be mostly vegan. For most things food and drink related I am an “all or nothing” kind of gal. Before last weekend I thought I had been doing fairly well with my vegan diet (5 months and counting). I’ve consciously cheated here or there, either when out of town or when drinking.Which leads me to the issue at heart; I swear I did not know that most beer and wine is not vegan.

A very helpful, friendly (insert mild sarcasm here) server at Dickson Wine Bar on U St pointed this out after Chaosgal and I inquired about the vegan food options. How could I miss this? Chaosgal and I decided that night that we would "pretend" we did not hear this disclosure.

That night (while tipsy from non-vegan wine) I frantically surfed the internet. Sure enough. Through the filtering process, before bottling, a wine may be put through a number of different things, including isinglass (from fish bladder,) gelatin, egg whites, and sea shells. I also reread The Kind Diet. Note to Alicia Silverstone: You failed to mention the non-veganism of alcohol!!

Today, while happily browsing through the aisles of Whole Foods wine department I decided I find too much joy from the process of choosing a good bottle of wine. There are vegan options out there. But let me tell you, they are not easy to find. I will make my vegan wine transition slowly. I have discovered a very helpful website www.barnivore.com. Maybe, one day, I will decide to go all out. Until then, CHEERS!... and Chaosgal, please rename my blog entries “Mostly Vegan”.

A Typical Sunday Feeding the Soul and Stacey

I try to be spontaneous.  I hate it when people predict me.  I despise the concept of a box. But on Sundays, my friends,  Sundays I have always been as predictable as the paper delivered to my doorstep.  As square as the box my latest shoes arrived in.  The characters and recipe in a Sunday meal might be spontaneously chosen but the core ingredients are a foundation that I rarely stray from--- food, friends and fine reading. 

And for this Sunday's meal...
For the character I chose a G*.  A G who loves good food and words as much as I.  A G who showed up while I was working at my client's shop--- Hello Cupcake.  A G who is always up for a trek across town.  A G who saw a run down building and immediately imagined (as I) a loft and restaurant downstairs run by a S.  A G who told me today we should form a band called G and the M Ds, with a straight face and I am certain meant it. 

The food was brought to me in the form of lunch eaten at Bus Boys and Poets, on 5th and K.  I had an amazing Veggie Burger and Sweet Potato Fries.  Served with sprouts, avocado and vegannaise on a chickpea bun, this burger competed closely to the one that I had three weeks ago at another District favorite--- Open City.  As a fan of the BBand P 14th and V location, I  equally loved the new location near Union Station.  In a brand new building, the atmosphere was a little more modern than V but the decor was still eclectic.  A combination of coffee shop, bar and restaurant... throw in a little retail and it is the perfect combination of food, books and my favorite two types of beverages.  The crowd was diverse and the food was the same--- amazing.  The service was a little slow but hey, it was Mother's Day and I am learning to be more forgiving**. 

The words, well they sprinkled in all day... they were found in The Post, NY Times.  A Plethora of magazines on Food, Fashion and Wellness (or scripture as I call it) at the Church of Barnes and Noble.  They were also found in great conversation exploring life and love and pursuit of all things food.  And finally in the form of lyrics in new tunes from indie bands such as Horse Feathers and Local Natives. 

Add a very tasty Bloody Mary to the mix, four miles of walking  and all that reading... I was on my couch napping by 5 p.m.  Predictable or not, Sundays are a day of rest, rejuvenation and really, whatever makes you happy.

* Not to be confused with my two other G's.  One, though often there in spirit, words and lyrics is AWOL in physical sense on most of the seven days a week.  One is never around on a weekend and this one, well, this one is a predictable, reoccurring guest star on a weekly basis.

**On Saturday I was slightly less forgiving when I sat for 20 minutes at a restaurant I will not speak of on 17th without any service.  It is just like the kid's fable, Little Bunny FooFoo, "I'll give you three whole chances"  or in baseball terms, "Three strikes you are out."  Right now they are 1.75 chances/strikes out. 

Silky Cheesecake, Soy Spill and Stacey's Version of Pizza in the Raw

Once upon a time, this weekend, I checked out a new vegan/raw cafe in Dupont--- Cafe Green. Owned by the same people who do Java Green, this 17th St cafe is sure to be a hit to Washingtonian vegetarians. 

Normally I get annoyed when I do not have full control over my order but my dining companion's choices proved tasty.  We sampled a lentil burger, a raw pizza, baked (or not so baked) fries, and various Asian inspired items on a sample tray.  Even though I negated ordering dessert I had to share in the amazing vegan chocolate cheese cake (see right). It was seriously the best dessert I have had in a while.  (Truthfully, I am still thinking about this creamy creation, 3.7 times today to be exact). 

The food was not only great it inspired mimicking.  On Sunday night I found myself trying to re-create the pizza crust.  I made mine with lentils (as the waitress explained was in the version I tried) but I think I did not soak them long enough.  Below is a recipe I will try as soon as my lentils have "spouted".

__________________________________________________________________

Raw Pizza Crust

 1.5 cups lentils, sprouted 2 tbsp olive oil 1/2 cup carrot pulp or grated carrot 1/2 cup flax seeds, soaked Spices and herbs to taste

Place the lentils in a mixing bowl, drizzle oil (olive is good) over them, add the flax seeds and carrot pulp. Mix with a large spoon. Then scoop the groats into a food processor or blender. With the blender, you may want to add a little liquid.

Coat a solid cookie sheet with oil, and scoop 3 or 4 big scoops onto it a mound about six inches in diameter. If the dough is sticky, use filtered water to moisten your hands.
Shape the dough into a rough square and flatten. Smooth the top and edges to form a ten inch square, checking the depth by inserting a knife. It should be the same depth as the edges, 1/4th to 1/2 inch.
Dehydrate at 100 degrees  for about eight hours, until the crust is dry enough to transfer. Lift crust with a spatula and transfer to a mesh dehydrating rack for faster double-sided dehydrating. Dehydrate for another eight hours. When done, crust should be very dry.

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The pizza we ate (that was both raw and TINY) was served with raw bread, sun-dried a little tomato sauce, basil & onion.  Despite the size (seriously, did you see the other food ordered?) it was quite tasty! 

Overall, I give Cafe Green a B+.  There food is great but their service could use a little seasoning.   (Please note if the waitress had not spilled soy sauce on my I would have given them an A.)  I will definitely return, soon.  This time for dinner... there was a curry dish that has my name all over it! 

Visit Cafe Green at 1517 17th St Nw (between N Church St & N P St)

Pad Thai, People I Missed (and Pate)

This week's post is brought to you by the letter P.

Last night I made Pad Thai... in my pad on K.  With G.  Who I have missed more than I thought I would.  It is interesting how someone that was not a part of your life 9 months ago can leave a void when they are gone for 4 days... especially when the 4 days have been frosted with chaos with a dash of crazy.

The Pad Thai was flavorful and so was the conversation and the tunes.   Sprinkled with broccoli,  shitake, garlic, good humor and Mumford and Sons--- some of the dinner, conversation and music lingered over into today. 

K Pad ThaiRice Noodles
4 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
2 tablespoons Soy Sauce

4 tablespoons Peanut Butter

4 tablespoons Tomato Paste

1 tablespoons of Olive Oil

Dash red pepper flakes

Garlic, 2 cloves

Broccoli

Shitake

Scallions
Basil

Crushed cashews

Cook the rice noodles and move to the side.  Saute cashews, broccoli, shitakes with garlic and sesame oil.  In another pan add peanut butter, vinegar, soy and tomato paste.  Add water to thin.  Add sauteed veggies and noodles.  Serve with chopped scallions, basil and cashew.  Best eaten with crisp white wine. 

My Pad Thai is a little different, much like everything I do.  It is more a cross between peanut noodles and traditional Pad Thai. 

(Conversation centered around music, Nashville and a weekend check-in.  Mumford and Sons can be downloaded at iTunes--- a special thanks for L and another G for turning me onto them.)

And to follow the P movement and my need for alitterations to be in threes, recently I have been into Pate.  Yes, pate.  Specifically Salami Pate from Brabo or Country Pate from Grape and Bean---both in Old Town, or the OT as I call it.  It is not vegan, vegetarian or healthy but it does intrigue me.  Look for recipes coming soon from me and my colleague KC as we experiment with this new culinary delight. 

A Tale of Various Farmers, a Sheep, a Goat, a Cow and One Happy Gal

Sometimes it is the most simple things in life that make you smile. 

For instance, after a very challenging week all it took was cheese to make this gal feel normal again.   Cheese and an afternoon spent with someone that makes me laugh like no other.  These two things made my Saturday afternoon  a little less gloomy, a little less grim and and a lot more gratifying.

 
After a late lunch at my favorite West End spot, Founding Farmers, where I ate amazing Fried Green Tomatoes, we headed to check out a semi-new cheese shop in PennQuarter, CowGirlCreamery. The creamery has a history in California but the DC retail space is fairly recent.  It is beautiful!  Stocked full of gourmet food and artisinial cheeses... this is a very Stacey place. 

When you enter the back of the space there are various employees sampling just about anything you want.  They are very knowledgable about the product and extremely friendly. 

We sampled an aged goat cheese, a nutty cowsmilk cheese and an amazing sheeps' cheese called "Lamb Chopper."  I also sampled a soft cheese that was compressed with herbs by the cheese maker's wife. It was as artistic as it was tasty... apparently she spends hours on each wheel. 

This place is also filled with other non-cheese goodies, including olives and pickled treats, a small selection of cured meats, wine and a surprisingly large selection of craft beers.  There are also some nice wine glasses, cheese knives and cutting boards, and some magazines and books for folks looking to expand their knowledge of cheese and cheese culture.

When I was reading YELP reviews on gal wrote, "I wish I could live at the CowGirl Creamery."  I had to laugh, as a cheese lover I could relate but I just wish I lived closer by. Regardless of my neighborhood, I will make sure to make my way to Penn Quarter SOON to re- visit this wonderful den of dairy. 

Try it for yourself at 919 F St. NW (between N 10th St & N 9th St

www.cowgirlcreamery.com

5 Things that Make this Foodie Happy

It is Wednesday and I am happy to report that I have already been delighted at least 5 times, culinarily (tm sdp) speaking.

Just a few of the things that have made me happy, thus far:

1. One Falafel Pita from Zorkafor's SandVeg.
I have walked by this place 400+ times less than one block from my office and never stopped. This week I did. Delightful service, delightful food, delightful price. Plus they had an entire bar of veggies and sauces you could add. 

2. A Dozen Muffins Eaten By My Intern.

I made super healthy, Stacey style buckwheat, bran carrot zucchini nut muffins for the office.  No one would eat them.  No one but Bobby.  Good ole' Bobby (Bert or Bob). And he has eaten all of them.  He may just feel obligated but I secretly think he really likes them.  Either way it makes me happy (but concerned for his digestive track).

3. Bacon Wrapped Scallops. 
Served with horseradish dip.  At a party with free wine.  Eaten while meeting great new gals.Done. Done. and, Done! 

4. Cherry Chocolate Chip Soy Ice Cream.

Last night my Minnesotian BeFri made me buy it.  And the Mango Soy Icecream.  And watch Reality Bites for the second time in three days.  I have a love/hate relationship with her (says the gal still snacking on the frozen treat, thinking of Ethan Hawke).

5. Serious Eats Blog.

My colleague sent this to me, hours ago.  I am inspired to make many, many things.  Tonight.  Instead of doing all the things I should do.  Love it.  Love her. Love procrastination. 

Turkish Delight...

Once upon a time, circa Good Friday I discovered a new culinary attraction.In Georgetown, across from Dean and Deluca, is my new favorite fast casual DC Restaurant, MorsoExpress. Clean and contemporary décor matches the fresh and flavorful food they serve.  Customers can make their own wraps, salads and flat bread including selections such as kebab, Fatoush salad and a Turkish brick oven flatbread swiss chard, herbs & goat cheese.

On that very good Friday, I had an amazing pistachio lamb wrap with tabbouleh salad that I am still dreaming about (seriously, last Tuesday and this Wednesday night).  The owners are adorable, savvy business men that pride themselves on using fresh ingredients (including grass fed beef and lamb), great customer service in a welcoming environment.  I cannot wait for the parent restaurant to open.  Morso, which is slated to open at the corner of Potomac and M streets in September, will be a Mediterranean spot serving small plates with a modern Turkish influence.  

 Visit Morso Express at  3277B M Street NW!   

Q&A about a Friday lunch out

Did I eat a burger for lunch?
Yes I did.


Seriously? A burger? One with Meat?

Yes. I did. I will not lie.


Was it from the BRG?
Why yes. Yes, it was.


The one across the street from your office that you pretend is not there?
Yes. That one. The one that has the amazing Greek Burger I dream of but rarely speak of.


Did it have cheese?
Yes, damn it.  It did. It was amazing. Oiey Gooey. Couldn't get enough.


Did I eat the entire burger?
Yes. Yes, I cannot lie. I ate the ENTIRE burger. Bun and all. (Bun prepared with butter)


But I had them hold the sweet potato fries, right?
No.  I got them. I savored over half of them. There, I told you.


Was it good?
Yes. It was amazing. Worth every calorie. Worthy of the Bobby Flay Throwdown.


Am I feeling guilty?
Yes. Yes I am. Couldn't feel more guilty unless I was Catholic. Conversation with healthier, more fit, slightly guilty conscious would have and should have stopped me.


Unfortunately the smarter, more health conscious Stacey is on vacation... at a spa... eating seaweed and kale... and dreaming of a juicy, cheese filled, carb loaded burger. Sometimes you just have to give in.


*the guilt led me to look up nutritional value of this said meal and it is never a good sign when the restaurant does not include it on the website. Just saying... Just saying.

**image is not representative of exact burger I consumed (from Best Bites Blog).  My burger was without bacon and disappeared WAY TOO FAST for flash.  Visit the Washingtonian Best Bites for more details on BGR, The Burger Joint. 

The Proof was in the Sanity

Every so often a gal needs a night of relaxation, ranting and red. Red wine, that is.  This week was one of them.

Between 7:00 a.m. Monday and 7 p.m. Tuesday it felt like a week had gone by and I finally reached a point of sanity at Proof, circa 7:01 p.m.  Located in Penn Quarter, this well decorated, well educated and well stocked establishment helped me feel myself again.

Larger than 14th St's Cork but more intimate that Enology, I found Proof to be my goldilocks of wine bars and I promise the sanity component had nothing to do with it. 

Glasses of wine at Proof come in 2 oz tastes, 6 oz, or 8.5 oz for a regular glass. Since we are two ladies that know what we want, G and I ordered a bottle of dry, spicy Rhone and gabbed away. While waiting on a third friend, we snacked on Rosemary Honey nuts that made me nostalgic for my store that I closed a year ago this week and the Nutty Gal mixes we used to sell.  When K came in we ordered more wine and a Mediterranean flat bread that was AMAZING.  I know what you are thinking... everyone does flatbreads but this was a salad that happened to be on top of bread.  Garlic Chickpea puree, Smoked Eggplant, Pickled Radish and Kalamata Olives... it was quite tasty.  We also shared the Olive Oil Roasted Brussel Sprouts that were repeatable.  Food great, check.  Wine great, check.  Emotions much better, check. But overall, it was the atmosphere that will bring me back.  Beautiful decor that was beautifully laid out to create intimate nooks without seeming crowded, this wine bar understands big picture!

Chaos and Coconut

So I must admit that since I have started working with my new client, Hello Cupcake, my dreams have been sugar coated... covered in Coconut Frosting.  I am IN LOVE with the Triple Coconut Cupcake in a way that only lyrical dance could show.  It is coconut cake, coconut icing with toasted coconut on top.  Seriously, it is heavenly.

This month, until February 15th when you go online to :http://www.youhadmeathellocupcake.com/ you can get a free cupcake (even the coconut one) if you give a pick-up story.  I know, clever, right? 

Clever, coconuty and even a little chaotic... just like we like it! 

Very Simple at Vermilion

This week a new friend took me to a very "Stacey" restaurant in charming Old Town Alexandria.  I have been working here since October but really have not explored much more than Starbucks, the Tapas place next door and Paper Source. 

Vermilion, located five blocks from my office on King Street is charming, artsy, rustic with a contemporary edge. The bar, where I started with a great glass of Pinot Nior was warm, upscale but not pretentious. The chef prides himself on using local, fresh and the finest ingredients--- I have to say the quality of my meal reflected that. I ordered Butternut Squash Soup that was adorned with pistachios followed by a Beet Salad with hazelnut encrusted goat cheese. My friend ordered duck and though I choose not to eat things like duck and rabbit, I must admit it look DELICIOUS. They certainly understand that presentation is almost as important as the selections they serve. Great wine and beer selection and service to match. They were very concerned that my untouched soup was going to get cold as I blah, blah, blahed waiting on my dining companions food. Even a bit chilled the soup was AMAZING. I consider this my first real Old Town dining experience and I was very pleased. I think this is only the beginning of my OTA culinary tour. Next stop, Rustico (owned by the same people that own my DC favorite bar, ChurchKey).

Will I go Againn???

... only time will tell.

Speaking of time, that is something I have not had a lot of recently.  My dad told me the other day that he enjoyed my last entry but I needed to post more.  The pressure always comes from the top down, huh?  I know you are sick of my song but it is playing again, (this time in a remixed version) "too much chaos, not enough chicken."  My kitchen has not seen action since New Year's prep.  But rest assure, I am still eating just mostly out so I will keep scooping the chicken but it will come in form of restaurant review. 

This week I carved out a little time to check out a new District dish, Againn.  Will I go back?  Probably...not for the food but definitely for the bar.  It is a contemporary Gastro Pub with great atmosphere.  The chef is apparently amazing but the menu is just not my thing... I did not see Hagas but you get the gist.  Lots of heavy meats and traditional British grub.  I did have a beet salad and very tasty chips.  My dining companion was impressed with the scotch and bourbon selection and chatted up the bartendar about the wide array of mixers that come from all over the world.  They also boast lighted lockers where patrons can store their scotch for a mere $500 a month.  Great beer and wine list and Happy Hours on Monday thru Thursday.  Rumor has it this restauranteer has a French brasserie in the works, Fleur, and that is much, much more this gals style! 

Hoping to provide you with more K St. cooking soon...

A Day A Little Less Expected...

When I left for work at 8:00 a.m. I did not expect to be late. I did not expect to encounter two fires, a re-route and a missed train. I did not expect to stand in line at Starbucks for 10 minutes and I did not expect that they would be out of Christmas Blend. I did not expect for a co-worker to be fired and I did not expect to be blown off by someone that I was hoping to see. After all these barriers I did not expect for a day filled with anything but... but that is what the unexpected is all about, right?




Thanks to the fires and waits and the being stood up I am able to tell the tale of an evening filled with unexpected company, at an unexpected restaurant with unexpected cuisine. As as much as this planner hates to admit this, the best times are spent when all the plans go out the window... or in my case, catch on fire.


The only expected part of my evening was that it was spent on 14th Street, where I spend sometimes 4 out of 7 evenings. One unexpected phone call, a metro ride and a 15 minute walk led me to a spontaneous evening at Masa14, a restaurant new to the bustling 14th Street bar scene. I expected a wait but got a seat. I expected Spanish but got a fusion of Asian-Latin. I expected an overpriced, mediocre menu but saw small plates under $10 with creative ingredients and fresh flavors.



I shared Yukka Fries with a Spicy Lime dipping sauce that made eating fries seem a little more acceptable. I started with a Seaweed Salad that had amazing texture and flavor followed by a Tuna Sashami Flatbread that was adorned with wasabi aioli and arugula. The service phenomenally matched the food and my company was just as flavorful ... something I do not find in DC on an ordinary weeknight--- especially on a day filled with barriers. A day that started out challenging turned into wonderful... something this gal certainly did not expect!

Fortune Telling, Fried Green Tomatoes and Five Mixed CDs

Whew, what a weekend! There was no carrot cake but there was much celebrating!!!

I had my fortune read by Miss Jessica, ate amazing fried green tomatoes and received five really great mixed CDs... that, a visit by two former Shop Gals, unique food, lots of red wine and time spent with the people that mean the most made for an amazing culinary and celebratory week. No worries to those of you not involved... I felt your love telepathically... and the fortune teller told me you were there in spirit!

Favorite foods consumed during my week long culinary celebration:

Fried Green Tomatoes with Green Goddess Dressing- Founding Farmers

Wood Grilled Calamari with Lentils- Cafe Saint X
Roasted Beet Salad and Goat Cheese Salad- Bar Pillar
Porcini Risotto- Potenza
Roasted Chestnut, Ricotta and Artichoke Pasta- Posto
Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels- Chocolate Paper

I also checked out a new bar located in Logan Circle called ChurchKey that has an UNBELIEVABLE beer selection with 75 brews on tap and hundreds in the bottle.

I do not need a fortune teller to tell me that if I keep up this restaurant tour I will need new jeans but it was totally worth it! I just left Trader Joes with healthy produce and grains and new recipes are soon to follow.

Today is Nov 1--- it is a new week, a new month and a new year for me. As I listen to my new tunes while perusing my great new cookbook (Thanks, Mom!), I make you a promise of more time spent cooking, consistent chaos and a continuation of carefully crafted recipes... after all, Miss Jessica said writing was definitely in the cards.

Hey Jealousy...

So, do you remember that song by the Gin Blossoms, Hey Jealousy? When that song was popular in 1992 my niece Clarissa was two and very adorable. She went around singing "Hey Josey" because of her favorite cartoon Josey and the Pussy Cats. This is the version that played in my head as I laid in bed today, very sick, with my best friend telling me about her mid week get away in NYC. Not only is she in my favorite city, in the fall, but she is eating at two of my favorite restaurants. (Yes, since I am quarantined in my DC apartment with no appetite or energy to cook I have to write about another person's life---Sorry folks, that is all I have).

Buddakan is an upscale Asian Fusion restaurant located in the Meat Packing District. Very underrated from the outside but the grand nature of the dining area proves it different on the inside. The last time I was there I had Edamame Dumplings that were AMAZING... The parent
resteraunt is in Philly and I wish the very handsome (and talented) chef, Michael Schulson would concider another in DC... come on Mike, I could do the PR???!!! Or marry you... whatever it takes!



Balthazar is a traditional French bistro that has an energy that cannot be described on words. The hustle and bustle is rejuvenating but you can spend hours talking over lunch or a cappuccino. Co-chefs, Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr have done a fabulous job bringing a taste of Paris to NY. Again...guys, What about DC??? A comparable restaurant I have spoken of is CanCan in Richmond, VA that I believe was an adaptation of this model. Great food and atmosphere anytime of the day.

Jealous or not, I do wish my dear friend a weekday rendezvous full of fantastic memories, fall foliage and fun food...

Free time, favorite friends and fried items

On Sunday I had lunch with one of my favorite DC dining companions after weeks of little contact. The result??? Hours spend driving the Founding Farmers bartender crazy, sore cheeks from laughing and a slight upset stomach from the bad food I am not used to consuming. I cannot believe that in farm to table restaurant we managed to choose such unhealthy options. We had ranch popcorn (trendy appetizer, flavor changes with chef's preference), five dips with homemade chips (yeah, theybring three and we asked for two more types... basically a dip with extra dip and a side of dip). For our entree (like we needed one) we had a gourmet grill cheese
on rye with Gruyere and white cheddar with tomato soup. Seriously, a salad was ordered but since the lettuce was not fried we did not eat it. Days like this remind me to make time for the people that make you laugh, operating without a schedule can bring you the best surprises and everything is a little better dipped in something.

Chaos Goes Capeside...

This weekend I enjoyed a relaxing time waterside in Riverside, Rhode Island (5 miles from Providence). I spent three days with one of my best friends eating, drinking, shopping and exploring the cape. And laughing... laughing oh so much! I came back to the District more clear headed, rejuvenated and optimistic than I have been in a while.

(Me and Jill on the water in downtown Providence, a block from her office at Brown. After a glass of wine at Hemmingways and an afternoon of exploring it is windy and cold and we miss the bus while snapping this picture)

Favorite Rhody Food Spots:
At Olga's Cup and Saucer (right, see owners) I enjoyed a savory veggie sandwich on Sour Dough and a spicy, Chipotle Corn Chowder.

At The BeeHive Cafe (left, see helpful counter gal) in Bristol, for brunch on Sunday I ate a Smoked Salmon BLT that I am still dreaming about. Seriously, I would pay up to $8.42 to eat that sandwich again tonight. Their food was all organic and the pastries in their cases were so hard to resist!

For the majority of meals, J and I cooked at home with lots of Pinot Noir (insert our laughter, story telling and sometimes lyrical dance) ... a night spent with a good friend, good music and good wine are the best ingredients to make for the best restaurant in any town.

A Tale of Sourdough, Assumption and Misinterpretation

Oh... and patience. This is definitely a tale of patience.

I have a problem with patience, especially when food is involved. On a glorious Sunday afternoon where I am sure that the birds were chirping around my head, in a neighborhood that I have grown to love, at a restaurant that serves amazing carb filled heavenly sandwiches on sour dough* as fluffy as clouds, with my favorite DC dining companion... that is where this tangled tale begins.

I may have had on my rose colored glasses but I was starved... and so was my companion. Upon arriving we were pleasantly surprised when the outdoor table customers had paid and even vocalized that they were ready to leave. I mean, could the day get more perfect?

That is, until they would not MOVE. As we waited, patiently at first, we noticed their non-verbals. The woman looked angry, first at her date and then at us. The longer we stood there, the more she glared and the longer they sat. With each second we grew more annoyed, more impatient and more judgmental.

Twenty minutes later they were still sitting, fumbling with their straws and we were quite disturbed. Maybe if we go inside they will leave. NO. Maybe if we hover they will leave. NO.
The bartender tries to convince us to sit at the bar. NO. We were holding out if we had to physically remove them.

By this point, my assumption is that they are being spiteful. They are unhappy, mean people. That's it, I know it.

Finally, thirty minutes and counting they stand-up, we start to make our move and they linger... LINGER, I tell you---hugging, talking and organizing the big dog that escaped from under the table. With each gesture we grow more mad. These people were ruining our day. Our day, you know, with the sun and the birds and the rose colored glasses. Then, we see it... maybe it was the way that he glanced over his shoulder or the cold hug he gave her or the tear in her eye--- this gal was doing more than lingering onto the table, she was lingering onto a relationship that was clearly over. They were breaking up. Breaking up over pancakes, mind you.

After a caloric tuna melt my perspective changed. Maybe it was the heavenly bread or a carb endorsed state of euphoria but my sediment for Karly (this is what I named the what I first labeled hateful but now fragile, girl in the tale) had changed, I no longer felt so angry. I had misinterpreted their behavior. I made it personal as we often do. I forgot that we should not make assumptions. And mostly, I forgot to be patient. After all, I think if I were broken up over pancakes I might behave the same way. I am not sure if I would linger but I would definitely be angry. . . because---come on man, the least you could do is order a gal something on the sourdough. Geez!

*Heavenly sourdough, caloric sandwiches and people watching can be found at Stoney's Lounge
on P and 14. Remember, bring your appetite, patience and an open mind.

Love! Love! Love! Creative food options...

After a great day off enjoying the warm, not humid sunshine of the city, I met a friend at Bar Pilar on 14th Street for a snack and a glass of wine and was pleasantly surprised at the creative food options on the menu. I left both satisfied and inspired. This is the true test of a restaurant in my book. If I can leave wanting to re-create the dish or simply create something else then I have had a good experience. Pair this with good ambiance and great company and I will be back so soon. (Not to mention good wine and beer options!)

We were not very hungry but enjoyed Swiss Chard with Blue Cheese and Sour Cherries and a Sweet Corn and Parmesan Soup. The gal next to us was eating a Roasted Beet Salad that looked amazing. So many small plates and vegetarian options under $9 and the menu also had very temping meat options including a crisp bronzini with caper olive relish! I bet the calamari would be amazing, too!

With two small outdoor tables and a cozy outdoor scene, this is yet another 14th St restaurant I will frequent again...

No wonder this street was rated #1 Restaurant Street in DC, 2009. What a great way to start the Restaurant Week Celebration!