I am very excited to share with you some “throwback” food trips. What is a food trip? Well, over the past few years, I have tried to make it a priority to travel more, then combine that with the countless hours of food tv I watch and you get…a food trip!! Once I know where I am going, I then make a list of the food places that I want to try! Many of them are picked based on what I have seen on various tv shows, as well as, my own research. Finding places to eat at has become my unofficial job whenever I am heading someplace with my friends and family.  Even destinations that I go to time and time again, I am always searching for something new to try! First stop…Washington, DC.

I’ve been wanting to travel to DC for some time, but it wasn’t until last summer that I finally made it happen. I recruited a friend of mine from work, who had also never been to DC, to come with me. This trip was not only about trying the restaurants I had planned out, but I was also really excited to explore and visit all the museums! I had 3 days to get as much done as possible! The first day was spent going on a tour of all the beautiful monuments and must see attractions. It was well worth it! I would have never been able to see everything if it wasn’t for the tour. The guide was very informative (and funny!!) and it made me want to brush up on my American History. My nerdy/teacher side definitely came out. I took LOTS of pictures, but I’ll stick to the food, and maybe throw some in for good measure…haha

After a long day of playing tourist, we headed into Georgetown for an Italian meal from the “Pasta Mammas” at Filomena Ristorante (luckily, they were super nice because I actually screwed up the reservation…ah!!). You can see the Mammas making the pasta in the window! soo cool!!

Before I even sat down I knew what I wanted to order, their fresh homemade Ravioli. WOW!! The portion was huge and it sure made my tummy happy! After all the pasta, we walked around Georgetown. Lots of shops and cobblestone walkways! It was really nice! I know you’re waiting for me to say that I stopped for cupcakes at the famous Georgetown Cupcake, but confession, I was actually to the one they opened in NYC before I came to DC. I did make sure to walk past and see the original location though.

The second day was museum day. Most of the museums have free entry, but we did go to some others as well. I think my favorite was the Museum of American History. It had some fun exhibits, like the one on FOOD…it’s where they have Julia Child’s kitchen, so no surprise as to why this was one of my favorites. On our way out of the museum, we noticed that their was a book signing and you know who it was with? The pastry chef from the White House!!

We went to Good Stuff Eatery for lunch which is Top Chef Spike Mendelsohn’s burger place. The burgers were yummy!! I had a turkey burger with Muenster cheese and avocado. I only wish the fries were a bit more crispy. They also have some delicious milkshake options. Spike also has a really cool pizza place next door called “We, The Pizza” haha love that!

After our marathon day of walking and museum hopping, I think we walked for a total of 8 hours, no joke…it was time for the meal I had been waiting for…dinner at Founding Farmers!!! What makes this place unique is it run by American Family farmers. (Find out more here…http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com) Upon entering, we took a seat at the bar since there was a small wait, and were presented with a very impressive drink menu. I knew I wanted to try something different and since the bartenders are trained mixologist I knew everything would be good. I went with the “El Presidente” sooo perfect for a hot summer day and I loved the color!! It had Rum, lime, pineapple and housemade grenadine. The meal was just as impressive. To start, we ordered the skillet cornbread…I need to just pause for a second because I’m just remembering how amazing this was……and it came with honey butter with sea salt!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! sinfully good. I choose a classic american dish for my dinner choice, Yankee Pot Roast. The meat was so tender, the vegetables were so darn tasty, and it was all piled high onto some amazing mashed potatoes…I practically licked my plate clean. Their dessert menu sounded incredible as well, but I was stuffed! Imagine? I couldn’t even get dessert!! I wish I could have sampled the whole menu… I can’t wait to get back here!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the last day of our trip, we spent the morning at Arlington National Cemetery and then went to The Dupont Circle farmer’s market. I love Farmer’s Markets and I heard that this one was great so I knew I had to make a point to get there. The market had so many wonderful things, but it was hard to look around since it was pouring!! womp womp…BUT I did manage to get a Jar of some pretty awesome homemade pickles, score!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We needed lunch before the drive back to Long Island and I had just the place…Ben’s Chili Bowl!! I first saw this place on Man v. Food and knew it had to be on my DC food list. This simple bowl of chili packed a tun of flavor!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is by no means the only places in DC to eat at. I had many other great recommendations from friends who had either lived in or been to the city before, but these were just the ones that made it to my list. Like any city, there are so many great places to try! I hope to be back to DC one day to try more of what the city has to offer, and hopefully, these recommendations will make it to your list the next time you find yourself in our Nation’s Capitol.

With love and sugar, Kristen xo.