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EXPLORE D.C. | | | | | | | 500 8th St SE
Washington,
DC
20003
202-543-5906 | | | | | Description: CAPITOL HILL. This sunny café surrounds diners with vibrant art, lively music, and loads of fun. Inspired by the cuisines of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean, the menu offers tropical dishes that bring customers back for more. The signature, ropa vieja, combines torn beef with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and plantains; its zesty flavor is quintessentially Cuban. You'll also find sizzling fajitas, a chunky seafood stew, and carnitas, a spicy dish made with pork and oranges. During happy hour, you can listen to the piano bar's live music while munching chips and salsa. A mariachi band serenades patrons during Sunday brunch.
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| 15 E St NW
Washington,
DC
20001
202-661-2700 | | | | | Description: CAPITOL HILL. Escape the high-stress environment of the business world and decompress in the relaxed atmosphere of this contemporary bistro, enjoying lively conversation and sophisticated French cuisine. Owner-chef Jeffrey Buben's classically-inspired menu includes lamb chops Niçoise, escalope of salmon Gascone and duck confit prepared with garlic and thyme. The glass-enclosed kitchen allows guests to watch the skilled chef and his team as they hone their culinary expertise. A destination in its own right, Bistro Bis has become a haven for the trendy and the powerbroker alike. METRO: Union Station
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| 518 10th St NW
Washington,
DC
20004
202-393-5444 | | | | | Description: DOWNTOWN. This restaurant successfully juxtaposes traditional French cuisine with Far Eastern flavors. While the menu primarily features standbys like snails and roast chicken, it also offers chicken satay and a few Asian appetizers. Fish selections are fresh and well-prepared, as yellowfin tuna and salmon attest. A friendly waitstaff and cheery surroundings add to the appeal, along with pre-theatre dining options. Conveniently located across from Ford's Theatre. Smart casual or business dressy attire.
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| 7750 Woodmont Ave
Bethesda,
MD
20814
301-652-6278 | | | | | Description: BETHESDA. The speakeasy aesthetics set a cool scene at this large, well-received establishment. Seafood is the highlight, but it's more than grilled filets (although those offered are delicious, encrusted with coriander and pistachios). Oysters are tempting broiled or fried, and the cod branade fritters are downright addictive. Mains include black pepper and fennel-crusted tuna, seafood stew, organic salmon and seared sea scallops with Swiss shard. From the wood-fired grill, dandies like filet mignon, Berkshire pork chop and loin of Shenandoah lamb are available for landlubbers.
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| 815 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington,
DC
20006
202-659-3727 | | | | | Description: DOWNTOWN. This little-known find is one of the top places in town for flavorful Indian cuisine, and its location near the White House means it typically crawls with staffers and political types. Reportedly a favorite of the Clintons during his time in office, the refined, palm-dotted dining room is a combination of British and Indian styles. But the food is authentic Indian all the way, with skillfully prepared tandoori dishes, lamb in saffron with yogurt and spices, and a fantastic array of curries. Vegetarians and carnivores will both be satisfied. Just don't miss the naan, a flavorful, soft bread that's a Bombay Club specialty. Business casual dress. Reservations recommended. METRO: Farragut West
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| 950 15th St NW
Washington,
DC
20005
202-393-4499 | | | | | Description: DOWNTOWN. This upscale restaurant attracts a wide mix of politicos and world citizens longing for South Carolina's Lowcountry cooking. Barbecued salmon fillet, shrimp and grits, Frogmore stew (seafood, no frogs) and Southern fried chicken are menu classics that come with cornbread, biscuits and lots of animated conversation. Vegetarians find warm embrace in meatless dishes like sautéed black-eyed pea cakes. Fried catfish, biscuit-battered French toast, country ham with gravy and other brunch delights also gain wide approval. Some say that this type of food is a bit heavy others simply nod and butter another biscuit. METRO: McPherson Square
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| 1858 Columbia Rd NW
Washington,
DC
20008
202-986-0757 | | | | | Description: ADAMS-MORGAN. As animated and fun as you'd expect, this Brazilian eatery is a favorite of native South Americans and courts a local crowd as well. Part bar and part restaurant, it satisfies a host of needs. At brunch, you won't run across the usual eggs and bacon. Instead, they offer Brazilian classics: hearty dishes of grilled beef, chicken, seafood, and vegetables. You'll also find the feijoada, a famous Brazilian entree made with pork, beef, sausage, and beans. The $16 price includes a salad, entree, dessert, and a glass of champagne. Offered only on weekends, brunch runs from noon until 4pm.
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| 2437 18th St NW
Washington,
DC
20009
202-797-0017 | | | | | Description: ADAMS-MORGAN. Superior Mediterranean-Turkish tapas join an outstanding selection of martinis to make this restaurant a must-visit. The menu boasts over 28 different tapas options and six entrees, so most folks come to sample a variety of the zesty dishes. Notable selections include hummus topped with pureed chickpeas and mucver, zucchini pancakes topped with a tangy sauce. Outdoor patio dining is available. A stylish, trendy set gather here to nibble, sip, and be seen, so dress in your best.
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| 801 King St
Alexandria,
VA
22314
703-684-8969 | | | | | Description: OLD TOWN. A favorite place for dinner fajitas, burritos, and enchiladas, South Austin Grill is also popular at breakfast. Traditional morning meals include Belgian waffles, pancakes with sausage or bacon, and delicious potato dishes. Sunday brunch also brings on Macho Tacos, Western omelets, steak ranchero, and luscious cornmeal pancakes. The dining room boasts colorful Southwestern touches and upbeat music. In warm weather, the attractive patio is a terrific option.
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| 1515 Rhode Island Ave NW
Washington,
DC
20005
202-742-0015 | | | | | Description: DOWNTOWN. This restaurant has swiftly become a favored stop for downtowners seeking home cooking with an edge. Simple foods such as pork chops, catfish, brussels sprouts, and squash become culinary masterpieces. Seasonally-inspired dishes, like marinated quail, are delightful, and desserts are just as appealing chocolate brownie sundaes and double chocolate cake. The bar specializes in high-end bourbons. Sunday brunch available. Smart casual dress. Reservations accepted.
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