‘galbi’
courtesy of ‘aliciagriffin’

Spring is a lovely time in Washington – this isn’t a revelation. But it’s a perfectly pleasing time to be eating out in our city. Chefs are getting excited about spring farm produce, and menus are waking up from their brussel-sprout-and-short-rib trance. Fish makes it’s way to a more prominent place on the menu, and cherry cocktails celebrate the turn of the season. The arrival of Zaytinya’s Easter festival makes me think of sundresses, and the announcement of RAMMY nominations makes me want to strip off my tights and thrown on some open-toed heels. These events that make DC the perfect place to eat in spring, and I’m oh-so-happy to be back here again!

‘AGAINN again!’
courtesy of ‘staceyviera’

Where I’ve been: Againn, Mixt Greens, Kellari, Radius Pizza, Galaxy Hut, Jockey Club, Evening Star Cafe, Liberty Tavern, Pound Coffee, Science Club, Kushi, Poste, Urbana, Brickskeller, Veritas, Sauca, Rustico, Bibiana, The Reserve

Cocktail: Sparkling Sake at Kushi. My cocktail is actually a wine, a sparking wine, but it’s lovely nonetheless. I love sweet sakes, and this one hit the spot perfectly. Kushi has a unique way of rating sakes, from 1, dry to 5, sweet. This one landed a 55 on the menu, and I loved every sip.

Bread: Basket at Bibiana. Oh how I love Bibiana’s bread – served with olive oil, the warm freshly-baked bread basket is fantastic. Filled with olive bread and a white fluffy herb bread, I’m in carb heaven when this arrives. It makes me so happy!

Appetizer: Grilled Cheese at The Reserve. I wouldn’t have guessed that everyone’s favorite bar on L street is actually a great place to eat dinner, but the Lebanese owner has a strong hand on the menu, for the best. Thick cuts of Halomi cheese are served four to a plate with tomato confit and lemon juice. This salty appetizer pairs perfectly with the wines that The Reserve is named after.

Main: Scallops at The Jockey Club. There is something oh-so-DC about The Jockey Club – the dark wood interior speaks of the secrets of presidents past. And the food, ever since Chef Levi Mezick moved down from New York to take the helm, is worthy of our current president. I adore the Jockey Cluband wrote about it recently for my column at Washington Life. The scallops in brown butter sauce, are an absolute must-have dish if there ever was one.

Dessert: Fried Apple Pie at Evening Star Cafe. I love love LOVE this dessert – warm, gooey apples in a fried dough case – the ultimate American dessert. A trip to Del Ray’s favorite neighborhood restaurant would be for nothing if you didn’t try Chef Will Artley’s apple pie.