After spending an amazing 8 days in Ecuador and eating ceviche, patacones and arroz con menestra like I would never eat again, I want to make sure my week of food this week is just as good.

Here are the places I plan to visit this week in no special order:

Courtesy Elisir

The Italian restaurant comes to us from Chef Enzo Fargione, previously the chef at K Street’s Teatro Goldoni. You can head there for lunch this Thursday, or wait until December 3rd if you prefer dinner. The tasting plates sound amazing…hello tempura deep-fried sage leaves.  If you like the “behind the scenes” theme you’ll enjoy the monitors in the dining room that broadcast the plating area to guests. Best Bites has a nice slideshow that will make your mouth water.

Check it out in Penn Quarter 427 11th Street, NW; 202-546-0385

2) Memphis BBQ

I was born in DC and I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve been to Crystal City yet, after reading Brightest Young Things’ hilarious review, I think I’ll have to head out there. Yes, lately there’s no shortage of BBQ in DC, but this place has a twist as well. I’m looking forward to trying the pork egg rolls and pork bruschetta.

Memphis is located at 320 S. 23rd Street in Crystal City and also opens Thursday.

3) Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

Also growing in DC? Southern inspired restaurants. I’ve read so many reviews of Logan Circle’s Pearl Dive Oyster Palace, but have yet to make it out there. Thoughts I’ve heard so far range from “unimpressed” to “this place rocks” to “magically good,” so it will be fun making up my own mind.

I’ll be sold if I like the gumbo, and the pictures look to die for. If only Pearl Dive took reservations.

Here’s a nice look at Pearl Dive from Young & Hungry.

Just head to 1612 14th St. NW if you’re craving oysters.

Tricia Barba

Tricia is a native Washingtonian, born and raised in Columbia Heights. She loves DC so much that she was only able to leave the city for one year after college and immediately came running back. Tricia works in PR during the day, and spends her nights trying out new restaurants in DC with friends or watching The Good Wife, Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice. Tricia recently decided to eat her way though all of Zagat’s 2011 restaurants until she realized she would be old and broke by the time she finished. Follow her on Twitter and email her at Tricia (at) welovedc.com.