Breakfast at Market Lunch at DC's Eastern Market

Last Saturday morning we drove to DC's Eastern Market to get breakfast at what is arguably the market's most popular vendor, Market Lunch. We went to the market about a year ago but the line for Market Lunch breakfast was so long that we didn't wait. We went earlier (about 9:00--they serve breakfast until noon on weekends) this time and waited only about twenty minutes. The wait is totally worth it. We ordered Blue Bucks (blueberry buckwheat pancakes) and french toast. The french toast is really good but the Blue Bucks are amazing! Please go try them if you need a Saturday morning outing in DC. Afterwards, you can stroll around the farmer's market or arts and crafts market. Market Lunch has a lot of other offerings on the breakfast menu, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and about a dozen varieties of Eggs Benedict, even one with crab cakes. It all looked delicious! But, for me, the Blue Bucks are a must. Here's a review of Market Lunch, including the address. A couple of notes: they only take cash, and try to obey the the seating rules (they're posted on the wall). The owner (you can see his picture in that review) was there keeping a close eye on people sitting at the table and kicked off a mom with two kids who hadn't ordered their food yet. Probably a little brutal but it keeps the system working and once you do get your food, there's a seat open for you. Have fun!

Rosa Mexicano

A few Saturdays ago (well, maybe it was about two months ago, time flies!) we drove into DC to walk around and find some place to eat. We ended up in the Gallery Place/Chinatown area. We stumbled upon Rosa Mexicano and decided to try it out. It was great! Matt had the carne asada tacos al asador and the steak was delicious! I had the Budin de Pollo and the dish was excellent. The sauce was fantastic! We ended the meal with the Paraiso de Chocolate which was a very rich, dark chocolate souffle. Very decadent. I recommend it only to those who love dark chocolate. I do so I loved it. And, the sweet tomatillo sauce that accompanied it was very different! We saw that the most popular item on the menu is the guacamole that they make at your table in big black stone dishes. We didn't think we would be able to eat it all ourselves but next time we go we'll definitely try that. We really liked the fancy twist on mexican food at this restaurant. It was excellent! To top it off, Jack was so good and the waitstaff was very friendly to him. What a great evening!

Le Bon Cafe

Le Bon Cafe is a tiny eaterie on Capitol Hill. I first read about it a few years ago in a Southern Living magazine article covering cheap eats in DC. I then came across another review in a guidebook. One afternoon a few months ago, after we had finished a Capitol tour, I remembered about Le Bon while we were trying to figure out where to eat. I couldn't remember exactly where it was so we asked a Capitol Police Officer if he knew where it was. He responded jokingly, "Do I look like a guy who eats at a place called Le Bon Cafe?" Then he got out his cell phone and called someone who googled the cafe and gave us directions. It was so nice of him! When he realized where it was he said that he did remember the cafe because he and the other officers frequent Pete's Diner, just next door. I'm sure that is good, too. We'll have to try it sometime. But, back to Le Bon. It's a tiny place where you walk up to the counter and order and wait for your food. They have a few tables inside and a few outside. We've been there twice for lunch and have really liked it. The sandwiches are substantial and not expensive. My favorite has been the Turkey Curry Salad Sandwich. It has only a hint of curry flavor but is delicious. I also really like the bread they use for the sandwiches. Perhaps the best part of the lunch is the little cup of red potato salad that comes with the sandwich. It is a vinegar-based salad (as opposed to mayo) and so yummy! I've heard Le Bon's pastries and breakfasts are great, too. Le Bon Cafe definitely has my vote for a tasty Capitol Hill lunch.

Sweet Mango Cafe

This weekend we tried a Jamaican restaurant in DC called Sweet Mango Cafe. Before we even got into the restaurant we could smell and see the smoke from all the meat being grilled. The Jerk Chicken was excellent--juicy and so spicy with a lot of extra sauce. I wouldn't really know if it tasted like "real" Jerk Chicken but Matt, who lived in Jamaica for two years, gave it his approval. The rice and peas were really good, too. I also happen to love the cabbage dish that is served as a side with Jamaican meals and Sweet Mango's was good but I have to say that the cabbage dish at Island Spice, the excellent Jamacian place in San Diego, is my favorite! I also missed the fried plantains that come with the meals at Island Spice meals so next time we go to Sweet Mango, I'll have to order some on the side. The food at Sweet Mango is also really reasonably priced--they are really generous with the portions. I ordered the large, white meat Jerk entree. It was $12 and fed me three times! If you want to try some great Jamaican food, or just want a unique dining experience, head to Sweet Mango Cafe, located directly across from the Georgia Avenue/Pentworth metro stop in NW DC. And, if you happen to be in San Diego, give Island Spice a try.

What's for Dinner?

I've decided to start a blog dedicated to my adventures in the kitchen. Okay, maybe adventures is the wrong word, but sometimes figuring out what to cook for dinner is a feat. Taking into account all the things that have to be considered--what sounds good, do I have enough time, do I have all (or any) of the ingredients, is it relatively healthy, will both my husband and I like it, will there be enough leftovers for lunch tomorrow, will my 11 month old take a long enough nap for me to prep the meal--dinner can sometimes leave me perplexed. To top it off, I am the most indecisive person you have ever met. My favorite song changes on a daily basis, I pick about three outfits everyday before finally making a commitment, and I still haven't chosen a color scheme for our bedroom (we've been married 6 years). I claim many dishes as my favorite food and I don't dislike any type of cuisine. My husband and I always joke about trying to choose a place to eat out. We both always say "I don't care, anything sounds good to me." Maybe I should start a blog where people just give me tips on where to go eat. Another day. Anyway, by the time we decide on a place, we could have caught and cooked our own dinner. This indecisiveness doesn't help my dinner planning skills. So, I thought I'd start chronicling all of my meal-time decisions. If I publicize my menus, report on their results, get opinions and suggestions, I'm sure I will have a more diverse, delicious dinner lineup. A caveat: I am NOT a gourment cook. Much of my side dishes come from the frozen aisle at Trader Joe's (I LOVE TJ's!). And, since living in the DC metro area, we have noticed a big jump in grocery prices. So, much of what I cook is not fancy, either. I try to cook fairly healthful and affordable meals. Hopefully, I can give you ideas and you can enlighten me. Have a great meal!