Real Life Wednesday: On Adventures in DC.
Hey hey! This past weekend we spent a fun, touristy less than 48 hours in DC and I’m going to bring you along while I yap all about it.
So. I love Washington DC. I have a fascination with all things American history (especially presidents) and get giddy when I’m there. I want to do every touristy thing I possibly can and I’d probably do it every single year and still not be bored. My brother Andy and his girlfriend Mary came with us and the four of us ate our way through the city. We stayed at the Sofitel and the location was perfect for what we wanted to do. We’ve stayed in the Sofitel in NYC before and have liked it. I will say though… a few years ago we stayed at the Mayflower Renaissance in DC and I did like that more.
I took my real life camera but did I use it? Barely. You guys know I hate it. By Friday evening it was stashed in the hotel. So all of these photos are from my iPhone… as usual. Also, let’s discuss footwear for a minute. On my favorites posts and previous instagrams, you guys always ask me if my tieks are worth it and super comfortable. While I love them for everyday life, I’m always hesitant to say that they are “the most comfortable ever!” because they are really my first flats ever. But. How about I walked ALL OVER on Friday, at least around eight hours of walking – in my tieks. By the end of the night my feet were definitely tired but the tieks were so comfortable for walking. I was seriously impressed. I did walk around in the pair that I bought last October – so they are well worn in.
Yeah, so. We walked our faces off and while the temperature hovered in the 50s and 60s, it was overcast and a bit windy. So after being chilly for 24 hours, we ended up renting the city bikes and riding around Saturday afternoon. We saw the monuments, the museums, we attempted to see the national archives but didn’t feel like waiting in line – basically all the touristy things to do in DC.
On Saturday, we did something super fun and had a little private tour of the Supreme Court. I think the general consensus was that it was our favorite part of the trip. Getting to see all the odds and ends of the court and having an awesome history lesson with new friends. We LOVED it. Thank you so much for the tour Melody and Heather!
And now I’m just going to binge watch the crap out of the West Wing again because it’s real life and makes me feel like I’m living it. And probably House of Cards.
Yeah yeah. fun!
BUT. What you really want to know is where we ate. Right?
So let’s get to it. The carbcation of epic proportions.
Friday night we ate at Proof. We loved our cocktails and appetizers, but our meals were mostly just… meh. For apps, we got the whipped goat cheese and tuna tartar. I could house both plates right this minute – they were quite delicious. For our meals, we ended up with the scallops and housemade tagliatelle. They were okay, but nothing that blew our mind. But that beverage was bulliet bourbon, grapefruit juice and honey – and now I must recreate it.
Um… next. I pretty much want to do a post all about cupcakes.
You guys were blowing up my instagram saying we HAD to go to Baked and Wired. One very disturbing bike ride and a fight (three out of the four of us had a meltdown) later, we made it there and just about died. I wanted ALL the things. I was so overwhelmed. Seriously. On Saturday, I bought a few chocolate chip cookies, A UNICORN CUPCAKE (okay, actually it was called “uniporn rainho”) and a red velvet cupcake for Eddie. He promptly ate all of the cookies without me. I promptly ate my cupcake for lunch. After we stopped for water, diet Coke and iced coffee, of course.
That’s like the hangover trio of life.
The four of us loved Baked and Wired so much that we swung by on our way home and bought, um, I think 16 more cupcakes today? HALP ME.
We got six. Andy and Mary got ten. To share with others of course. We need help. Decisions decisions.
I rarely am impressed with cupcakes from any bakery (I find them to be underwhelming (read: dry) almost every single time) but these were to die for. We didn’t make it to any other bakeries after that, FYI.
Dinner on Saturday night was at Oyamel. Otherwise known as the magical place where my husband discovered that he liked guacamole. Cue angels singing.
They make the guac tableside and he dug in. The four of us devoured it within maybe two minutes? We were so hungry. I asked if he would eat guac if I made it at home, to which he responded with, “well, yeah! if you make it fresh.” Um. Okay. How is it possible to NOT make it fresh? I’m going to take him up on that offer this weekend.
So Oyamel was awesome, other than the fact that we had to wait a long ass time for our reservations. The margaritas though. OH MY WORD. See the foam on top of that drink? Instead of serving the the marg with a salted rim, they serve it with salted foam. It might sound odd and even I was skeptical at first because I love a perfect margarita. But these were fabulous. Eddie doesn’t like margaritas, so he order mojitos which came with mint foam.
Just so, so good.
Many of you asked if we had the grasshoppers… which apparently are on the menu but thankfully I overlooked. I’m not brave enough for that. If you know anything about me, I HATE BUGS. Like hate. Have a totally ridiculous irrational fear.
After our guac domination, we ordered the refried beans to start. Fantastic. Then we all ordered a bunch of different tacos, obviously. I went with the pulled pork and chorizo, the wild mushroom and the confit of baby pig. Super good. I’m still dreaming of it.
We definitely enjoyed that over our dinner Friday night.
In other random food news, we HAD to go to Shake Shack because we don’t have one here in Pittsburgh. It’s a must because they have my favorite cheese fries ever and I like the burgers better than Five Guys.And pinkberry, because why not? Pinkberry was sort of an afternoon snack to hold us over until our very late dinner reservation. Tart froyo with strawberries and milk chocolate crunch. Oh hi, I’m dead.
Sadly, we didn’t do any crazy breakfast things. I was more excited about our potential dinners and just can’t do a massive brunch when I’m traveling – Â and am going to walk all day long and don’t want to hate life. Saturday we quickly ate at the Old Ebbitt Grill (I have nothing good to say about that but I think the others enjoyed their meals) and Sunday we ate at a little bistro in our hotel before taking off.
And that’s that. Super fast and fun. Now I’m starving.
You guys gave me lots of other awesome restaurant ideas which I will keep in my pocket for future use. It’s only three hours away after all. And I hope that if I visit enough, maybe I’ll just BEGIN to morph into Robin Wright vis House of Cards. Totally.
What did you do this weekend? Enlighten me.
91 Comments on “Real Life Wednesday: On Adventures in DC.”
In no particular order: Founding Farmers for dinner, Ted’s Bulletin for lunch (but really for housemade pop tarts and grownup milkshakes), Bourbon Steak for dinner if you’re feeling splurgey. So glad you went to Baked & Wired instead of Georgetown Cupcake. Finally, Union Market. We know you like your tacos and TaKorean is super. Also DC Empanadas is there. And Salt & Sundry which is gorgeous to look at and you would love for photo staging stuff. It’s pretty out of the way but it’s foodie heaven.
Yes – LOVE Founding Farmers. I cannot go to Eastern Market without picking up Ted’s Bulletin pop tarts on the way home. Baked & Wired makes a good cupcake, but my favorite is Cakes Plus out in the ‘burbs (Laurel). I work right next door to Union Market, was just there for dinner tonight and had Takorean. Never disappointing. Hubby had DC Empanadas. I’m looking forward to trying Bidwell.
I’d like to add, if you really want an amazing meal, you should head to Woodberry Kitchen in Baltimore. It’s probably the best meal I’ve ever had, and I can’t wait to go back.
Incidentally – B’more is where “House of Cards” is filmed.
love, love, LOVE these real life wednesday posts. Such a great addition to an already spectular blog!
I love DC and it sounds like you had a great time there. Those cupcakes look amazing! As for Old Ebbitt Grill, I think it’s great for drinks at the bar, it’s such an “old DC” atmosphere but the food – meh. (First time commenting, but I’ve been reading for ages.)
thank you for commenting!! :)
We took our 8-yr old to DC last Spring and was surprised by how much fun we all had! I wish I had gone to Baked and Wired now! That chocolate cupcake looks out of this world! Thanks for sharing.
Oh, this all looks simply fantastic. I’m a politics junkie, but after working there and spending lots of time not working too i the evenings with friends in and around all the British government and parliament buildings they don’t hold as much magic for me anymore, so I’d love to go to DC! I’ve bookmarked this post for all your foodie suggestions.
This weekend? It was my 21st on Friday so I spent it at home with my family and going out for a nice dinner, but unfortunately the actual Saturday and Sunday part were spend writing final essays, I graduate soon!
Oh my goodness, the food!!! All of it looks amazing. I spent this weekend with a whole bunch of my besties in Toronto (an hour from where I live) and it was fabulous, but now I really want to go to Washington!
For our anniversary we went to DC and managed to get a reservation at Komi. We spent too much money. Like beyond what dinner should ever cost for a month. But it was fabulous. Like really really fabulous. But special occasions only. And seriously probably not worth the money.
Ah – my friend’s husband has been working at Komi for years and he got us in for dessert once which was amazing. Have you tried their other restaurant, Little Serow?
there’s another one?!
Hi Jess – I met you last week at the Crate cooking class (which was fabulous btw) and I have already made the smoky cheddar and bacon grilled cheese, and I am making the buffalo chicken grilled cheese for dinner tonight. And that was less than a week ago…I’m in trouble! My friend has a chocolate shop on the Southside and just started selling cupcakes. OMG, truly the best in the city (and I’m not just saying that because she’s my friend!) They are super moist and delicious, and they all have filling inside. The next time you want a killer cupcake check out Le Petit Chocolat at 1928 Carson St. (next to the Pittsburgh Steak Co,) They will be your new favorite!
hi nancy!! thank you so much for coming to the class! i’m so glad you made two sandwiches already… holy cow. and i will definitely try out those cupcakes. :)
You hit all the amazing spots in DC!! So glad you went to Baked & Wired!! :) Next time you’re here, we should get together :)
Ugh, words cannot describe how bummed out I am that Proof was just ‘meh’. Connor and I went there back in September (right after we got engaged), and it was very good, but I do distinctly remember that the apps were better than the main course (but honestly, I feel that way about 99% of all restaurants in DC and everywhere). We had a very good gnocchi as our first course! Next time, you should come during the week and try to (attempt) to get into Rose’s Luxury!
Did you bike into Georgetown?!?! AHHHHH!!!
+1 for Proof! I went there with my fiance on our first date =) Amazing, sorry you had a “meh” meal
When we were in DC a few weeks ago, I could not get House of Cards out of my mind. I kept looking for Doug – the Chief of Staff character. I am dying to go back and check out all of the cool little bars and restaurants. We ate at Joe’s Stone Crabs, which I think opened pretty recently. It was really really good and the bar there is very cool too with all of the dark wood. I’ve also heard the “Newseum” is neat and i want to check that out! Thanks for sharing your travels!
Good job on hitting Baked and Wired – that’s one of the best spots in town! For your next trip, you will need to hit Rasika (fabulous modern Indian); Blue Duck Tavern (delicious vegetables and meats executed perfectly); and Union Market, which has a number of food stalls with interesting offerings! On another note, if you can swing a trip to Baltimore, there are some other noteworthy spots for consideration, especially Woodberry Kitchen! Glad you had a great trip!
“Walked our faces off” <3
Love this! The BF and I are hoping to plan a trip to Washington this summer, so I’m definitely bookmarking this post and coming back to it!
Oyamel is soooo delicious! Next time you visit, you have to check out Hello Cupcake! in Dupont Circle it’s my fav! I also highly recommend Luke’s Lobster in Chinatown for lunch.
http://poshpurpose.blogspot.com
I’m so glad you had a great time! Looks like you hit up all of the fun spots. Next time if you aren’t planning on walking around TOO much during the day, I’d definitely recommend brunch somewhere on 14th street NW. There are tons of brunch options in that area including bottomless ones!
LOOOOOVE DC!
Also, where did you get your joy bracelet?!
it actually says “love” and i got it at anthropologie last summer – i can’t find it on the website anymore but maybe it would randomly be in one of the stores??
Loved this post! I live in DC, and you went to some of my fave places! The next time you’re here you should hit up Ted’s Bulletin for burgers and milkshakes and Graffiato for their chicken thighs and pepperoni sauce :)
so glad you had a good time! love when I see bloggers hopping around my stomping grounds! and you need to hit up old ebbitt for oyster happy hour–the only appropriate time to go!
I was in D.C. 3 years ago and went to Oyamel and all I wanted the whole time leading up to that trip was one of their amazing margaritas but then I found out I was pregnant like 2 weeks before I went. Now, I’m pregnant again and I see that beautiful margarita and I’m already plotting a non-pregnant trip to Oyamel so I can indulge in 1 (or 3) margaritas with salt foam. So jealous of your amazing trip! D.C. is SUCH an awesome city.
I know you’re getting a million recs for DC restaurants, but I feel like I want to scream this at the top of my lungs and say next time GO TO ROSE’S LUXURY!!! I consider myself a foodie (ha doesn’t everyone?) and this was probably the best culinary experience of my life. SO delicious and INTERESTING. It’s pretty new (opened this winter) and the chef was already nominated for a James Beard award for best new chef.
I will say, you have to be a little adventurous because the flavors they mix are not typical but it is OUTSTANDING. I could go on and on. Oh and the atmosphere? Don’t even get me started…
I totally agree! It’s my fave spot right now–but it took me 4.5 hours to get in!
I also second/third/whatever Rose’s Luxury!!! It’s my absolute favorite place in DC right now. Laura – I can’t believe it took you that long to get in. My hubby and I have been there a few times over the past year and there’s never been a line, but we’ve been going weeknights at 530 pm and that was before the Jame’s Beard nominaton.
So fun! I was just in D.C. a couple weekends ago, and it’s such a great city. I’m a bit of a history nerd as well, so I get all geeked out wandering around D.C. (and just being like, “Oh hey, Spanish Embassy right there next to me. Is this real life?”). When you go back, you MUST go to Founding Farmers if you haven’t been. ohemgee. And you MUST get their blackened chicken wings. I don’t know your opinion on wings–personally, I could take ’em or leave ’em–but the blackened chicken wings at Founding Farmers are non-negotiable. My cousin, a D.C. resident, told me the wings alone were a good enough reason to go to Founding Farmers, and boy oh boy was he right.
Looks like fun! I’ve never been to DC and wouldn’t even know what to do there. My husband was a recent guac convert also but now it sucks because I have to share. I decided to go to Go Blog Social and I’m really looking forward to hearing you speak and eating in Kansas City! Only like a week away, eek!
I’m totally with you about bakery cupcakes. I have yet to be impressed with the “omg you have to go there” cupcake bakeries, but in the Uniporn Rainho [hahahaaa] up close shot you can tell the cake is not dry! Glad they lived up t o the hype! Also…I’m thinking we need to meet up in DC sometime. Mmmhm.
DC has the best food! So glad you went to Baked and Wired. Next time you go, you HAVE to try their ice cream sandwiches. To die for!
I believe that drink is called a Brown Derby – traditionally made with bourbon, fresh grapefruit juice, and a dash of maple syrup. It’s one of my FAVORITE cocktails, which is really saying something, because I am a drink FIEND!
http://theboysclub.net/the-editors/girls-night-the-brown-derby-from-sylvie-shirazi/brown-derby-cocktail-recipe-from-sylvie-shirazi-1/
you did it up right! baked and wired, shake shack, pinkberry…
and i just saw in one of the other comments that you are going to be in KC next weekend – my hometown! eee! yay! can’t wait to see what food places you hit up in town. obviously the trip would be incomplete without a visit to Oklahoma Joe’s. DO IT. :) the town has a LOT of good food, but that is a must – it isn’t open on Sundays, FYI!
I’m overjoyed that you loved my city as much as I do :) :)
Love this post!! I hail from the DC area, so it’s so lovely so see a bit of home on my feed today. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Such a wonderful city to explore – and so much great food to enjoy. You’re so lucky that you visited during such a brief warm spell – back to snow now!
Your trip looks amazing. I love DC,I’ve only been once but I definitely want to go again soon. Maybe I will wait till the weather gets better because I cannot deal with the cold anymore. The food pictures look mouthwatering. I posted about my weekend on my blog, it was my mom’s birthday! check it out, http://www.boardingtogether.blogspot.com
I will say that you did it right and going to second what others said about on your next trip going to Founding Farmers. It is the best, breakfast, lunch or dinner.
I too, love the DC tourist stuff. American history is just so fascinating. Especially when you realize we really aren’t that old as a country. Definitely on my list is a trip back to DC so we can do all the fun history, foodie and bar stuff too.
Weekend- excuse me while I brag…boating! Finally the weather felt springy and we were able to take the boat out for the first time (wer’e in north Florida). Yay for day drinking and sunshine!
OMG I’m dying. I want to go so badly! I’ve never been! And those cupcakes look like they’re totally worth a massive fight and meltdown (that happens every time I travel, so no shocker there).
I hate when apps are fab and dinner is meh.
I want to be Robin Wright so badly. Holy crap she’s amazing.
Gosh, I want to recreate your trip. And totally unrelated: I’m coming to Pittsburgh and I need donuts. Where can I find the best?
peace love and little donuts in the strip district! go early so you can try one of everything. ;)
I’m going! Thanks for the reply!
What fun! If you ever take a roads trip to Boston, I’ll show the good Eats there!
So glad you had a great time! I still love going downtown and doing touristy stuff, and I’ve lived a couple miles from DC my whole life!
I would definitely, absolutely recommend Kapnos next time you’re in town! My brother works in the kitchen so I’m there with some frequency, and it’s consistently awesome every time. Also if you venture back into Georgetown, Bistro Francais does a really great eggs benedict (and I believe it’s an all-day menu item)!
Also definitely check out the Newseum if you haven’t (or even if you have)! It’s a really fascinating museum.
D.C. was one of my favorite trips with my husband too. Great food, tons of history to see and such a beautiful city to walk around. Thanks for sharing all of your fun photos and trip details.
Ah! I moved from DC this past June, and this post brrrrrrrrrings me back! Whenever you return, I highly suggest La Perla (Italian food to die for in Foggy Bottom, but kinda $$), Commissary for pancakes (Logan Circle), Blue Duck Tavern (brunch – Logan Circle), Lincoln (happy hour- McPherson Square), which has pennies inside the floor, Il Canale for amazing Napolitan pizza (Georgetown), and Church Key, this freakin’ fantastic bar in Logan Circle that has a million different beers. Okay, I’m done. :) Oh I lied, Busboys and Poets — also delicious for breakfast or lunch (couple locations, including U Street area).
When we first started dating my (now) fiance tricked me into eating the grasshopper tacos at Oyamel claiming they were “crispy goat”. They were actually tasty and I would do it again…but if I saw one in my backyard, I’d run away screaming =)
Spent 10 years in DC and now I live in LA…I miss it every day, but not not the weather!!
A trip to DC is on our list of things to do soon. As for what we did this weekend? I can’t even remember!
AAhhh! Isn’t Oyamel is soooo awesome?! I’ve actually had the grasshopper and ONLY chocked it down because 10 or so people were watching me. It was gross. Loved Baked and Wired! Aren’t they so deliciously moist, but I have to say my fave is the original Sprinkles- still after some 7 years later after having my first one. My one recommendation next time is Bourbon Steak (very pricy), you’re husband will guaranteed love it! Next time come down when it’s a little warmer :) .
Wow! Such great food adventures! I am particularly drawn to your drink concoctions. Of late I have started to become fascinated with mixed drinks, and have an undeniable urge to create a bar cart and dozens of fancy swanky drinks to go with. HOW DO THEY MAKE A SALT foam???
This weened D and I went to Disneyland and discovered an awesome drink as well. It was a margarita made with Mezcal, which is like the Islay Scotch Whisky of Tequila. Agave liquor that is smokey and rich. Not for everyone, but if you like smoky flavor, the cocktail was fantastic. I’ll be posting about my Disneyland drinks as soon as I have collected enough!!
Yay! So glad you enjoyed B&W. I never-ever-ever order chocolate cake when out because it always turns out dry, but I had the Car Bomb cupcake at B&W two weeks ago and it was so moist! I am also a huge fan of the dirty chai flavor. I stop in everytime I’m in the city.
If you make it back I would defnitely hit up Ted’s Bulletin for the adult milkshakes and homemade poptarts, Sweet Lobby for some macaroons, and if you enjoy shake shack try Goodstuff eatery for a quick burger.
Add Founding Farmers to your list for next time (if it’s not on there already)!
Umm those cupcakes. I want one right now!
Love DC! You should go to the DAR museum if you like history. Maybe my Grandmother will be your docent :-) She gives the best tours.
Those cupcakes are so cute! and I am dying over the Uniporn Rainho, HA! I like how you vacation! I’ve never been to DC, but my husband has and all he talks about is a lobster roll he ate there.
this looks like so much fun! now i have a cupcake and house of cards-craving. great photo’s!
xo, cheyenne
Omg, i love DC! I’ve visited a number of times and spent a summer there. With all your fantastic pictures, all I want to do is sit on the National Mall and eat all day!
I am so bummed we didn’t randomly bump into each other. I may have had a total fan girl moment…not going to lie. I am putting Oyamel on the list! Tonight is date night, so maybe we will venture out into the city…with cupcakes for an appetizer. :)
xo
Washington! Three times this year! I love it too, beautiful, civilized, so European in the good sense. You think you had good guac? ROSA MEXICANO is stunning. Two locations. For a good bistrot meal, try LES PETITS PLATS on Wisconsin Ave, near the zoo. (You have to see the zoo!) Georgetown (CAFÉ DE LA RUCHE) and Bethesda(JALEO) are two areas to walk and enjoy and eat well. Alexandria is a must-see also, so so charming! Next time, go in April, while it’s all in bloom. Stunning. I would move there in a blitz…
P.S. Last weekend, I was in Paris, my second home. I go every 2-3 months, have a small apt there. No, not rich, work-related. If you want tips, I’m here for you!