Bagels Etc.

Bagels are one of the rare foods that I have on a consistent basis. These round mounds of delectable dough are a staple in my arsenal of consumption. I have to have at least one a week to satisfy myself and try hard not to exceed this because of the repercussions to my waistline. 


Unfortunately I do not live in New York City so finding a dependable bagel shop in DC is quite a task.  Visiting the former shed light on the lack of quality in the latter. With years of experience scouring this city I have learned the select few places that serve bagels that meet my reasonable standards. One such shop is Bagels Etc. which specializes in dishing out an array of unique flavors. 

As it's name indicates Bagels Etc. specializes in serving this famous breakfast meal. Nowhere in this city have I found such a unique variety of flavors including but not limited to Chocolate, Cherry, Egg, Blueberry, and even Jalapeno. These crazy flavors can be accompanied by equally unique cream cheeses including strawberry and blueberry.

Located on P St. between Dupont Circle and Georgetown Bagels Etc. offers its patrons an array of breakfast sandwiches for the morning crowd. They also have a number of other options for lunch but their hours are geared more toward the morning rush.    

(Sausage, Egg and Cheese on an Everything Bagel)

Because of their hours I can only stop by during my morning commute which I do from time to time. I usually order an everything bagel with cream cheese and save it for lunch. But if I am hungry in the morning which is an anomaly I go for their breakfast sandwiches. My go to sandwich is their sausage, egg and cheese which I always get on an everything bagel.  This delicious combination of meat and cheese always quenches my appetite and is reasonably priced. 

This past week I went outside of my comfort zone by deciding to order a cherry bagel with strawberry cream cheese. While the picture below looks more like a giant pill of Pepto-Bismol then a bagel I can assure you that it tasted very good. This experience enticed me to try their chocolate bagel as well which I found equally interesting. 

(Cherry Bagel with Strawberry Cream Cheese)

While both convenient and reasonably priced Bagels Etc. does not have the best bagels in this city. My commitment with this establishment stems more on the deficiencies this city has with producing quality bagels. In fact the market for bagels in this city marked an epiphany. Before my visit to New York I could not fathom the idea that you could make bad bagels. But alas I have to work with what I am given which leads me to recommend this establishment as one of the few destinations for quality bagels.

All in all I would recommend trying Bagels Etc. especially if you are interested in trying some of the whacky flavors I have listed. They do have early hours so if you are like me and want a bagel for dinner then you need to look elsewhere. The service is fast and the clientele are more than gracious. They do however accept cash only so I would bring some, they do have an ATM inside but I doubt anyone would want to pay those extravagant fees.  

Egg in the Basket

As I have shown in the past I barely keep any food in my refrigerator. So when times are tough or when I'm too lazy to go out an get some quick food I scramble whatever food I have into a quick meal.

One of my go to recipes is called egg in the basket and is one of the simplest and quickest meals you can make. I found out about it while watching the film V for Vendetta. There was one scene were they were cooking it and I was very interested in trying to replicate this meal. I saw a quick tutorial and was easily able to reproduce it.

All you need to make this is

1 Egg

1 Piece of bread & butter.

You cut out a hole in the center of the bread using a small cup or anything you can find with a small enough diameter to fit in the middle of the bread. Next you butter what you have left and put it on a hot pan. Lightly toast both sides of the bread before putting your egg on.

(Egg in the Basket)

After this is done put your egg to cook on both sides. The amount of time you cook it depends on how you want your egg done. I do it for no more than 1 minute on each side because I like my egg runny, you can cook it longer if you want your egg solid.

This literally takes no more than 5 minutes to cook and is both light and healthy if you have the right kind of bread. I add a pinch of salt, tabasco and a hint of mustard to make a quick breakfast or post run snack. A quick Youtube tutorial can be found here if you need more help

Pica Taco

There is an age old saying that the simplest things in life are always the best. This philosophy can be best applied when it comes to food. Every culture has that one meal that is so easy to make yet tastes so magnificent. In Mexican cuisine this dish is the taco which takes us to our next restaurant.

Pica Taco recently opened two locations in what was a traditionally Hispanic neighborhoods of Columbia Heights (more towards U St.) & Adams Morgan. They pride themselves on serving patrons authentic Mexican cuisine.

If you are looking to introduce yourself to Mexican cuisine look no further. While it may not fully encompass everything Mexico has to offer they do a good job replicating the food. If you are a novice you can dig into a traditional Mexican sandwich, also called a torta or you can go with what you know and have a cheesy enchilada.

I on the other hand came for what I heard they do best which is their magnificently delicious and traditional tacos. My first visit came when I was looking for a quick hangover remedy on a cool Saturday morning. I decided to go with their breakfast tacos which are made like any Latin family would make them.

Taking my fist bite brought back memories of eating breakfast at home. These tacos were spot on in both flavor and preparation. The eggs were prepared in a traditional Latin method using fresh bell peppers topped with cheese and black beans. After my meal was done my hangover had disappeared and I was ready to conquer the day.

(Breakfast Taco's)

My next visit came during a quite Monday night. I decided to grab a quick bite to eat right after work. The weather was nice so I decided to walk home and with this place relatively near my house I decided to eat here. I was bit hungry so I decided to order one fish, a barbacoa and a chicken taco. I was also pleasently delighted to see that they had a vast selection of imported sodas as well a solid choice of Mexican beers.

I decided to go with my favorite, a bottled coca cola which is made with real sugar not corn syrup. I got my order and took a seat at which point I could not help but draw the parallels between this place and the run in the mill taco stands I used to go to in Honduras. From the simple menu to the bottled sodas everything seemed to be exactly the same.

I started off with the chicken taco which I topped with salsa verde (green sauce). The chicken emenated with flavor and spice which blended well with the fresh cilantro and pico de gallo. Next I went for the barbacoa which was juicy and succulent and faired just as well as the chicken. I saved what I thought would be the best for last. Mexico is renowned for their fish taco's as most of you know so the hype I put behind it was extraordinary. I am saddened to say that it did not, in fact the taco was actually bad. The tilapia lacked any real flavor and the accoutrement added no extra flavor to salvage the dish.

(Barbacoa, Fish & Chicken Taco)

Aside from that minor disappointment I really did enjoy my tacos. As I left I saw a big black sign on the wall which said "El Torro Burrito". Looking at it with a modicum of interest I discovered that it was a food challenge. I later told a couple of friends about this and was met with unprecedented enthusiasm.

We decided to sign up for the challenge which consists of eating a 4 pound burrito in 45 minutes. I knew that I could never accomplish this feat but did not shy from the challenge. We joined another group of friends and convened on the U St. location on a Saturday afternoon. I arrived late but was in an utter state of shock to discover the sheer amount of attention that this had garnered. The restaurant was literally packed with people cheering on these brave souls.

(El Torro Burrito Challenge)

Originally I had an intuitive plan which called for an excruciating workout prior to the challenge in an attempt to gain the extra hunger I needed to slay this gigantic beast. Those plans were quickly derailed by the massive hangover that I woke up to. I tried all day to get over it but there was no budging, in fact when I arrived (late I might add) I was still feeling the side effects of last nights debauchery.

Needless to say I toughed it out and tried my hardest but on this day I was not able to channel my inner Adam Richman and failed miserably. I would like to point out that I did not throw up as did one competitor but I probably ate the least.

(45 minutes later this is all I was able to eat)

I have to say that the challenge was very exciting, the crowd definitely amplified this feeling and I don't regret trying it. For those that are interested the challenge happens every couple of weeks and the burrito only costs $15 which is a steal. You can see the highlights of this challenge by checking this video out.

All in all I have nothing but good things to say about Pica Taco. They serve great authentic food, the service is spot on, the prices are fair and the atmosphere is solid. So if you are in the mood to eat south of the border I would recommend giving this place a shot.

Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe & Grill

Since when was going to the bookstore cool? Aside from the prodigal student, the Starbucks junkie or a grad student most people would not go out of their way to spend an extended period of time in a bookstore. But this notion is evicerated when you spend some time at Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe & Gill.

Located right off Dupont Circle this cafe is a beehive of activity. Whether it be on a Saturday afternoon, Sunday morning or even a Friday night there is always a sizable crowd gathered at Kramerbooks. I would know because I have been here on all of the aforementioned times.

(Image brought to you by Brooklyn Nomad)

Taking a look inside you will see a wide variety of literature, from bestsellers and classics to cooking books and book about DC.. Their vast book selection along with long hours and dining options create a heterogeneous cliental which line their shelves every day.I personally love going to look at their selection of humorous literature which have included a parody on Where's Waldo (Osama Bin Laden edition) to a number of books about cats. I also enjoy the local literature as well as their staff's pics.

What separates Kramerbooks from Barnes & Noble is that they have a bar and restaurant. Yes you heard correct a bar, the place where people gather to have a cold one. When I first discovered this I questioned whether it could be a good pairing. I mean you always associate a bookstore with a quiet atmosphere synonomous to your experiences as a child in a public library (back when kids used to go).

(Bookstore)

But I was pleasantly suprised at how well the the two divergent atmospheres blended. I only went the bar once to have a drink with a friend after purchasing a novel. I enjoyed my time there especially because I channeled my inner child and went against the notion of being quiet in a bookstore. Attached to both the bookstore and the bar is a restaurant that offers a wide variety of gourmet food.

Whether it be a small appetizer which they call sharezies, a full meal, or a sweet desert to go along with your reading Kramerbooks offers it patrons with an array of dining options. I have eaten here a number of times and for a number of different occasions. My favorite two times came during some of our more prominent snow storms, I enjoyed a warm class of hot chocolate to go along with the scrumptious macaroni and cheese you see below you.

(Mac & Cheese)

While it was not spectacular in any discernible way it did render a homy feeling. I also enjoyed their mini crab cakes which were fairly delightful. Some of my other favorites include the Mozzarella, tomatoes and capper mini salad as well as their steamed mussels. They also have the distinguished honor of serving the Obama family chili recipe. I myself have not tried it mainly because I am not that big of a chili fan.

(Mini Crab Cake Duo)

Aside from their sharezies Kramerbooks also offer a wide variety of entrees. One of my favorite dishes here is the tuna & avocado salad which you see below. It is both light and refreshing and with a price tag of $14 it is a good deal. I also enjoyed their butternut squash ravioli which was very flavorful.

(Sushi Tuna & Avocado Salad)

While all the food I have tried has meet my standards the only thing that keeps me coming back is their wide variety of delicious desserts. As you can see from the case they offer a wide range of scrumptious pies which are paired with a scoop of ice cream.

Of the various desserts that I have sampled I would have to say my favorites are the apple crumb pie, wild berry pie, and their red velvet cake. These desserts are great on all occasions. Whether you are by yourself reading a book, with a friend or even on a date.

(Assorted Desserts)

The cosy atmosphere along with the food and accompanying patrons truly makes Kramerbooks unique. You shouldn't go here just to visit the bookstore or just to get food and drinks because you may be disappointed. If you focus on a single element you may be swayed to go elsewhere. Instead you should visit this place because you want the full experience of this unique store.

All and all Kramerbooks is a fantastic place to visit. If you want to just look at books then go to Borders, if you want to go to a bar or get some food there are plenty of options available all around. But if you want all these at the same time then go to Kramerbooks. The food is good but a bit pricy, the desserts are awesome, and the book selection is solid. All in al a great place to go any time of day and any day of the week.

Busboys & Poets

In a city obsessed with politics there is always an issue up for debate. Politicians, lobbyists and social rights activists advocate their ideologies year round and everyone in this city is exposed to it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is only necessary that the nature of this town manifests itself into our culture.

This takes us to our next restaurant which in reality is more than a place to eat. Busboys & Poets is a beehive of intellectual thought and debate. The origin of the name pays homage Langston Hughes who was himself a busboy before rising to fame as a poet. Each location is comprised of a restaurant, bookstore and fair trade market with the goal of igniting debate about social justice.

The one I frequently visit is located in the center of the radically gentrified U St. corridor. My visits began when I discovered that this was a location were intellectual thought and debate occurred on a daily basis. Everyday there is a different event promoting thought on an issue that is critical to the world at hand.

Upon entering the 14th and V St. location your eyes will lay witness to a vast library containing books that promote thought, books about DC, or even biographies about prominent social activists. You will also lay your eyes on plush furniture occupied by people who are either striking up a small conversation about current issues or glued to their books and laptops.

As you walk down the dining hall you will enter another private room that holds daily speakers who speak about a wide array of issues. Whether it's civil rights, cultural divides, race, or socioeconomic disparities there is always a debate to be heard.

Busboys & Poets prides itself on promoting healthy and sustainable eating. I try to visit every once in a while to enlighten myself on a hot topic and also indulge in their food which is fantastic. Recently I decided to take my sister who is a fan of their muscles which are cooked in a garlic tomato sauce. Their superb flavor put them on par with Bistro La Bonne's.

(Muscles)

Aside from the environmentally friendly produce that they serve Busboys prides itself on serving some of the best vegan food in town. Before dining here I could never fathom being a vegan. Blinded with ignorance I was like most who thought that lifestyle had limited options when it came to eating. Those notions were mildly relaxed after eating two vegan dishes here.

The first dish I had was a vegan wrap which I ordered during brunch. It consists of tofu which tasted exactly like eggs, as well as vegan bacon and cheese. The dish was delightful and refreshing, you could hardly tell that all these ingredients were vegan. The best way to characterize the brilliance of their vegan dishes is that it is actually quite easy to be a vegan if you could eat here everyday.

(Vegan Wrap)

I am also pleased to say that Busboys & Poets has a fine selection of both organic beers which I had never tried prior to dining here as well as mixed drinks. My favorite drink here is the DC Tap Water which if you have lived here long enough is a very clever pun on a longstanding issue.

(Picture brought to you by Yelp)

I am also a huge fan of their paninis, a favorite of mine is their grilled brie which is topped with spinach, caramelized onions, and tomatoes. I have also had their Tempeh which is a vegan option and the grilled chicken. This particular sandwich oozes with decadence and flavor. I enjoyed it so much that I myself have made a spin off which I will share in the near future.

(Grilled Brie Panini)

All in all Busboys & Poets offers a multitude of options. From great food to food for thought Busboys is a place that needs to be visited on a monthly occasion. Their wide array of events draws a diverse audience. Whether it's a guest speaker, an open mic night, or even an organic beer happy hour there's no reason not to try this place if you have an open mind.

Gordon Ramsay's Scrambled Eggs

I am going to take a quick break from my food adventures to present you one of my favorite home made dishes. I like a number of you grew up on scrambled eggs for breakfast. Both my mother and father had their own spins on this dish. I vividly remember looking forward to eating them , especially during the weekend when I could take my time.

Flash forward to the future and I find myself branching off and trying to create my own version of this classic dish. After various attempts I left feeling unsatisfied at which point I turned to the experts for help. I stumbled upon this video which is Gordon Ramsay's recipe for "the perfect scrambled eggs". For those of you who don't know Mr. Ramsay is a famous eccentric Scottish chef raised in England whose claim to prominence came with his popular T.V. show Hell's Kitchen.

(The Perfect Scrambled Eggs)

If you watch the video his recipe calls for.

- 3 Eggs

- 1 Teaspoon of butter

- 1/2 Tablepoon of creme fraiche

- 1 Slice of sourdough bread

- Chives

If you want to make it I recommend you watch the video as it is a semi-complex process. I have tweaked the original recipe by substituting the bread with whole wheat and not adding the creme fresh, mainly because I don't use it that often.

Both recipes are solid and make for a great breakfast. The chives really add an extra dimension that is hard to live without. I have become so spoiled with this dish that eating eggs any other way has become boring and even inferior.