Black & Orange

The run on burgers continues with a fan favorite. Black and Orange, formally known as Rogue States has come a long way in its short existence. Headed by chef Raynold Mendizabal Black and Orange has quickly risen to prominence winning this years Best Burger poll by Washington City Paper.

The road to prominence has been difficult for Black and Orange whose survival was in question a year ago. The establishment was originally called Rogue State Burger when it opened its doors in Dupont Circle a couple of years ago. Chef Mendizabal decided to use his years of culinary experience and test the waters by opening up a burger establishment in one of the most competitive markets for burgers.

The decision proved to a good one as the company gained massive popularity. It was at that time that I decided try these unique burgers with a couple of friends. Our guys night out started here when we all decided to see where they would rank among the other greats. Upon scanning the menu I decided to order the Pardon My French while my other three friends decided to play it safe and order The Rogue State. 

What sets Black and Orange apart from any other burger place is the emphasis placed on the seasoning of their burgers. Each individual burger consists of a patty that is infused with a number of ingredients that are intended to compliment each other. Toppings are added per the request of the customer so be aware that if you order a burger it will consist of a patty and bun. 

(Jayson eating The Rogue State)

The Pardon My French consists of a half-pound patty infused with black truffle oil and thyme. I decided to add brie cheese to add an extra dimension to the flavors and go with the French theme. I also placed an order of french fries which come with a number of flavored mayonnaise similar to that of Good Stuff Eatery. The burger was spot on, the flavors were all there, it was cooked to perfection and the brie added some extra pizzaz. I also sampled the Rogue State which consists of house spice blend, chipotle, and cilantro and was pleasantly surprised. 

I left with nothing but rave reviews and anticipation to try it again. I put off my next visit for a couple of months and was deeply saddened when they were forced to close because the fumes from their ventilation system were spewing into a law office. As you could probably tell that was the worst place to piss off anyone as they lawyers successfully managed to close the place down. 

(Pardon My French with Brie)

Chef Mendizabal was burdened with the task of installing a new ventilation system to in order to re-open shop. The cost of the system as well as the legal fees proved too much and the store closed for a long period of time. It looked for a while as though I would never get to sample one of these burgers again but luckily chef Mendizabal made a second great decision of re-opening shop and sharing his gift with DC. 

A week or so after it reopened word came out that they were also going to open up a second location on U St. which has been dying for an infusion of burger joints. Once my eyes set on this news I became elated. While the name changed the burgers stayed exactly as they were. I decided to visit the U St. location (pictured above) about a week into its existence. The decor and vibe were exactly the same and I actually got to meet chef Mendizabal and thanked him for reopening (sorry I didn't mention I was a food blogger, I don't like special treatment).

Per his recommendation I decided to try the No Burger No Cry which is on the spicy side. The patty consists of a house jerk blend, red onion, and habanero peppers to ratchet up the heat. While the burger was seasoned well it wasn't spicy at all but hey this comes from a person who puts tobasco or sriracha on just about everything. 

(No Burger No Cry)

Another perk to the U St. location aside from its proximity to my house is a burger that is only served there. Named Hair of The Dog this burger is a spin on a Bloody Marry. It consists of a patty which is blended with tomatoes, horseradish, and celery which is topped with Worcestershire mayo. I'm not the biggest Bloody Marry fan so I may never try this burger but I may be swayed. I highly recommend the Now and Zen which is my favorite of all the burgers I have had. This burger draws its flavors from the far east and blend together seamlessly. 

In conclusion Black and Orange lives up to its pedigree. The burgers are well flavored, the buns are solid and the fries are on par. The prices like most of DC are bit high but it is worth it especially if it is your first visit. They used to have a famous slogan of being open till 5 AM every day but they recently scaled back their hours, especially on the weekdays. My only gripe is that the wait can be a bit long from time to time and they have been known to mess up orders but who doesn't. So if you are in Dupont or U St after a long night of drinking brave the lines and give this place a shot. If you aren't a drinker come give it a try anyways because the line when you go will probably be a lot shorter.   

Hank's Oyster Bar

One of the joys of living near a major body of water is the pleasure of having some of the freshest seafood available to you on a daily basis. While the waters of the Chesapeake Bay may not compare to the eastern shorelines of Massachusetts, Maine or Florida we still produce some decent seafood.

The tri-state area bolsters a bevy of options when it comes to serving fresh local seafood. One of my favorites is Hank's Oyster Bar which uses local catch to produce classic New England dishes. Hank's opened its doors in 2005 right along the cozy block of Q St. between 17th and 16th Street. A short walk from Dupont Circle Hank's has been serving patrons what they call "Urban Beach Food" under the guidance of executive chef and owner Jamie Leeds.

Chef Leeds came to DC and opened up Hank's which she named after her father who inspired her career in food. Since 2005 Hank's has become a one of the best locations to get fresh seafood in the city. Hank's does a fantastic job blending classic New England dishes with local ingredients and techniques.

Having an endless passion for all seafood I find it necessary to eat as much as my wallet can support. I enjoy visiting during the summer months when I can sit outside and grab a drink or have a cozy meal. Hank's is most famous for their raw oysters and oyster shooters as their name may suggest. Being a huge fan of these mollusks I love splitting an order with some friends or having a Po Boy.

(Popcorn Shrimp & Calamari)

Check on their chalkboard for daily specials and try their oyster shooters which combine oysters with alcohol that provide a unique culinary experience. Their popcorn shrimp and calamari is an excellent way to start off a meal or a good dish to share over a couple of drinks. The portions are fair and the food is fresh and delectable.

My favorite dish on their menu that I have sampled has to be the lobster roll which is a staple of New England. The roll is accompanied with fries that are seasoned with Old Bay which is exclusive to this region. This marriage between cultures is well worth the hefty price tag of $23. The lobster meat is amazing and the buttered roll makes you want to stand up and praise the food Gods.

(Lobster Roll)

From their fantastic food to ambience that their restaurant provides (specifically their outdoor seating) Hank's is a must try. They have another location in Old Town Alexandria that I have yet to visit which may be more convenient to any readers from Virginia. To residents of the District they have prime real-estate and their outdoor seating provide a tranquil experience when the weather is nice outside.

Prices are a bit expensive which I why I can not go more often but the freshness and flavor more than justify it. It can get busy especially when the warm weather makes sitting outside alluring. So if you are ever in the mood for fresh seafood give Hank's a shot you will not be disappointed.

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.  

Shake Shack

This year has been marked by a influx of new establishments from outside the tri-state area. A number of these new restaurant chains have been imported from New York City who are on top when it comes to culinary excellence. One of the most prominent restaurants is Shake Shack, a fast food burger shop that has grown a cult following in the big apple.

Shake Shack was born in Madison Square Park in 2004 and immediately gained fame and success. It's countless awards and accolades have made it a mainstay in NYC so much so that people line out the restaurant waiting for their daily helping. Known for their renowned burgers, hot dogs and shakes Shake Shack decided to expand their talents outside of NYC and here into the District which is slowly becoming a burger Mecca.

Being a burger enthusiast and soon to be connoisseur I decided to sample this holy burger. I foolishly tried to visit on the first day and was greeted by a line exiting the door and finishing at the end of the block. I quickly decided to postpone my plans for another day in hopes of escaping the wait. I waited a week for the crowds to die down and was pleasantly surprised that my plan worked.

I walked in the door and took a quick glance at the colossal menu that lines the wall. I decided to order their Shack Stack which consists of a cheeseburger which comes with lettuce, tomatoes and fried portobello filled with melted muenster and cheddar cheese all topped with their shack sauce. I also ordered french fries and a soda which all cost around $13 which is a hefty sum for fast food. . At that point I took my seat and waited with my friend in anticipation to confirm the hype.

(Shack Stack, French Fries & Soda)

Once our meal was ready and in front of us we both began the journey through burger paradise. My initial reaction was that the burger was average, the meat was juicy and full of flavor, the bun was as soft as butter and the portobello offered a very interesting flavor combination. You could immediately tell that the ingredients were very fresh but they did not blend as well as other burgers I have had. The fries were crispy which was a big plus but needed some more seasoning.

All I my first experience left me feeling a bit robbed. Sure the meal was good but the hype built behind it inflated my expectations. I was also a bit upset with my overall portions. Every aspect of the meal was small, but this thought may be due to me experiencing US portions and being a bit disillusioned on what may be a standard size meal.

What I believe separates my blog from others is that I am more comprehensive. I know that one experience cannot shape a formal opinion so I sample places multiple times. My second visit came with my sister in order to gauge a better reading on the quality of this burger.

(Shack-cago Dog, Cheese Fries & Washington Monu-Mint)

We decided to order a number of items and share our meals. Together we ordered another Shack Stack, French Fries topped with cheese, a Shack-cago Dog, and a Washington Monu-Mint. The Shack-cago dog consists of a Vienna all-beef hot dog, relish, onion, cucumber, pickle, tomatoes, pepper, and mustard. The Washington Monu-Mint is one of their unique Custard concoctions which is comprised of a chocolate custard base topped with minted marshmallow and chocolate cookie dough.

My second helping of the Shack Stack was a bit more pleasant. I seemed to have a greater appreciation for the flavor combinations which elevated it's standing in my overall ranking of top burgers. The Shack-cago dog received high marks as well. The flavor combinations proudly justified the name and reminded me of the brats that I tasted in Chicago. The custard was also very good but I could not find the room to finish or appreciate it to the fullest extent.

I left with an elevated level of appreciation for this establishment. While I will not say it is the best burger in the city it is certainly not the worst. Is it overrated? Yes I believe so, the amount of hype behind the shakes and the burgers does not match the utility or pleasure that I gain from eating on of their meals.

I do however recommend this to any burger lover. While the prices are high it is DC so you should expect that by now. In the three additional times I have been here the crowd size is mixed so I cannot give an accurate description on how long the wait is but it should not be nearly as big as it initially was. They also have another branch in the Washington Nationals stadium which always has a gargantuan line, probably because it is the best food option.

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.

BGR The Burger Joint

My quest to find the best burger in DC takes me to one of the local titans. BGR The Burger Joint along with Five Guys, Fuddruckers and Rogue States Burgers have made Dupont Circle the place to be for quality burgers. Aside from Fuddruckers every one of these restaurants originated in the area which makes my search that much more authentic.

Located right on the circle The Burger Joint prides itself on serving a array of unique gourmet burgers. Each burger is masterfully concocted and offers a unique taste experience. Taking a look at their menu illustrates both the quality and distinction behind each individual burger.

(Picture brought to you by Price of Petworth)

During my first visit I decided to try The Burger which was described by GQ as "One of the greatest burgers in the world you must have before you die" and the burger that put this restaurant on the map. Reading this on the menu my friend and I thought it was our duty as culinary explorers to try this.

Upon eating my first bite I immediately had a new standard for what a burger should be. The quality of the meat which was cooked a perfect medium rare as I asked was superb. It was topped with the works and their special mojo sauce. Both my friend and I thoroughly enjoyed our meal which came with what I think are the best french fries in the city.

(The Burger)

After trying the burger I found it paramount to sample the whole menu to see if they could replicate the brilliance of The Burger. I decided order The Wellington which comes with deep roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, garlic, blue cheese and black truffles. I also got a side order of french fries topped with rosemary seasoning. Needless to say my refined expectations were met, the burger was well seasoned, cooked as I specified and came with a generous portion fungi (both the truffles and roasted mushrooms).

The specific combination of ingredients formed harmoniously to create a magnificent dish that bordered on culinary genius. The fries were also generously bathed with fresh rosemary which rendered a perfect compliment to my succulent burger. My only complaint about the meal was that the bun was not suited to handle either of our burgers. It began to fall apart while we were eating our burgers, more so on my friends than mine.

(The Wellington and French Fries with Rosemary)

The next burger I decided to try was The Greek which was featured on Food Network's Throwdown with Bobby Flay and ended up wining. The burger consists of ground lamb seasoned with cumin, mint and garlic. It is then garnished with feta and tzatziki sauce. I have had the pleasure of ordering this burger on a number of occasions and consider it to be one of my favorite gourmet burgers in the city.

I recommend it served medium-rare and coupled with french fries seasoned with rosemary as they compliment each other perfectly. The burger is pristine but a bit on the pricey side for the meal you are getting. Regardless it lives up to hype of beating Bobby Flay.

(The Greek and French Fries with Rosemary)

What separates The Burger Joint from any of their competitors in my opinion is the wide variety of different burgers and the spectrum of taste that they encompass. Aside from the burgers mentioned above they have a tuna burger, an award winning lobster roll and even a 9 pound burger that you have to order a day in advance.

There are also burgers of the month that revolve around both popular culture and local news. From The Strasburger named after Nationals phenom to the Snooki Burger which is as ridiculous as the star its named after The Burger Joint never seems to disappoint when it comes to creativity.

(The 9 Pounder)

The Burger Joint also offers a number of sides to go with the numerous burgers. You can compliment your meal with a milk-shake or float that come in a number of flavors. You can also season your fries with parmesan cheese or roasted garlic both of which are good or you can go crazy and try their onion rings that are as big as your fist. If you are health conscious you can get sweet potato fries or grilled asparagus.

All in all The Burger Joint offers you some of the best burgers in the city. I will have to say that meals here are very pricy especially if you are treating someone. I have also heard complaints from friends that they are bit inconsistent and do tend to fudge orders, I myself have never come across this. The atmosphere is nice, lines aren't too long but seating is at a premium. They serve beer as well which is good from time to time. The customer service is good and the wait for your burger is reasonable. I highly recommend anyone in the mood for an off the wall gourmet burger to give this place a shot.

Flippin' Pizza

Washington DC like every city has its own set of characteristics; one of these axioms is the lack of quality pizza, especially pizza by the slice. Although there are an array of restaurants that serve dependable gourmet pizzas, there's hardly anywhere you can grab a good slice of pizza.

Knowing this it would not seem to be a huge accomplishment to be voted best pizza by the slice in DC, but it did arouse my attention. Which is why I decided to venture to Flippin' Pizza, both to try some authentic New York style pizza and see if it lived up to the hype.

I myself do not believe the hype surrounding NY style pizza, I have tried it on several instances both here and in the big apple. I also prefer Chicago style deep dish which to date is the best pizza I have ever eaten.

Regardless of my opinions I came in with absolute objectivity and also decided to dine with a few friends to get their perspective. We came in late on a saturday night (around 11 PM I believe) and laid our eyes on the display case featuring 6 of the 8 pies (NY lingo) they have to offer. I chose to have the Brooklyn and the Whitestone with a soda (pictured below) that set me back $5.50, a steal in this city. The brooklyn featured pepperoni, meatballs, mushrooms and garlic while the Whitstone had ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, basil and garlic.

(Brooklyn and Whitestone Pizza)

After our meal my friends and I were very satisfied by both the quality of the ingredients and the taste rendered by their combination. I left with my appetite quenched and no complaints. I will although reserve to my right to decree this place in the pantheon of pizza paradise. It was good but I have had better in this city.

However I will highly recommend giving this place a chance. It is very cheap and is open very late, it's also a spot that you can take your friends from New York who brag about DC not having good pizza. This is also the kind of place where you can have a late night experience mingling with the inebriated crowd scurrying for a late night snack at 2 AM.

Fast service and good prices make this the ideal place for a quick lunch or snack. There isn't that much seating available so I would recommend going during off peak hours or taking it to go. They also deliver to a local radius but I did not get specifics on it.

Chipotle

There is no other restaurant that tests my ability to abstain from morbid obesity than Chipotle. This national chain draws it's origins from Denver, Colorado and has grown immensely since its inaugural opening in 1993. Chipotle prides itself using the freshest and most environmentally friendly ingredients to make their renowned burritos. Constantly ahead of the curve when it comes to agricultural sustainability as well as safe food practices Chipotle diverges from the status quo when it comes to fast food chains.

Their philosophy has drawn the attention of several food activists as well as everyday customers and plays a big role in their prominence around the US. I for one fully support their practices (aside from their recent immigration hiring debacle) and that is a big reason I continue to go here.

I was sadly introduced to Chipotle at a very late age with my first dining experience coming in high school. More than 8 years removed I continue to come here. When I was blessed with my fast metabolism I made it a monthly ritual to go here with my friends. In college I carried on that tradition and to this day use it as a remedy to fight a fierce hangover.

I unfortunately had to cut down on this habit of mine because the college experience coupled with the death of my metabolism caused a weight gain of immense proportions. Thankfully due to more than two years of hard work and a healthy lifestyle I am in the best shape of my life.

(Barbacoa Tacos)

With that in mind I would like to share my favorite dishes as well as some tips to enhance your burrito experience here. At this juncture in my life I have all but eliminated eating burritos and have made the clean transition to their tacos.

Having tried all the meats I would have to say my clear cut favorite is the barbacoa with the steak coming in a close second. I keep it simple and add some pice de gallo, sour cream and corn and top it off with my favorite drink which is a coca cola with lemons.

(Steak Burrito)

My standard burrito is the culmination of years of experimentation which through the process of elimination has yielded what I believe to be the ideal burrito. For starters I don't put any beans because they have such a distinct and powerful flavor that including them takes away from all the other components. I get steak with some pico de gallo and add sour cream, cheese, and corn. That along with my coke with lemon makes for a great cure for my saturday morning hangover or an ideal meal to recover from a long and arduous workout.

All in all Chipotle is a great destination for fresh and reliable fast food. But don't let that fool you, these minature Mexican babies can pack a whopping 1000 plus calories so eat with discretion when dining here. I try to make it a monthly destination but with this blog that has gone down considerably.

Sacrificial Lamb Kabobs & Wraps

Every sunday night I browse through Campus Food to look for something quench my hunger for the last meal of the week. I usually stick to the same three or four places to satisfy my hunger. But every once an a while a new place appears on the site that arouses my suspicion.

This past week I stumbled on a local Indian eatery called Sacrificial Lamb Kabobs & Wraps. While I have to admit that I chose to eat here solely based on it's humorous title I have to say I was quite surprised by it's taste. I decided to try the lamb wrap (pictured below) with fries, my sister had a gyro with fries.

(Lamb Wrapped in Naan with Fries)

My assessment for the quality of this meal can be eloquently summed up in one word, scrumtrulescent. The softness of the flan along with the tenderness of the lamb all put together with an assortment of spices and sauces that produced the equivalent of an Punjabi atom bomb in my mouth. While that last statement may be a bit over the top I really did enjoy it and will get the opinion of some of my Indian friends in the near future.

I also tried the buttered chicken with chic peas (pictured below) which was also tremendously delicious. After both meals I left myself asking why I have yet to indulge myself more in Indian culture. I plan to eat here again and try something else on the menu which is expanding in the near future.

(Buttered Chicken with Chickpeas)

This restaurant is located near Dupont Circle and offers both carry-out and delivery to certain neighborhoods. The prices are reasonable and the delivery took less than 45 minutes to come on a sunday night which very good based on my past experiences with other local restaurants.

5 Guys Burgers and Fries

5 Guys offers some of the best burgers in the DC area. Originating in Arlington, VA this prestigious fast-food chain offers their award winning burgers in fries at reasonable price. With several locations within the city 5 Guys offers you a quick meal that will surely satisfy your appetite. With a laundry list of awards this chains popularity is growing by the day as can been seen by President Obama's visit.

While they do serve hot dogs everyone goes for their scrumptious burgers. From top to bottom their burgers have to be one of the best I have every tried. Biting into one produces a food orgasm the likes to which you will hardly experience. I personally go for the bacon cheeseburger with everything on it (pictured below). From the buttered buns to the soft meat a burger from 5 guys will not disappoint.

(Bacon Cheeseburger with a Soda)

While I will wait to try every burger the city has to offer before I crown a winner I know I can stand here and declare that this is a top 5 burger. Aesthetically the decor is a bit unpleasing to the eye but at the same time you are there to eat not experience artistic beauty. Prices are reasonable and you get free peanuts and refills.

It's a great place to eat lunch at work or to gather friends before a night out on the town. 5 guys Burgers and Fries gets my thumbs up.

Sweetgreen

I thought that I should dedicate my first post to one of my local favorites. Sweetgreen is an eco-friendly salad bar with various locations around the DC area. This chic fast-food restaurant offers an array of health salads with fresh ingredients. You can choose from eight salads or choose to make your own. They also offer gluten-free frozen-yogurt that can be topped with fresh fruit.

I have tried the caesar reggiano, derby cobb (pictured below), guacamole greens, and bondi. I thoroughly enjoyed every salad with the exception of the bondi. Their frozen yogurt offers a delectable and satisfying alternative to sugary and fat dessert. Sweetgreen strives on offering it's customers with healthy choices and being eco-friendly by having everything in their store comply with green standards. From their recycled utensils to their furniture Sweetgreen is ideal location for the enviornmentally conscience or anyone looking to get a quick healthy meal.

(Derby Cobb Wrap with Watermelon Lemonade)

Although a bit pricy (around $10 for a meal) I highly recommend this place to everyone who enjoys healthy food. On a side note the drinks are interesting, although I tried the watermelon lemonade I would not recommend it.