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.   

Fast Gourmet

Whoever has had the delightful experience of going on a road trip or an extended bus ride has most likely had the pleasure of living off of food from rest stops or gas stations. By pleasure I mean horror of eating greasy, processed snacks that are bearable for only so long.

Couple this axiom with the fact that DC has a severe shortage of dependable sandwich shops and you are left with the following rule of thumb. You will never find good food, specifically sandwiches at any gas station in DC. But as we all know there is an exception to every rule which brings us to our next stop.

Fast Gourmet opened in late 2010 by two brothers who wanted infuse DC with traditional South American food. Located inside the Lowest Price Gasoline Station on 14^th and V St. this tiny sandwich shop has blossomed into one of the best places to grab a quick bite in the entire city!

Word of this establishment spread exponentially among the more prominent food bloggers who had rave reviews on the quality and taste as well as the numerous options. At that point I decided to bump this up to one of my places to try.

My first visit came early last year when its popularity was still in its infant stages. I decided to grab a quick dinner after my workout at a nearby gym. Entering the gas station I could not help but chuckle. The combination of a sketchy crowd, bullet-proof glass and inner city junk food brought back childhood memories of life in the ghetto.

(Image via Yelp)

I took my time scanning the expansive menu and decided to order the Big Mason BBQ sandwich and a side order of beer battered eggplant. The Big Mason consists of grilled chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, onions all topped with BBQ sauce. The sandwich was fantastic, the chicken was juicy and the combination of ingredients yielded a delightful meal. The deep fried eggplant was also a pleasant surprise. It came with ketchup to dip but was good on its own.

My first experience prompted me to jump on the bandwagon. My next visit came a few weeks later with a friend after a night of bar hopping on U St. Since they are open until 5 A.M on the weekend you could imagine both the line and crowd that it consists of (hint drunk people wanting something to munch on).

(Cuban Sandwich)

This time I decided to order a Cuban sandwich to see if the owners could replicate the brilliance of Latin cuisine. My semi-drunken experience with this staple of Cuban cuisine left me speechless. I cannot recall having a better Cuban sandwich in my life. Timid by the possibility of a drunken bias I decided to return an order another one in a state of pure sobriety.

To my delightful surprise my initial synopsis was correct. The sandwich was pure bliss; the pork was moist and flavorful, the cheese and pickles combined to add that distinct flavor combination that makes it one of the best sandwiches on the planet. DC does not have an expansive selection of Cuban cuisine so putting it on top is not an amazing achievement but I will put it on par with Cubans I have had in Miami which is something to gloat about.

For all the praise I give the Cuban it is not the most popular dish on the menu. This accolade belongs to The Chivito. The Chivito (which is Spanish for “baby goat”) draws its origins from Uruguay. The sandwich consists of beef terderloin, black forest ham, bacon, mozzarella cheese, green olives, a hardboiled egg, and escabeche. For those who don't know escabeche is a slaw that consists of onions, garlic, and peppers and is used in many Latin dishes.

(Chivito Sandwich)

At a hefty $13 this sandwich packs a huge punch of size and flavor that is sure to tame any appetite. My first experience with this monstrous mound of meat came two weekends ago after a long workout I needed to justify consuming this meal. Having played football for three hours and not eaten anything my appetite was ready to conquer this behemoth.

My first bites were met with utter amazement. The shear chaos of flavors somehow managed to blend very well. I was a bit weary at first of how all the meats would blend together but the sandwich was executed very well. The tenderloin was full of flavor and the ham played off well with the slaw and aforementioned tenderloin. I managed to consume a little over three quarters of the sandwich before I had to throw in the towel. The result was an hour long food coma which was pure bliss.

All in all fast gourmet is a must try if you are in the District. The sandwiches are fantastic, the prices are about average and the quality of food is superb. The dining area is relatively small so I would recommend taking it to go. Lines can be a little long now due to their popularity and it does take some time to get your meal but it’s a price you can pay for deliciousness.

American Ice Company

Everyone has their own neighborhood watering hole. A place where you can take a quick stroll with a friend or roommate to have a drink or a bite to eat after work or during a lazy weekend afternoon. Some are luckier than others when it comes to their choices for a neighborhood bar. I consider myself lucky enough to live a couple blocks away from one of the newest and most popular bars on U St.

American Ice Company opened its doors a little over a year ago and has quickly become one of the more popular bars on the block. American Ice Company is brought to you by the owners of Marvin and The Gibson. The attempt her is to try to blend the chic, relaxed environment of their two successful ventures and add a bit more of an edge to give it a more dive feel.

The bar was erected in a former car repair shop and hidden on the mostly residential V St. Its obscure location adds to the allure and experience of visiting. Every time I introduce a friend to the bar I am always met with the question “Where the hell are you taking me?” which never ceases to amuse me.

The decor consists of exposed brick which gives it a bit of an urban rustic feel. The outdoor patio which is heated during the winter is definitely better during the spring and summer months. As you enter the bar your nasal cavity will absorb the distinct scent of barbecue emanating from the open kitchen. Your ears may hear the sound of a cleaver pounding meat and see the sweat of a chef hard at work preparing endless platters of food that are doled out each day.

The restaurant has a mix of table and bar seating which appeal to different groups depending on both the size of your party and whether you are there to eat or not. The chalkboard display lists a diverse set of beers that come either in cans (Metal) or on tap (Jar). The list contains a good mix of beers that will appeal to hipsters and aristocratic beer lovers. The beers are served in mason gars which seem to be in vogue but suit this bar especially well.

Of the many times I have been here I can say that I enjoy the experience regardless of the time or day. I have introduced a countless number of people here to share a couple beers or eat some food. Its proximity to my home makes it either the first or last bar I visit when I go out. Finding an open table can be extremely difficult since it is a first come first serve policy so be weary of that and plan to come early if you want to sit down and enjoy some food with a group of friends.

If you choose that path I highly suggest placing an order of swachos. This dish puts a southern approach to a traditional Latin snack. The basic formula to understanding the name of this dish is swine + nachos = swachos. The platter consists of nacho chips smothered with queso and pork to produce a delectably devious mound of deliciousness.

(Swachos)

It is by far my favorite dish on the menu and a must order for a group of two or more. I love to pair it with a Dos X tall boy to keep with the roots of the dish and because it is the best Mexican beer! Of the other dishes to share I would suggest the pickle sampler which contains an assortment of flavored pickles which is sure to entice any pickle lover.

For the individual options you have your choice of pork, turkey or brisket that come in a sandwich or platter. The former comes simply with slaw while the latter adds brown beans. You can also order the late nighter which is available only after a certain hour. You will have to ask the bartender what is in it because I only sampled it once and by that I mean my friend and I spit it after a loooong night out so my attention level was at an all time minimum.

(Pork Platter)

Of the individual dishes I have sampled both the pork sandwich and sampler. The pork is full of flavor, the beans share the same characteristic, and the coleslaw is on par. I myself am not the best judge of barbecue seeing as though DC does not have a bevy of options with this cuisine.

Regardless I have heard from Southerners that it is respectable but does not compare with what you can get in the South. I would take the assessment as a favorable endorsement because I do not expect those results to be replicated just like I don’t expect to find the best clam chowder in Alabama.

All in all American Ice Company is a destination that you must visit. Whether it’s for a Sunday fun day, an all night beer marathon, or to grab a bite of some solid BBQ this bar is a must try. The atmosphere is unique, the décor suits it perfectly, and the experience is one to live for. This place has blown up (cue the hipster spew) since its opening so there are lines many times, especially when it is nice outside which has become annoying as of late. The prices are reasonable for DC and the service is on par. If you have a chance I would advise you to take the sketchy walk, you are sure to come out with a positive experience.

Taylor Gourmet

In the pantheon of foods that DC lacks sandwich shops rein supreme. The lack of delis and sub shops have had such a burdening effect that Subway, Quiznos and Potbelly are seen as the top places to get a sandwich in this city. I for one am deeply embarrassed by this and have been calling for a monumental change in the landscape.

Fortunately there is a small beacon of hope which is known simply as Taylor Gourmet. Taylor Gourmet was founded in 2008 by Casey Patten and David Mazza, long time friends and natives of Philadelphia. Noticing this void they set to work and opened shop in the up and coming Atlas District popularly known as H St. Both devoted years of research into constructing their vast menu of hoagies built with fresh ingredients and masterful flavor combinations.

(Image brought to you by Yelp)

Each sub is the product of countless culinary experiments. The precision behind all of their hoagies is unparalleled. From the bread that is made daily in house to the selection of cured meats and aged cheeses each sandwich is tailored (no pun intended) to meet a certain flavor combination.

I first stumbled upon their Chinatown location when it was first opening. The unique design also caught my eye. The pain bucket lights, wood panel interior and a garage door that offers an open space to the outside are truly unique to this establishment.

I approached with caution as I have been traumatized in the past with sandwich shops in this city. Within seconds I was mesmerized by their extensive menu. With so many options to choose from I was trapped in a state of panic to the extent that I froze for a few seconds.

I eventually composed myself and decided to order their JFK Boulevard which consists of a chicken cutlet which is either breaded or grilled and served with portobello mushroom and goat cheese. My friend ordered a Benjamin Franklin Parkway which consists of a chicken cutlet which is adorned with marinara sauce and sharp provolone cheese. We also split an order of their risotto balls and fried ravioli.

We took our seats and watched as the cooks doled out sandwich after sandwich with ease. Once our order was finished we took our seats and started to dig in. The ingredients were fresh and blended well with each other. The breaded cutlet was juicy; the Portobello and goat cheese blended well with each other and the soft bread wrapped it all up. The risotto balls and fried ravioli were equally as good. The former had a slight bite to it which I fancy. If forced to choose which one I would prefer on a regular basis it would have to be the latter. I left feeling both satisfied by my meal and curious to explore their menu.

(Rocky's Risotto Balls)

Since my initial baptism I have become a full fledge follower of the Taylor cult. I have introduced friends and family, shared meals and ordered out so many times that it is difficult to count the total number of times that I have visited. If you are a virgin to Taylor I must advise you that like any religion there are a set of rules that we consider dogma. First and most importantly No Mayonnaise or Mustard, no sandwich of theirs should be covered even slightly with these condiments. I was a bit weary of this at first but easily accepted it once I joined the commune. You will also only be served with fresh bread that is made daily and not stored in a freezer for days on end. Lastly you will be served Boylan soda which is made by natural ingredients, no artificial preservatives or flavors.

During my experiences I have formed a bond with these sandwiches. Whenever I visit my order is based on a variety of factors including my mood, the time or day and even the weather. I have yet to sample the entire menu which consists of 39 different sandwiches but am close to half way through. One of my favorites is the Lombard Avenue which can be seen below. This sandwich consists of sopressata, geona salami, roasted red peppers, pesto and fresh mozzarella.

(Lombard Avenue)

The flavor profile in this sandwich is flawless; each ingredient plays off on the other and no ingredient overpowers the dish. I am also a big fan of their Philadelphia Landfill which comes with roasted turkey, ham, geona salami, roasted red peppers and sharp provolone cheese. It is similar in taste to the Lombard but a bit more sophisticated.

Every time I visit H St. for a night on the town my last stop is always Taylor to quench my drunken munchies. In my state of inebriation I always feel a bit guilty because I am not able to fully appreciate the complexity of this sandwich but I still find it necessary.

Of all the sandwiches there my favorite has to be the Callowhill which is their take on a meatball sub. The Callowhill consists of house made spicy meatballs, marinara sauce and sharp provolone cheese. Meatball subs are one of my favorite sandwiches so I put high standards on them and I am glad to say that the Callowhill not only meets but surpass my rigid criteria.

(Callowhill Street)

The meatballs are spicy and scrumptious; the marinara also packs a bit of heat since they are simmered together and the provolone tames it down a bit. The mere simplicity of the sub makes it spectacular and an all time favorite of mine.

All in all Taylor gourmet is fantastic, its quick growth in popularity has pushed it to open shop in Bethesda and soon to U St. which will be my ultimate demise. Their ingredients are always fresh and I have yet to have a sandwich that I disliked. I will have to say that this greatness comes at a price in the form of cost and lines. Both are not grueling but they may cause a slight inconvenience at times depending on your threshold. Definitely a must try for anyone who shares my enthusiasm for good sandwiches.

Toki Underground

Despite the dreadful humidity that overtakes the DC area all summer I have been on a soup binge of epic proportions. Whether it's my never-ending quest to find the best pho in the area, eating French onion soup, or a spicy Thai soup my life has been inundated with this liquid meal.

My current bender has taken me and a newly formed group of culinary explorers to Toki Underground, the newest addition to the H St. neighborhood. Located snugly above The Pug this 20-seat restaurant/bar is home to Ramen, a traditional eastern soup. Chef Erik Bruner-Yang opened shop on my birthday with the premise of serving a spin-off on this traditional Japanese dish. A native of Taiwan Chef Bruner-Yang has taken his experience working in Ramen shops and added his own take with this restaurant.

For those who do not know Ramen originated in China and in no way resembles the bland styrofoam covered concoction that got us through college. Despite it's origin Japan has been credited with most of it's evolution so much so that it's origin is commonly confused among many people. Before dining here my only other experience with Ramen was when I was in LA so to say I did not know what to expect is an understatement.

My first visit came after a botched effort to bring a party of ten to eat at a restaurant with no tables. I came with two other friends on a Sunday afternoon, despite the day, time and weather we still had to wait around 45 minutes. Once we got the go ahead we entered the glass door and walked upstairs.

The decor was a funky fusion which can best be characterized as a traditional noodle shop with a skater/punk rock backdrop. The walls traveling up the stairs were covered in graffiti while the borders were decorated with broken up skateboards. The walls along one side of were decorated with little Japanese toys while the back had two large windows which gave a grand view of H St..

The cozy design is very intimate, there are no individual tables, only a bar whose counters hug the walls around it. We all took our seats and were given our menus which were fairly simple and to the point.

After briefly scanning the drink menu I decided to order the Toki Monster which consists of bourbon, honey liqueur, and scotch with is adorned with a skewer of kushiyaki porkbelly. My reasoning was based solely on the premise of ordering any drink that has a meat garnish (e.g. my bacon martini) regardless of the flavors.

Unlike the drink that preceded it the Toki Monster was fairly tasty. The honey and scotch are a classic flavor combination and the bourbon blended in well especially with the salty skewer which I dipped in and ate at the end.

Next we decided to order the steamed pork dumplings which were very delicious. We followed our appetizer by each ordering a different bowl of Ramen. I decided to play it safe and ordered the Toki Hakata Classic while my friends ordered the Curry Chicken Hakata and the Kimchi Hakata. Hakata Ramen for those who are interested originated in the city of Hakata. It's main characteristic is that the broth is made from pork bones and is served with thin, firm noodles.

(Toki Monster)

Once our soups arrived we began to devour the contents inside our large bowls. My soup, which consisted of pork loin, seasonal vegetables, boiled egg, pickled ginger, scallions an nori was fairly tasty. The broth delicately blended all the ingredients rendering a tasty dish. The pork was savory and the vegetables absorbed all of the broth.

Halfway into our meal we each sampled each others soups. While I am not a big fan of curry chicken the broth was my favorite of the three. We left the place stuffed, barely able to walk to the car but did leave with the promise of visiting again.

(Pan Fried Seafood Dumplings)

My next and most recent visit came this past week when we took a large party to dine on a Thursday night. Our second attempt was met with success as we were able to make it on time. The only caveat is that we were forced to split into two groups of five.

After being seated we all took our orders. I decided this time to sample the Seafood dumplings which I decided to get pan-fried because I prefer the flavor and texture more with this method of cooking. While I enjoyed them I think the pork dumplings I had during my previous visit were better.

This time I ordered the Kimchi Hakata. I decided on this after sampling my friends which I found to be a bit better than the Toki Hakata Classic. The Kimchi is essentially the same as the Toki Hakata except that it is topped with locally made Kimchi which offers a little more spice to the broth.

I decided to let loose this time and add a little heat to my dish. On my initial visit I decided to forgo this option because my stomach was a bit uneasy. I did however notice that there were no sauces that were offered on the bar. I asked the server why that was so and if I could add some more heat to the dish. She informed me that I could order a side of the Toki Endorphin Sauce which is a homemade Sriracha sauce. Despite my insistence on the lack of spice that comes from Sriracha (I can literally take shots of it) I was informed that their sauce was spicy.

(Kimchi Hakata)

The sauce came in a small dish which I dipped my finger in and sampled. I was let down by the lack of spice but couldn't really get up and complain. I dipped it all in and mixed it together. The soup was fantastic, the flavors were all there and the spice level was slightly above average . I will have to admit that over time I began to sweat because of the heat but was in no way dying for milk to relieve the burn.

All in all my two experiences here were great. The food was spot on and the price was average. The service is good and the chef goes to great lengths to ensure the food he serves is up to standard. I read that he even tries a small spoonful of each broth that comes out to ensure that it meets his standards of excellence. I intend to dine here again and sample some of their saki and try their desserts that come in adorable bento box's (which you can't keep unfortunately).

Because of it's size, or lack their of and the fact that they don't really take reservations ahead of time I would recommend this place for a 2-3 people at the max because it's virtually impossible to get more seats in a row than that.

Sticky Rice

H St. is the next up and coming neighborhood which has seen a massive transformation in the past couple of years. Month by month a new hip restaurant or bar is opening it's doors as well as opening eyes around the city. Personally this is my favorite neighborhood to go bar hoping because of the wide variety of chic bars.

I decided that my first blog post on this neighborhood had to be the most renowned restaurants on the entire block and a personal favorite of mine. Sticky Rice has grown to fame and prestige as one of the most popular destinations on this neighborhood and even the city as a whole.

If you have never had the opportunity to dine here it is a bit hard to explain their off the wall approach and their take on this classical Japanese food. My first visit came over a year ago and my first impression was that it was hipster sushi. All of the servers and bartenders adorned sleeves and their rolls have witty names such as G.I Jane, Shiitake Happens and the Goochland. Last and most importantly they had PBR which is essentially want makes a place a hipster sanctuary.

I was not blogging at the time and scarcely remember what I ate since I went after having a couple of drinks. I did however embrace the experience and left a bit intrigued about the prospects of returning here and actually enjoying my meal.

My next couple of visits came during a living social binge in which I found myself going at least 10 times to either use my coupons or friends coupons. Per the endless positive accolades from just about everyone on yelp I decided to try their tater tots which come with their unique sauce. The tots were spot on and the dipping sauce was solid but not what I imagined especially after all of the positive remarks.

(Bucket of Tots & PBR)

After our tots I decided to order their sticky balls which have received even more positive reviews. Unlike our previous appetizer these miniature morsels pack an astounding amount of flavor that make my mouth salivate just by thinking of them. Their crunchy texture takes your pallet on a roller coaster of culinary nirvana.

(Sticky Balls)

To date I have tried all of their all but a couple of their vegetarian rolls. My overall favorite is the Godzirra roll which consists of crunch shrimp, avocado, cream cheese, cucumbers and tobiko. This to me is by far their best and most genius roll, the flavor combination mirrors that of the sticky balls to some small extent.

The crazy calamari, millennium and the fantabulous amazing roll round out my other personal favorites. But in all honesty you cannot go wrong with whatever you order. While there are some that are average or sub-par I have never had a roll that I could not finish.

(2000 Leagues & The Fantabulous Amazing Roll)

Aside from their sushi Sticky Rice also offers a number of other options. From a variety of sandwiches, noodles and even chicken wings (sticky wings) which are fairly tasty. The ambiance adds another dimension to your culinary experience.

Every night has a different event. Whether it's Tuesday night karaoke, Thursday night bingo or Saturday nights which have dance parties with local DJ's spinning solid tunes. You will never have a dull night if you go here.

(Snap, Crackle & Pop, Godzirra & Crazy Calamari)

All their fame does come at a cost, if you try to come on a weekend night without a reservation you should pray to the God's that the wait is under an hour. The servers have been known to be a bit snide but I have not really experienced this. My biggest pet peeve has to be the fact that you cannot make your own saki bombs which is odd because I have never come across this problem in the ten to fifteen other sushi places I have dined at. They do however make it up by pounding the gong each time you order a round.

All in all Sticky Rice is a fantastic destination not only for food but for entertainment. Their late hours and half price sushi night on Mondays only add to the appeal. Their aforementioned popularity requires you to set up a reservation, especially if you have a large party. The service is average and the food is a cut above average.

They also have a challenge in which you can create your own sushi roll to be put on the menu if you dine there 30 days in a row. This is a feat that I hope to try and accomplish in the near future. If you have never been here or to H St. in general then it is should be put near the top of your list of places to go.

JJ's Cheesesteaks

Finding a quality cheesesteak in this town is about as hard as finding objectivity on Fox news. At this point my search has brought me to the conclusion that the best cheesesteak is served at a mall.

At a certain point I had lost all confidence and came to conclusion that I would have to go all the way to Philadelphia to get some quality cheesesteak. This notion quickly dissolved when I found JJ's Cheesesteak. Located right on the famous intersection of 14th and U St. this restaurant serves up a variety of sandwiches all with a different spin on the classic cheesesteak.

When you take a quick glance at the menu you will see that this is not a place to go for those who count calories or care about their arteries. All 17 of their sandwiches offer a unique take on the classic Philly Cheesesteak.

They encompass the entire lexicon of this classic sandwich which is sure to appease any enthusiast. Whether you are a provolone or cheese whiz fan or if you like or dislike onions and green peppers there is sure to be a sandwich to your liking. Their fries are also deviously concocted to include cheese, bacon or even steak and cheese!!!

My first encounter came a while back when I invited a friend of mine to try it out as he is a huge cheesesteak fan. A day or two before I had stumbled upon their menu so I knew I had to pack an appetite. I decided to order The Monument, their most intimidating sub. This collosal concoction comes with thinly sliced rib-eye topped with American cheese, bacon and cheese whiz and stuffed with french fries and ketchup. If that wasn't enough I decided to order a side of bacon cheese fries to push my meal on the brink of caloric insanity.

(The Monument with Bacon Cheese Fries)

Armed with an appetite for the ages I tried my hardest to tackle this gargantuan meal. Like most of my daring attempts I failed to tackle this meal. I was able to successfully eat the entire sub but was immediately thrown into food a coma. From what I can remember from this hazy experience which put me in a state of drunkenness was that the meat was juicy, the cheese oozing out and the bacon full of flavor. I liken this sandwich to a meat orgy that is just naughty in every way. I felt guilty and vulnerable after finishing this bad boy off, so much so that I had to take a two month hiatus from eating here again.

Of all the sandwiches I have tried my favorite has to be the Ben Franklin which is their most basic cheesesteak served with cheese whiz as opposed to provolone cheese which I top off with a side order of french fries which I drench with vinegar and hot sauce.

(Ben Franklin with Fries)

All in all my numerous experiences here have been met with nothing but pleasure. Their food is spot on, the service is prompt and their late night hours on the weekends test my will power. Every night I am on U St. I walk by this place and immediately begin feeling the drunk munchies.

If you are a cheesesteak fan I definitely recommend giving this place a try. No matter what your philosophy is for this sandwich the numerous options will surely give you an ideal choice. If you are still unsatisfied with your options you can order the "U" special which allows you to build your own sub with unlimited toppings. The only thing you need to bring when you go here is your appetite which will be quenched.

Muncheez Mania

For the most part all of the restaurants in Georgetown are well established and have been in business for several years. There are several reasons for this which I will get into a some point in the future. But recently a wave of new dining options have changed the landscape of this historically prominent neighborhood.

One of these new restaurants is Mucheez Mania which opened last year near the busy intersection of M St. & Wisconsin Avenue. I first noticed this establishment when I was shopping at Rugby. It was a semi-warm afternoon and there was a short line outside near a window where you can order crepes to go.

Semi-interested I decided to invite a group of coworkers for lunch there. Upon entering I was immediately puzzled at the swank decor and retro hip-hop playing in the background. I quickly asked myself if I was in the same time period and if I was in a club. The music and mix's were reminiscent of an above average DJ which to this day still puzzles me as I have never been in a restaurant like this.

Leaving the aesthetics behind I previewed the menu and decided to order the grilled chicken and cheese wrap which comes with a variety of vegetables and a ranch sauce. My coworkers got a beef brisket cheese steak and a nutella and banana crepe. While I did eat all of my wrap it didn't find it to be too appetizing, my coworker was disappointed with his brisket and my other coworker seemed to enjoy her crepe. All in all we were thought it was an average meal.

(Grilled Chicken & Cheese Wrap)

But as I do with every place I write about I check it more than once to give me a clearer more objective picture. On my second visit I decided to take a friend of mine. For some reason I was in the mood for a hot dog that day. I had noticed from the last time I went that they had a wrap that came with a hot dog so I decided to go with my instincts and try it out. I ordered the Frankfurter which comes with a hot dog, cheese, chips and onions. Essentially a hodgepodge of stadium food all put in a wrap.

I was surprised to uncover that I deviously enjoyed this coronary nightmare. The flavors meshed well and the hot dog was extremely delicious. My friend shared this and an order of french fries as we sat back and listed to the solid hip-hop playlist in the background.

(Frankfurter Wrap)

During my last visit I was in the mood to get something light and healthy so I decided to try one of their hand made pita wraps. I ordered the Nana's original which comes with an assortment of vegetables including tomatoes, olives and cucumbers mixed with thyme and greek yogurt.

I can easily say that this is the best meal I had from them, it easily surpassed the previous two wraps not only in terms of flavor but also its nutritional value. I was also shocked that they were able to make olives taste good (FYI I hate olives).

(Nana's Original)

All in all Muncheez Mania offers a variety of food which is hit or miss in my opinion. The outdoor window is a nice touch and is now open since the weather is getting warmer. They are also open until 3:30 AM on the weekends which makes this place a solid destination if you bar hoping in Georgetown.

I don't think I will go here too often but I will have to try some more of their vegetarian options and crepes when I do. The service is spot on, the cliental are very nice and the music is very unique. So if you are in the area you should give this place a shot.