Stoney's Bar And Grill

Logan Circle is hub of activity and has become one of the more affluent neighborhoods in the District. What was first a destination centered around the Whole Foods Market has become a landing spot for a number of new restaurants and bars. Of all the new places one has stood the test of time.

Stoney's Bar And Grill which opened its doors in 1968 has been serving pub food to loyal patrons. Over time Stoney's has built a legacy of serving some of the best bar food in the District and is a local landing spot for neighborhood residents and loyal patrons.

My initial visits were primarily for their drinks. Their array beers and their proximity to my house made it a go to spot to watch sports or kick back a beer with a friend. My first experience with their food came during the World Cup where I watched a number of games with a group of soccer enthusiasts.

We primarily ordered appetizers and their pizza which I will have to say is once of the best I have had in this city (thats not saying much). Then I decided to try a burger which are said to be their bread and butter. Scanning the list of specialty burgers my eyes were immediately transfixed on the One Eye Burger which consists of Swiss cheese, lettuce and tomatoes topped with a fried egg.

(One Eye Burger)

What was presented to me was a culinary masterpiece whose taste brought me to brink of nirvana. The patty was well seasoned a cooked medium well, the egg brought another dimension of flavor that brought it over the top. After that experience I became hooked onto their burgers and have never turned back.

Since then I have sampled their bacon cheeseburger, chili cheeseburger and the Stoney burger all of which were fantastic. If you take a gander at this review or just scan their menu you will notice that this is not the place to dine for calorie counters. Their dishes are offshoots on classic American meals on steroids.

(Super Grilled Cheese)

A great example of this is the super grilled cheese. This monstrous sandwich permeates with cheese and is stuffed with bacon and tomatoes rendering a masterpiece of epic proportions. This sandwich can tackle even the strongest appetites and is a must try.

Overall Stoney's has some of the best burgers and pub food in all of the District. The service is good, the prices are average and the environment is like any neighborhood watering hole. I advise everyone to give Stoney's a shot especially for their food. So if you are in the neighborhood stop by for a beer and maybe some food but do plan to workout after if you are conscious of your weight.

Oohh's & Aahh's

Our next stop takes us to another historic restaurant on the culturally diverse U St.. Oohh's & Aahh's has been serving patrons classic soul food for year's on end. Their unique ability to serve this popular food has made them a main stay on this rapidly transforming neighborhood.

My first experience here was in my early youth when I would go and order chicken wings with french fries with my latino friends who adored soul food. I barely remember my overall opinion but I went a number of times so I know that I liked it.

Despite my early introduction and familiarity with this establishment I took a prolonged hiatus from eating here. My next experience came while randomly watching an old episode of Diners, Drive-in's and Dives at which point my childhood memories resurfaced. After watching this I decided that I needed rekindle my long lost relationship.

Before I returned I did a bit of research and discovered that it was quite pricy now due to their celebrity status. I also read that their portions were very generous and with this is mind I decided to go a rather long run to increase my appetite. When I walked in the restaurant was a whole lot smaller than I remembered it, the walls were lined with photos of famous pop culture stars who adore the food served here similar to that of Ben's Chili Bowl.

My first observation was that each of the employes wore a shirt with Guy Fieri's face on it which to me seemed a bit excessive especially for a restaurant that is considered divy. Regardless both the exterior and interior resembled this characteristic. I decided to order the fried chicken platter which comes with two sides. I went with the mac and cheese per the numerous accolades from yelp and the rice with gravy because I was somewhat in the mood for that as opposed to the potato salad.

I stood by and watched as they made my chicken in an age old deep fryer. For every second I waited the anticipation grew and this weight increased minute after minute until I had my food in hand and began walking home. When I got home I turned on my TV, opened my box, got my Tabasco and salt and began to consume my meal.

I started with my mac and cheese which was fantastic. The flavor and consistency was very unique and while it was not the best I have ever had it does rank high. I then followed on to the rice and gravy which was very disappointing. The lack of flavor in the gravy did nothing to alleviate the bland rice. I then began to tackle my fried chicken which was divine. The meat was hot and juicy, the skin was crunchy and extremely flavorful. The chicken accelerated the level of the overall dish from good to great. This box was worth two meals for me which somewhat justified the high price I paid for it ($17.00).

(Fried Chicken with Rice & Gravy and Mac & Cheese)

I have since returned and gotten their chicken wings which are good but for $12 are too expensive for what you are getting. I haven't had their catfish but I have heard great things about it, they also have good collard greens and cornbread.

All in all, this place serves good food but it is very expensive. They are a cash only place which is one of the commandments of dive restaurants. They do have limited seating both upstairs and downstairs so I would recommend taking your food to go. They have relatively late hours so this is definitely an option for late night food. So if you love soul food I would give this place a shot, even though they are very pricy I would highly recommend going here at least once in your life.

SPAMaroni & Cheese

It is very seldom that I make meals from scratch. It is arduous and inefficient for those who live by themselves. I am also lazy when it comes to cooking meals. So when I am short on cash or don't feel like eating out I make quick meals that take no longer than 30 minutes to prepare.

My living and eating habits preclude me from having a fully stocked refrigerator and pantry. I usually find myself having to be very creative in my food combinations. As you can see from the picture below I usually have limited options (this picture is probably rock bottom).

(My fridge)

One night I was sifting through my pantry when I found a can of SPAM. It seemed to be the only thing I could eat that night at which point I felt as though I had hit rock bottom. I hardly ate SPAM and when I did I had them with eggs which I didn't have at the time. I happened to look at the back of the can of SPAM and noticed that there was a recipe for SPAM with macaroni and cheese. Luckily I had a box of Velveeta so I decided to take a leap of faith and try this out.

(SPAMaroni & Cheese)

The recipe was simple, it calls for

1 can of SPAM

1 box of Velveeta

A couple dashes of Cayenne pepper

A couple dashes of Paprika

You can use the classic Macaroni & Cheese but I prefer to use Velveeta because it is creamier. I dice the SPAM into tiny little cubes and sear them on a skillet until the are golden brown. I then add them to the macaroni and cheese and let that simmer on a low heat for about 5 minutes. After that I add my spices for an enhanced flavor.

The saltiness of the SPAM along with the richness of the mac and cheese yield a satisfying food combination. The dish while deviously delicious can take it's toll on you in a matter of bites. There have been a number of instances where I crossed the tipping point and have been tossed in a state of food hell.

It is for this reason that I recommend this dish only as a side to your meal and something you enjoy only on a monthly basis. You should definitely give this dish a shot, I was a doubter but have since eaten my words.

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.

CapMac

The food truck tour continues with a the CapMac truck. This truck travels throughout the city slinging their creative take on Mac & Cheese, a staple in most American households. When I first heard of the truck I immediately became overrun with anticipation of trying this gourmet mac & cheese.

Doing a little research I found out that the head Chef, Brian Arnoff previously worked at Bourbon Steak in the Four Seasons Hotel under the tutelage of Executive Chef David Varley. Having eaten at the Bourbon Steak before and thoroughly enjoyed their gourmet spin-offs of traditional non-gourmet meals I was under the impression that the same thing would be done with this food truck.

I first visited this food vendor on a cold day on the George Washington University campus. I invited two of my coworkers one of which shares my enthusiasm for mac & cheese. We all ordered their CapMac'n Cheese which consists of Pimento and Cheddar cheese topped with Cheeze-It crackers which costs $6. For an additional $2 you can add Bolognese and "make it sloppy". We all decided to forgo this option for different reasons. I also ordered the soup du jour which was a broccoli cheddar soup.

We took our food in the Marvin center and dug in. I started out with my soup which strayed from what I thought it would be. The soup was fresh and hearty, the rich flavor of the soup as well as the texture illustrated the prominence of the broccoli which was palpable with every spoonful I took. The soup was definitely made from scratch and included ground broccoli root mixed which blended well with the cheddar cheese. I can easily say that this was the rendition of broccoli cheddar that I have ever had at this point in my life.

Next I moved on to the dish that I had been waiting in anticipation for some time. I dug into my mac & cheese and was greeted by the harmonious blend of both the cheeses. The crunchy component of the cracker added to this dish giving it another dimension and aided in the texture of the dish. Sadly I have to say that my tremendous expectations were not met. While I did enjoy my meal I left feeling as though the dish had much more potential.I have sampled serveral gourmet mac & cheese dishes in this city and this one did not meet my mark. While good I see room for growth and improvement.

(Broccoli Cheddar Soup & CapMac'n Cheese)

Despite that I enjoyed my experience so much that I decided to sample another dish off of their menu. This time I decided to try their Chicken Parmesan Meatballs which consist of house ground chicken, parmesan served with a provolone bechamel.

To sum it up I devoured this meal within ten minutes feeling tremendously satisfied. The chicken meatballs were savory and juicy and the pasta that accompanied it was pristine. I can easily say that I enjoyed this dish more than the mac & cheese and was on par with the expectations I had for this truck.

(Chicken Parmesan Meatballs)

As you can see in this video Chef Arnoff prides himself on serving residents of District with good affordable food. I had the pleasure of talking to him twice (I did not mention that I blog about food). He came off as very nice and sincere about his mission which I believe he is doing very well.

The food that he served me on both occasions was fairly priced and very good. I wish him luck and hope that he will expand on his ideas because I believe that this truck has tremendous potential. The truck is still in it's infant stages so hopefully my wishes will come to fruition. I only hope that he will expand on his mac & cheese and offer a variety of flavors in the future (lobster mac & cheese please!!!).

Quick info - the lines weren't too long when I went but I have seen long lines there before. They only take cash at this point so be aware. Their website is still in the works to you can follow them on Facebook for daily locations. Your food takes less than 5 minutes to prepare. In the meantime you can talk to the clientele if the lines aren't too long.

Tackle Box

Imagining a quick getaway to enjoy seafood right on the water, then look no further than Tackle Box in Georgetown. Located in the heart of Georgetown this swank eatery servers delectable seafood and gives you a beach/boardwalk eating environment.

A local favorite of neighborhood residents the food and presentation erect the illusion that you areon vacation eating fresh food and enjoying everything the sea has to offer.

(Photo via Prince of Petworth)

I usually go to for that very reason, but also enjoy the fact that this is one of the only places where you can get good seafood at a fast food pace. There are several options that you can choose, from appetizers to meals Tackle Box offers you satisfying food at reasonable prices.

I make it a habit of attending every Wednesday for their half price fish tacos. I usually order two which only cost $4 as opposed to $8 on regular days. I usually pair these with an appetizer such as fried calamari, mac and cheese, or french fries. The tacos are always spot on, the fish is fresh and the simple slaw that accompanies it makes for one of the best lunches or even meals of the week.

You can also choose a number of other appetizers including crispy shrimp, oysters. They also have a basic meal which comprises of choosing one fish with your choice of two sides for around $13. If you have deeper pockets you could go for the lobster pot which goes for $40 per person.

Another favorite of mine is their lobster roll which is has a sticker price of $20. The lobster is fresh and the bread is soft and buttery. While it is not the best lobster roll I have had in this city it holds it's own weight.

(Lobster Roll)

Recently they have made a number of additions including an upstairs bar with some appealing beer specials. They have also opened up another store in Cleveland Park which is a God send for residents in that culinary challenged neighborhood.

I am actually a bit jealous because I wish that I had the opportunity to devour a trio of fish tacos similar to those below on a daily basis. While I am assuming they are nowhere close to the quality you can get on the west coast they are some of the best I have had in this city.

(3 Fish Tacos)

Overall the prices are reasonable, the food is pleasant and the atmosphere transports you to a day out on the boardwalk without actually having to go there. Lines aren't too long and but finding seating can be a problem at times.

I would recommend going late on Wednesdays, recently I have noticed that their fish tacos are gaining popularity which in this case translates to longer lines.