Tender Greens (Santa Monica)

I must apologize yet again for my rash inconsistency since moving to LA. The transition has been rough, odd, fulfilling, and suspenseful all of which have caused a number of my former hobbies to take a back seat. Another more pertinent reason is the high cost on the west side of Los Angeles which tends to inflate the price for everything as you may discover in this post. Even with all of these barriers I am consistently trying to rekindle my passion with writing and critiquing food.

Now that I am done complaining we can proceed to our next stop. Tender Greens is a local chain of restaurants catering to the stereotypical Southern California resident. They serve a wide variety of salads, sandwiches and small platters consisting of healthy locally grown organic produce. Luckily the closest location is right off the famous 3rd Street Promenade which is walking distance from both my home and work.

My first experience came during an impromptu lunch gathering on a Friday afternoon. The choice was surprising because my coworkers don't come off as being very health conscious. Regardless I welcomed the opportunity to try something new. Once we arrived we were greeted by a line walking out the door which is not surprising due to the high volume of people the neighborhood attracts.

While in line we basked in the gorgeous 75 degree sunlight with a mild breeze while scanning the menu. Before I knew it I was in front of the attendant who takes orders. Still unsure of what to get I happened to randomly pick the grilled octopus salad. Once you place in order you are subjected to walk along the open kitchen in an act of culinary torture. As I walked passed all the different food being prepared I could not help but second guess my decision.

At the end of the line I was presented my salad along with a fresh lemonade I had to go with it. Once I paid we ruthlessly searched for a place to sit in the chaos that is the lunch rush. We were lucky to scrounge a table in their outside patio area. The salad is rather large which is a good thing since it costs $11. I was given a generous portion of octopi which went well with the grilled lemon vinaigrette that is was topped with. Basking in the gorgeous sun on an October afternoon I could not help but reminisce of my weekly visits to Sweetgreen for a light salad followed by a walk along the Waterfront in Georgetown.

(Chipotle Barbeque Chicken Salad) 

Enjoying my first experience I decided that spending my next Friday afternoon here would be ideal. When the day rolled by to my utter surprise it was a sunny cloudless day (get the massive amount of sarcasm). The line wasn't as hectic this go around which was a pleasant surprise. When it was my time to order I decided to order the chipotle barbeque chicken salad as well as a pomegranate lemon bar to treat myself for a hard week of work.

Once I was finished the culinary death march I was presented my food which made me $18 poorer. The salad consisted of romaine hearts, avocado, queso fresco, green onion, and crispy tortilla strips all topped off with a cilantro lime dressing. It was light and refreshing as expected, you can really tell the ingredients are of the highest quality.

(Pomegranate Lemon Bar)

After finishing my salad I proceeded to the lemon bar. While my time here has been short I can easily say this is one of the best things I have eaten in LA so far and one of the best snacks I have ever eaten. Each pomegranate seed burst with a tsunami of flavor that jolted my senses and matched well with the sweetness of the lemon. I am not much of a sweets person as you may know but I will definitely have this again in the near future. 

 All in all I am pleased with this restaurant. The food is good but pricy for me to go to everyday. The lines can be long but it is well worth it. When you go you can get a salad, a sandwich of sorts or a platter which consists of a meat (or tuna) with some delicious mashed potatoes and a side salad. A must try if you are in the mood for healthy food in the Santa Monica area. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Booeymonger

When it comes to sandwiches in Georgetown almost everyones first thought is Booeymonger. This local deli has been serving delicious sandwiches to it's patrons for over 35 years and have since branched out to Friendship Heights and Northern Virginia without skipping a beat.

Located in the heart of Georgetown Booeymonger's is a local hub of activity, whether it be residents, students, or local workers everyone seems to enjoy the sandwiches they serve. I have personally been eating here since grade school and continue to come to this day.

Their menu consists of a number hand crafted concoctions, each tailored to the tastes of patrons that line their restaurant on a daily basis. Whether it be the health conscious patron who orders a Californian, an adventurous carnivore who gets the Fifth Avenue or a vegetarian who choses the Pita Pan Booeymonger's does not discriminate. At times I find myself taking a prolonged period of time to making my decision.

Having two jobs in this area I have had the pleasure of sampling the every sandwich several times. My favorite would have to be the Miami Burger which consists of smoked salmon, cream cheese, lettuce, onions and tomatoes all on a toasted bagel.

(Miami Burger)

It makes a great breakfast or lunch any time of the year. For $7.25 you get a very generous portion of smoked salmon that always tastes fresh. I usually like to pair it with an Orangina or a Snapple on a hot summer afternoon.

Another favorite of mine is the Patty Hearst which is as electrifying as the icon it's named after. It is paradoxical in nature because it offers you with the greasy satisfaction without feeling the after effects. I am also a fan of the Chicken Rico, The Georgetowner, and Booey Wraps which come with potato wedges that are also very tasty.

(Patty Hearst)

If you are too overwhelmed at number of choices or don't find any to meet your taste you can start from scratch and make one of your own. When I find myself in the former predicament I get an everything bagel with chive cream cheese and cucumbers which never disappoints. You can also choose a number of sides including but not limited to macaroni salad, cole slaw, potato salad and hummus.

All of the sandwiches are in the $6-8 range which unfortunately come with no sides, the exception being the Booey Wrap. The lack of combo meals to me is the biggest downside of this place and to this day I don't understand why they don't have that, but their daily specials minimize this complaint. I have yet to try the salads but have heard that they are good and their breakfast menu is great but a bit cliche.

All in all Booeymongers is a great deli, their sandwiches are tremendous and healthy for the most part. The crowds are always lively and the scenery is beautiful (can you find some place in Georgetown that isn't) and the happy hour offers you good cheap beer. The prices are average for Georgetown and the lines can be a bit long, especially during peak lunch hours. Don't bother trying to find a seat during that time you will more than likely find your self waiting. This is a place all sandwich lovers should visit at least once.

Masa 14

DC's rapid transformation into a hub of local activity is best personified by the growth of contemporary fine dining outside of the Golden Triangle. In the past you were forced within the confines of this area to get both a upscale meal as well as the sophisticated crowd that accompanied it.

Over the past five to ten years that has changed as historic neighborhoods have been gentrified with young professionals. The demand for sophisticated dining has spawned an array of restaurants catering towards fine dining in neighborhoods such as Logan Circle, U St., Columbia Heights, and the up and coming H. St..

(Picture brought from link)

No where further exemplifies these characteristics than Masa 14. This chic spot offers the best interpretation of fine New York style dining in both atmosphere and food. Located along one of the best food streets Masa 14 has quickly established itself as the go to place for those with a keen eye in contemporary cuisine.

The interior decor is pristine which gives it a lounge feel. The asian adornment coupled with the post-modern interior architecture serve to enhance the dining experience. While their outdoor seating provides patrons a scenic view of a burgeoning neighborhood.

(Picture brought to you by Yelp)

My first dining experience came on a calm sunday afternoon with my family. Living only blocks away we decided to give this place a shot. Prior to this I had been only once for drinks with a friend. My quick experience gave me the feeling that this would be a place that I would go to regularly when I had the money.

(Orange Mojito)

I started off with an orange mojito which was both interesting and refreshing. We followed by ordering a couple of plates to share between the three of us. My sister decided to try the watermelon gazpacho and let me have a sampling. I found it to be light and flavorful. We both enjoyed it very much and I left thinking that this would be an ideal appetizer on a humid summer day.

(Watermelon Gaspacho)

I decided to go for the shrimp ceviche which is one of my favorite dishes of all time. Growing up in a hispanic family I was weaned onto this dish and have tried it in almost every imaginable form. The dish presented to me deviated a bit from its traditional form which is served exclusively with lemon juice. This dish incorporated orange slices which added the sweet component which to me did not play well with the bitterness of the lime juice.

(Shrimp Ceviche)

While I did enjoy the components of the dish and the quality of the ingredients I could not say that I would order it again, mainly because I enjoy ceviche when it's served in its traditional manner.

The next dish we ordered was the grilled baby octopus which was by far the best dish we had during our meal. If you have no experience cooking octopus then you have absolutely no idea how difficult it is to properly cook this mollusk. The octopi were perfectly grilled, they were charred just enough to fully evoke the proper flavor without ruining the consistency of this creature.

(Grilled Baby Octopus)

We went through this dish in a flash and consided ordering another plate. I know for certain that this will be a dish that I will continue to order and will introduce to my friends for years to come.

Next we had the yucca fries which are a staple in latin american culture and a personal favorite of mine. They were served in a traditional style and served with a lime aioli dipping sauce. From the first bite I could taste the garlic and chimichurri that were incorporated in the seasoning. The lime aioli sauce provided an extra layer of flavor which easily made this the second best dish of the entire meal.

(Yucca Fries)

Next we had a peking duck flatbread which included the aforementioned duck topped with cotija, mangos, and scallions all slathered with orange-hoisin bbq sauce and baked on a flatbread. The dish was a success, the ingredients blended well with each other and the duck was pristine. While I can't say that I would order it again I believe that the experience was well worth it.

(Peking Duck Flatbread)

The last dish we ordered was fried calamari. While this is a relatively cliche dish, I was interested in seeing their take on it. When it presented to us I immediately knew that this was a very non-traditional rendering of this dish. To me it read more like a salad to be split between two or more people than finger food.

While I did enjoy the freshness of both the lightly fried calamari and the salad on top of it I left disappointed, I could easily rate this as a downer and the worst dish of a meal. Thats not to say that I would not recommend it, I just did not like the way the calamari was used and the lack of a dipping sauce didn't help much either.

(Salt and Pepper Calamari)

All in all I thoroughly enjoyed this meal. We all left both full and satisfied with our shared meals. The final price wasn't bad for the both the quality and quantity of food we ate. Our server was pleasant and diligent. She did not hesitate answering any questions and offering insight on the most popular dishes there.

So if you are in the mood for culinary pizazz Masa 14 should be a place to visit. I recommend you make a reservation because it tends to be full, especially during peak restaurant hours. The drinks are great and the sushi is excellent. Prices while expensive aren't too bad for the quality of food you are eating. Great for a happy hour or quick meal before you hit the bars which are only blocks away.

Cafe La Ruche

French restaurants in Georgetown are a dime a dozen, yet each one seems to offer something special. Cafe La Ruche provides their patrons with their own spin on Southern French cooking as well as the dining experience.

Located on a niche spot between K and M streets Cafe La Ruche, which is means beehive in French has been serving up contemporary French cuisine since 1979.

The quiet and relaxed outdoor patio is reminiscent of a European style cafe and is the perfect example of what the Georgetown area has to offer. This setting is ideal for just about any setting, whether it be a quick lunch time meeting or a quiet meal by yourself with a book in hand.

(Picture brought to you by Yelp)

The first time I came here the weather was too cold to sit outside so I was forced to skip the outside patio experience and stay inside. On most cold days I decide that a soup is a necessary part of my meal and that was no different on this occasion.

I started off with traditional Southern French fish soup with bread and butter. The soup was flavorful with a good combination of spices, vegetables, and a generous portion of fish. I have had this type of soup before but with different spins on the ingredients, needless to say I was satisfied with what I had purchased.

(Soupe De Poisson)

I continued my meal with a crab quiche which has received rave reviews both Yelp and Urbanspoon. While I did enjoy both the flavor and texture of the quiche, in the end the bitterness of swiss cheese became so overwhelming that I could not finish my meal. The salad that came with it was simple and refreshing. The whole meal cost me $20 including a tip which isn't too bad for restaurant style food for one.

(Quiche Au Crabe)

On my next venture I decided to stick to my roots and order one of my favorite soups. French onion soup is a staple of French culture, enjoyed by both the rich and poor. It was severed in it's traditional form, in clay pot with french bread and topped with melted swiss cheese.

The soup was delicious as is the case with most places that serve it. The mountain of oozing cheese coupled with soaked bread and onions yielded yet another foodgasm of eminent proportion.

(Soupe A L'Oigonon Gratinee)

For the next part of my meal I decided to try pate for the first time. This specific pate was made with duck and cornichons which is very popular in both France and Belgium. It is usually severed with crackers so I was a bit surprised when I did not get any. The taste of the dish resembled it's presentation, dull and poorly put together.

(Mousse De Canard)

While I did enjoy the experience of trying something new, I left feeling cheated by my introduction to pate. I am also aware that it is usually an appetizer to be shared with several people so having that much to yourself may have skewed my judgement. Regardless I did enjoy my overall meal which came out to $14 including tip.

After I paid I went to the front to check out their renowned desserts which you can see below. I am not that much of a sweets person so I did not try any but intend to in the future.

(Picture brought to you by Yelp)

All in all I did enjoy this quiet spot. This is my ideal spot for a summer lunch with my coworkers or an afterwork snack. It was never full but that doesn't really say anything since I do tend to take later lunches. The service was good and the prices are reasonable. I would recommend anyone with a passion for French cuisine to give this place a chance.