Washington DC: A Top 10 Restaurant City

I just came across this today on City Stream. This year Washington DC ranked #8 in Esquire Magazines "Americas Best Restaurant Cities" 2010 Edition. The District of Columbia ranks behind superstar cities like New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and Los Angeles which boast tremendous populations and titanic economies. Their standings make sense because of the shear demand.

I will have to question some of the cities we fell behind, specifically Houston and New Orleans mainly because there is a lack of culinary variety in these cities. Also southern "comfort food" has it's limits.

What also makes our ranking spectacular is that DC is a small city in comparison to all the others. For example DC has a population of 601,723 making it the 27th largest city where as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago rank 1,2 and 3 respectively in terms of population all boasting at least 2.8 million people. So on a per capita basis we must rank in the top 5.

Some notable honors for DC, we have the countries best Spanish and Indian restaurants and a hand-full of great Italian restaurants. The future will only look brighter as this is a city that is growing in terms of both population and jobs. The growth in population is concentrated mainly in young highly educated professions that have a demand for sophisticated fine dining.

Sushi To Go

Sushi in Georgetown is as scarce as water in the desert. The closing of Benihana last year only exasperated the shortage. During my first week at work my I was greeted with the pleasant news that there was a long-standing sushi restaurant less than a block away from my job.

Sushi To Go is located in a niche spot right along the canal between Thomas Jefferson and 31st St.. Owned by a Korean couple that have been serving the residents of Georgetown for several years.

Since I am a sushi fanatic I decided to give this place a try. I have had several experiences with sushi and tried almost every restaurant in the DC area that serves it. I have also ventured to other cities such as Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles to try this japanese delicacy. I even make my own from time to time.

I walked in and was immediately greeted by the owners. I decided to try the Caterpillar and Alaskan rolls both of which are specialty rolls and an order of squid (Ika). The sushi and one can of coke cost me $18 which expensive in my opinion for take out sushi.

(Caterpillar, Alaska, and Ika)

Sadly the sushi did not live up to my standards and the price tag associated with it exasperated the disappointment I felt. The ingredients were not as fresh and they should have been which rendered a poor meal. While the service was fantastic the food failed to impress me.

I would not recommend going here unless you want a quick and simple California roll or some miso soup. Sadly this means that there is only one good sushi restaurant in all of Georgetown.

BGR The Burger Joint

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

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

(Picture brought to you by Price of Petworth)

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

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

(The Burger)

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

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

(The Wellington and French Fries with Rosemary)

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

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

(The Greek and French Fries with Rosemary)

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

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

(The 9 Pounder)

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

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

Baked & Wired

Supercalafragalisticexpialadoshus, my appologies to anyone that suffers from hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia but this is the only way that I can describe Baked and Wired. Located right off of M St. Baked and Wired serves hundreds of loyal customers on a daily basis and has served as the main competition to Georgetown Cupcake.

Located right next to my office this enthusiastic bakery offers an array of options and has thwarted my efforts to sustain a consistent diet. Before working at my current job I was unaware of this bakery as I am not too deep in both the cupcake and sweets scene.

What drew me here was the hilarious sign that was posted right outside of their building. When I entered I was overwhelmed by a barrage of baked goods each with a unique and quirky name and animated illustration.

The first thing that drew my attention were the cupcakes. Lined across their stand each flavor offered a unique culinary experience. I immediately knew that I would come here on a regular basis. One of their more salient qualities is their quirkiness and laid back attitude.

The atmosphere gave me more of a west coast feel with an east coast work ethic. I am not much a coffee drinker so I tend to stay away from the Starbucks world. I am also dissuaded by inventory line treatment that you usually tend to get with the bigger chains.

(Assorted Cupcakes)

But this placed diverges from the status quo; the quirkiness of the products translates to to its staff who are all nice and always have a smile on their face. During my first visit I quickly took my camera out and started taking pictures off all hilarious images presented to you in this post.

I followed my instincts and ordered my first cupcake. When I finished I came to believe that these are the BEST CUPCAKES IN DC. If you happen to take bite of these monstrosities you will most certainly agree with my assertion.

The first cupcake I tried was the Razmanian Devil which consists of vanilla frosting on top of a vanilla core with a raspberry baked inside of it. The shear greatness of this delectable treat had me questioning my ability to abstain from sweets on a daily basis.

(Razmanian Devil)

The next day I decided to order a Mocha from the coffee bar which was beautifully designed and served as a energy boost for a long day at the office. I seemed to enjoy the atmosphere surrounding the cafe more than the drink itself. It was a cross between mellow, artful and sophisticated which beats the Starbucks crowd in my opinion.

(Mocha)

The next cupcake that I decided to sample is one of their most popular flavors. The Chocolate Cupcake of Doom consists chocolate cake covered with dark chocolate satin frosting. It was devilishly delectable to say the least and I was on the verge of a sugar overdose when I finished it. In all honesty I believe that this is the cake that people are referring to when they use the expression "I love you like a fat kid loves cake". It is a must try but I must warn you that it is highly addictive, especially to those with a sweet tooth.

(Chocolate Cupcake of Doom)

If cupcakes do not interest you I am pleased to inform you that Baked & Wired offers a wide array of options that serve as both snacks and breakfast options. The doughnut muffin below is one of my favorite items from this store. While I was hesitant at first I decided to ignore my skepticism and dig in. If I had the metabolism of a 13 year old or had an utter disregard for my health then I would make this a weekly breakfast or snack.

The other item is a Caramel S'more which is also very delightful. It definitely makes me reminisce on my childhood as it was a staple snack when I was a child. I would also recommend their homemade pop-tarts, gingerbread, and brownies.

(Doughnut Muffin & Caramel S'more)

I decided to take these delicious morsels to my house in order to introduce the cult that I have become a part of. I bought five cupcakes which cost me about $18 and was a bit upset that they did not have bundle deal. Regardless of that I enjoyed sampling each flavor as did my sister and a close friend of ours. They both seemed to appreciate them and what followed was a small debate on which cupcakes were better.

I have to say that their strawberry is my favorite and one of the best sweet snacks in all of the city. Each flavor is unique in its own way and is tailored to people's different taste preferences. They also are have vegan cupcakes for those with greater diet restrictions. I have not tried one so I can't offer an opinion.

(Pumpkin, Cocunut, Elvis Impersonator AKA The Unporked Elvis, Red Velvet and German Chocolate)

The last two items I decided to try were their respectable selection of tea and quiche. I am a huge fan of quiche so I had

tremendous expectations for what lay ahead of me, especially because they were able to please me with their other goods.

I decided to try the Ham and Gruyere & Mixed Veggie Quiche on different occasions and was disappointed to say that they were average at best. I would like to think it is because of my high expectations but I can objectively say that it was pedestrian.

Their tea on the other hand is great. I have tried their Darjeeling white, Mayan chai and Pomegranate all of which are great. If you are a tea aficionado then you should definitely stop by.

(Ham and Gruyere & Mixed Veggie Quiche)

All in all Baked & Wired is my default cafe for sweets and tea. The staff and company courteous and quirky. They take great pride in what they serve and have a good laugh while doing so. While they are a bit expensive if you go in solely for a snack it is more that justified for taste that is rendered from their treats. The lines can be long from time to time but they pale in comparison for the wait you have to endure for Georgetown Cupcake.

So if you are in the Georgetown area take some time and sample both Baked & Wired and Georgetown Cupcake and pledge your own allegiance. You can follow Baked on their Facebook page here and find out about special events and promotions.

Bistro Francais

Aside from Citronelle, Bistro Francais is the most well know French restaurant in Georgetown. Executive chef and owner Gerad Cabrol, a native of France has brought his culinary talents to Washington DC and has been serving patrons for over 35 years.

Bistro Francais is located in the center of Georgetown right on M St. and offers customers authentic French cuisine. A staple to the area Bistro Francais offers you a fine dinning experience that won't deplete your savings. The best seats are located right by the windows which are opened when the weather justifies it. If you are lucky enough to get these seats you have the pleasure of people watching in one of the most relaxed environments in the city while enjoying quality French food.

(Photo Brought to you by Yelp)

I have dined here on several occasions and usually go for a late night snack. I decided to take some of my coworkers here for a quick lunch. It was on this occasion that I had my first sampling of escargot.

A delicacy in the Western world this dish is traditionally served as an appetizer to be shared amongst friends. I went off course and decide to order it by myself since none of my colleagues wanted to partake. This dish was pleasant but I failed to understand the prestige behind it, the butter and garlic seem to overtake the dish eviscerating any flavor that the snails had to offer. Since it was my first sampling of this dish I will leave it up to future experience to mold my judgement.

(Escargots au Beurre de Légumes)

I followed up my meal with some French onion soup. As this is one of my favorite dishes I consider myself something of a connoisseur. I have tried it at a number of French restaurants and bistros and I can easily say that this is the best that I have had. Served in its traditional style it was both rich and hearty. As hard as it is to imagine you can easily ruin this dish, mainly because each ingredient is so powerful. It takes a creative imagination and proper experience to find the perfect balance which yield a delightful and decadent soup.

(Soupe à l’ Oignon)

Because there are so many French restaurants in Georgetown each one has to present a unique aspect that will draw clientele away from their competitors. What draws me to Bistro Francais is their late night dining experience. When you think of after bar foods in DC the first things that come to mind are Jumbo Slice, Julia's Empanadas, or any sort of Falafel place. My divergence from these popular destinations was what first took me to Bistro Francais which is open until 4 A.M on the weekends.

(Avocat Farci Bistro)

During my final years at George Washington I would go with a group of friends to eat after hitting the local bar scene. My personal favorites were the avocado stuffed with crab meat as an appetizer followed by the steak sandwich which I take medium rare. The food is both scrumptious and filling which is perfect for anyone who desires a late night meal. The low key setting is also enticing for anyone who doesn't enjoy waiting in line for greasy food with people who can't handle their alcohol.

(Steak Sandwich)

All in all Bistro Francais serves good food at an average price. The food and experience is on par with all the other French restaurants in Georgetown. What separates them in my opinion is their location and late night hours. So if you are in the area at 2 A.M I would skip the jumbo slice and give this place a shot if you aren't too out of it.

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.

Eat Wonky Food Truck

The food truck extravaganza continues with a dish inspired by our neighbors to the north. The Eat Wonky food truck is dedicated to introducing poutine to the DC area.

Poutine is a dish that originated in Quebec and is now popular throughout all of Canada. It consists of fries slathered in gravy and topped with cheese curds. I have been fortunate enough to have tried this delectable and gluttonous dish when I visited Quebec a while back. Although I cannot vividly recall this experience I do remember enjoying it.

There are also variations of poutine in the US with the most notable example being Disco fries, also known as Elvis Fries which are wildly popular in New York and New Jersey.

(Picture Brought to you by Yelp)

I was introduced to Disco fries by my college roommate from New Jersey who ate them religiously. We happened to find a couple of places in DC including The Diner in Adams Morgan as well as Pizza Bolis on U St.

Needless to say they are slowly growing in popularity with several spinoffs at restaurants which tend to substitute the original ingredients with more "American" ones such as cheddar cheese, sour cream, etc..

The Eat Wonky truck offers you a simple menu with both the traditional poutine and their own take with the former being their Wonky fries and the latter being a Wonky dog. They also offer both plain fries and hot dogs as well as a grilled cheese sandwich and whoopee pies that come in a variety of flavors.

(Photo Brought to you by Yelp)

My first experience with the Wonky truck came after a night out on U St. Being a tad bit inebriated at the time I had a natural inclination toward eating some fast food but decided to skip that and go home. On my way I discovered a food truck parked next to Solly's, I decided to take a peak at the menu and was elated to discover that this was something that wanted to try.

(Wonky Fries)

I decided split a order of Wonky fries with a friend and head home. While I don't vividly remember every detail of that particular night I can say for certain that I did remember every facet of that meal. From the friendly individual who took my order to the foodgasm that pursued and the longing for another order that terrorized me for days.

From that point I decided to follow them on Facebook in order to relive my past experience. My luck with food trucks is low mainly because I work near Georgetown where none of them seem to venture. But last week my luck was turned when I saw that they would be serving their food near George Washington University in Foggy Bottom.

On this day I decided to go solo and pack an appetite as I was preparing to tackle their monstrous Wonky Dog. I approached the truck and fearlessly ordered a Wonky Dog and Coke which set me back $7. Once it arrived I both myself and the people behind me looked in awe at this behemoth meal and I asked myself if I could really finish this.

I initially tried tackling this meal standing up which was completely wrong because my knees buckled when I took my first bite.

(Wonky Dog)

Somehow I managed to finish my meal and was forced to use the utensils given to me because of how messy it got. The poutine was pristine and the hot dog added an extra dimension to go along with the sweet and savory undertone of the meal. The standout of the dish had to be the bread which was of high quality and lightly grilled in a similar fashion to a panini. The low light to me was the hot dog which was good but would have been great if it was split in half and grilled instead of simply being boiled.

All in all my experience with the Wonky truck was great. The service is fast and friendly, the prices are very modest, and the food is scrumptulescent. So if you have an utter disregard toward your cardiovascular system or love to try something new I would give this place a shot.

Side Note: The lines can take anywhere from 5-15 minutes from my experience and they DO accept credit cards which is a huge plus because some trucks don't. As mentioned above you can track their location on Facebook or you can follow them on Twitter.

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.