The Best Food and Drink in DC : U Street/Shaw/Columbia Heights -- Part Deux

Lunch ------
See, lunch in this area is a pleasant mix of the business types stepping out of the (few) offices, and the working set (who keep your lattes extra hot and so on) either grabbing a quick bite to eat or sitting down and relaxing for the few minutes they have before schlepping themselves back to the old grind.

Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant, 1118 U Street NW ----- Menu

Winner for Best Ethiopian food in DC

Named the best Ethiopian restaurant in DC by DC's CityPaper (and trust me, there are SOOO many good ones), this place has seen much of my face: sober, drunk, and during lunchtime after painting the pants off of my house....literally....or some other amendment. Seriously, after some serious work sessions, be they mentally or physically trying, this place has saved my stomach from collapsing into self. I love the Dukem Special beef and lamb tibs, and I also like their take on beef tartar, which is any of the Kitfo's. The meat is well seasoned, but not too much so that I'm guzzling down beers to relieve the taste buds. It's also kind of a right of passage when you are visiting/moving to DC. Then they pass out a nice shot of Ethiopian coffee after your meal, which makes me feel like less of pig.

Price: $$

Final Word: Get the Tibs, and sit outside if it's nice!

Julia's Empanadas, 3239 14th St. NW ----- Menu

DC Adventurer's Budget Choice!

This is very simple. Simple, elegant, delicious, and portable. Empanadas are probably one of my favorite savory foods other than pizza and everything. And, being Latina, I can't say these hold a candle to the ones my mother makes. My favorites would have to be between the Chorizo; delicious chorizo with rice and black beans like god intended, and Jamaican Style, which is just perfection. These guys know what's happening, I just wish they had a truck. But alas, they have several locations in the DC area.

Price: $

Final Word: $4 for a piece of savor (and sweet) emapanada goodness, definitely good on the go.

Pho 14, 1436 Park Rd. NW (between N 14th St. and N Kenyon St.)

PHOOOOOOOOO

Another pick in Columbia Heights, and in my opinion, good for anytime they are open. I love Pho. I love a rich yet strangely cleansing broth with greenery and good cuts of meat, bean stalks for some texture, and LOTS of cilantro. It's filling, but not something that will make you bloat, and that is an awesome thing. My usual orders are between the large Bo Vien (Meatball Pho cause I fucking love meatballs) or the also large Nam, Ve, Don (Sliced, YUMMY Skirt Flank Pho). They also have Bahn Mi; I'v only tried the Bahn Mi Xa Xiu (Red Marinated Pork), but that was pretty good so definitely venture into that craze that's swept DC.

Price: $$

Final Word: Nice atmosphere, delivery(!), and real good Pho.

The Greek Spot, 2017 11th St. NW ----- Menu

DC Adventurer's GIMMIE DAT GYRO pick

I love greek food. The seasonings, the fact that gyro isn't really greek, the tzatziki sauce. And don't get me wrong, I love that greasy, perfect when you're either close to eating another human being or really drunk dish (is it?) called a Gyro, but that's not my bag for this place, and most greek restaurants that are super americanized. It's all about goos Soulvaki and good Moussaka. Soulvaki is the only way I like lamb (unless you all have something I should try?) and Moussaka the only other way I can tolerate eggplant than Baked Italian Eggplant (cheese or I'm not touching it). And both things are genuinely good, even though the Soulvaki at The Greek Spot is made of char-grilled pork, it's super good. 

Price: $

Final Word: Good for carryout, go for the things that AREN'T falafel or gyro, for once.

Cork Market, 1805 14th St. NW ----- Menu

The Picnic Pick!

I know there aren't many places to go for a picnic, but let's just say you have a date. Or, maybe, a free Sunday and your friends want to chill outside after nursing their hangovers (naughty). The plan? Go straight to Cork. Get a lovely, robust Tempranillo, or a light airy moscato. Head to the refrigerated section, pick out the egg with goat cheese and bacon salad, chicken salad (WITH some deliciously crusty french bread they have), cans of tuna, olive spread, and maybe a few of those brownies behind the corner (SHARE cause those things are rich, amazing, but suuuuper rich). Head over to Dupont Circle, since we're assuming it's a lovely day, with blanket and spoils en tow. Hide the wine, cause I'm not sure you're supposed to be drinking that out in public. You fiend.

Price: $$$

Final Word: Kind of pricey for food (but you know it when you need it), but pretty reasonable on wine prices.

The Best Food and Drink in DC : U Street/Shaw/Columbia Heights -- Part Un

Alright, this is IT. FINALLY AGH. Pricing key is super simple, $ being inexpensive (even for the starving artist) and $$$$ being holy shit this meal for two is about the amount of your rent.

Buckled? Ready to make your web browser tab-a-liscious? (I regretted that the moment I typed it, but whatever gets you all to laugh...)

Coffee and breakfast ------
This can get complicated and messy, and really annoying. The Starbucks in the locales, are, in my opinion, really slow to make my drink without any excuse. Then there are some places that just can't and should not touch during Brunch hours. Luckily, there are a handful of quality, kitsch, and truly comfortable places to grab a quick cup or get your brekkie and sit out on the sidewalk.

Peregrine Espresso, 1718 14th St. NW or 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE ----- Menu 
DC Adventurer's BEST COFFEE Pick- Neighborhood & Possibly DC
Why?: Their beans, their roasting, their barista art, their cute as hell baristas that I NEED IN MY LIFE (AHEM)....well, they offer the whole package. I usually like my coffee relatively sweet (some might argue saccarine) unless I have really good coffee I'm dealing with. I NEVER USE SUGAR HERE; there's not point, everything is brewed and prepared so exquisitely. They're environmentally responsible too, all the way down to the coffee cups and lids. If you need good coffee in your life, and you don't mind the (somewhat) 7 minutes it takes to make a beautiful and creamy latte, then this is THE place. If you plan  on bringing your startup, however...they're a pretty small place for that.
Price: $$
Final Word: Best Coffee on the 14th strip (between Logan Circle and U Street), arguably in DC.


Big Bear Cafe, 1700 1st St. NW ------ Menu
Runner Up for BEST COFFEE Pick
Why?: Proximity to the metro and the fact that I'm obsessed in absolution with the above coffee place, Big Bear gets second place. However, the coffee is great, and it's a sweet spot for coffee and a bagel, your new coffice, or even for lunch and dinner! Their outdoor area is so pleasant, and the neighborhood is super pleasant. Watch out on weekends thought --- I think this place does brunch big time, and if you don't like loud drunk people cackling near you about stupid first world problem shit, then you want to avoid DC brunch. Shit I avoid DC brunch.
Price: $
Final Word: Nice outdoor seating, great vibe, very versatile place --- watch out for the brunch mob, though!!!


U Street Cafe, 1301 U St. NW ------ Menu
One of the two BEST COFFICES Pick
Why?: U Street Cafe is great for a few reasons -- 1) The U Street Metro exit is about a block away, 2) it is nice and quiet usually, 4) WAFFLES and 3) you can go from breakfast to lunch while doing work (and without feeling bad about spending money twice there)! Its prime location, pleasant staff, and the prevalency of avocado let me give this place a thumbs up!
Price: $
Final Word: Great coffice, veggie options, and WAFFLES. 


Coffy Cafe, 3310 14th St. NW ------ Menu
Best New Kid in the Neighborhood & One of the two BEST COFFICES Pick
Why?: First off, let me explain coffice to those that aren't familiar ( I've been throwing that word at you for a bit); a coffice is a coffehouse office. A place that you o your work vs. at home. I enjoy them thoroughly more than being at home, as well as co-working spaces (cept...those cost sick money. To be in a coffice all day, I just spend from $5). So, I discovered this place yesterday (and they opened about 2.5 weeks ago) and yeah it's pretty kitschy and cute and funky (it's all posters scattered through the wide open space of Barbarella, Foxy Brown....The Bride? *shrugs*), but the coffee is decent, and the crepes and pretty noms. I recommend the 'Super Fly', a buckwheat crepe with carmelized onions and sauteed red peppers with delish sweet italian sausage. For a sweet one, I can't say yet, but if you've never had a crepe before, just do yourself the favor and have a plain Nutella crepe. That's seriously thebomb.com.
Price: $$
Final Word: Nice people, nice and plenty of space to do some work, and crepes! 

FEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD. Translation: Noms

AY SO HUNGRY.

Yep, it's happening. I'm finally rearing my non concentrative head towards FOOD AND DRINK.

The great things about DC is how diverse the area is and how accessible things are. This certainly goes for food. And I'm not talking about Jumbo slices or those sketch hotdog carts on the mall or fucking Chipotle.

Fucking. Chipotle.

I'm talking about amazing food and amazing atmospheres that are really characteristic of DC.

So how do we start most journeys? From home of course.

Stay tuned for the U Street / Columbia Heights / Shaw foor and drink picks hopefully today (or if I'm just not spewing the magic [highly unlikely], tomorrow).

Also, a few reminders if you want to waste some time/catch up with the time wasting I've been doing.

UNO

DOS

TRES

Besos, xxoo

OH SHIT, WAIT WAIT WAIT.

SO this really dope female named Amy Kreslie Bormet (tweet and blogspot herrrr), a local, very talented jazz musician, and MY GIRL, has organized Washington Women in Jazz Festival. It's this approaching week, March 21st - 27th 2012, at various locations. The lineup is insane, and it's going to be a vajazzling good time. BUY TICKETS, GO TO SHOWS, then tweet me or the festival so I know you're all good little DC Adventurers.

PEACE, LOVE, AND VAJAZZLIN.

It's been a long time since I've seen your smiling face...s?...

...whatever. Let's get to the juicy stuff.

    Probably the most relevant picture for the current events...no harshness, just ready to do something awesome...

1) No longer trying to start up a Jazz column at BYT---and I thinks it's for the best. SO FOR THE BEST. The whole thing kind of opened my eyes, and made me realize they aren't a good platform to talk about music, only about scenes and general hipster topics (which = not my cup of tea).

2) I HAVE been, however, revamping Hot Toddy Creative, and hopefully I may answer the call to the across the board entertainment blog within a few months (fingers crossed!). It's exciting and daunting, but I know I can muster something up---I always seem to when the going gets too tough.

3) HEY HEY, check THIS out!

4) Oh and these.

And stay tuned. The title, and general outlook of DCA is about to change rapidly. I need YOUR help to make sure your needs are met!

xxoo

PS-- anyone wanting to write during their free time, and it can be about literally anything (we're thinking more about Art, Music, Theatre, Film, Food, and heavily local [AND MEANINGFUL]), please send a writing sample and what makes YOU excited about DC (or lump them all into one) to hottoddycreative@gmail.com!

Well lookie here...

I've gotten the best opportunity the other night...

On Saturday evening, I was able to write a review of the They Might Be Giants show at the 9:30 club for BrightestYoungThings.com, and after a bit of conversation, I'll be doing a little something something on the side.

So I may be busy this December, but I do have three posts for the next three weeks that will hopefully satiate your ravenous hunger.

Here's the link to the review, and I'll see you guys soon. I'm so excited, my dog ran upstairs to escape the squealing.

xxoo

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack.

After a spell of joblessness, laziness, and general drama, I am back and hopefully better for the ware.

I start you, my lovers, with the Ethan Iverson Trio Masterclass and performance at the Atlas Performance Center on H St; part of my personal friend Brad Linde's Jazz at the Atlas program

The lighting, the general fabulousness of the space--it definitely made the experience.

Ethan Iverson, pianist of The Bad Plus and avid blogger of Do The Math, started the masterclass with a conversation about discussing the process of improvising, and the control a musician must have to say no to a gig involving music they can barely comprehend. He's got seriously strong opinions, like saying that playing classical music requires less soul than playing jazz. That kinda made me want to raise my hand and say, "UM NO". 

Meaning he did his job right. It was a poignant conversation, albeit short and with a small group. Even if you aren't a musician, it's something I definitely recommend you catch before the actual performance, because if you want to truly enjoy jazz, knowing about the craft and hearing what the musicians themselves have to say is so insightfully vital.

The performance, to say the least, was spectacular. I was pacing the the outskirts of the room, getting some amazingly BLURRY shots of Mr. Iverson lifting himself off his seat with exhiliration as he played. It always takes my breath away knowing I'm watching someone who KNOWS how to play, and truly loves doing it.

From the sweet ballads to the fast paced pieces, the DC native bassist Corcoran Holt kept his eyes on Iverson and also DC native drummer extraordinaire Steve Williams. It was electric between the three---their connection on stage was amazing. So many riffs, pauses----it felt like they rehearsed it all and at the same time didn't rehearse a damn things.

What a pretty marquis they got there.

     All in all, I was thrilled I was finally able to get over to H St. to catch this scintilating performance. It reinforces what I've been trying to show my lovely readers something so vital and to incredibly exciting about DC: WE HAVE JAZZ. It is a force that's been quietly growing over the few years, but the more I'm exposed, the more I want to jump onto the roof and yell 'GO SEE SOME JAZZ'. We have so many amazing musicians, and so many great places to listen to them. So please, for your own sake, go to a jazz show this weekend, hell even during the week. 

Here are my top pics on what you should catch soon:

-(EVERY MONDAY)- Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra- 

Bohemian Caverns, 8pm-11pm, $7 cover, no minimum 

-(MY BIRTHDAY, 12/7/11)- Grachan Monchur, III with the Brad Linde Jazz Ensemble- 

Jazz at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 8pm-10pm, $35

-(11/26/11)- Trumpet > Donvonte McCoy-

18th Street Lounge, 10:30pm-12ish

-(11/26/11 --I'll be here!)- Diamond Terrifier-

Red Door Loft, 9pm-12am

MMMMMMmmm, it's good to be back <3

xxoo

Holy crap

Well, I must apologize.
Things have been just a little hectic, what with the roomies officially moving, the $$ barely coming in, and the fact that I have three jobs that will all end, leaving me with just one, very VERY soon.

Ick, broke-moneywise-cat.

But pictures for you?

And that concludes Virgin FreeFest coverage because THEY DON'T ALLOW CAMERAS WITH INTERCHANGEABLE LENSES. Bullshit, I know, cause the let me in with a DSLR to the Decemberists, and my friend in with his DSLR last year. UGH, wtf. It was amazing, though, as you may have already heard.

Joe Herrera - Co-Band Leader of the Bohemian Jazz Orchestra

Who's that dreamy guy? Oh, just Elijah Jamal Balbed, tenor saxophonist of the BCJO, and man about the DC Jazz Scene....

Look at mai drank.

And now we begin with coverage on JazzForum: Featuring speaker Brad Linde (You guys definitely know his faise), pianist Dan Tepfer, and most importantly, Jazz Legend sax player Lee Konitz.

MY LORD, is Brad such a fanboy.

It was great to hear someone who played with Dizzy, Miles, and Chet Baker...

my ears could really recognize it---and that sent chills down my spine.

And alas, this is my month. No, no the dog. The dog is the house dog. DURRRR.

More info on my latest happenings soon----I promise.

xxoo

Drama drama everywhere, not a drop to spare.

Things have been exploding in major ways.

1) Bake Sale didn't happen.

2) I officially have two awesome cute awesome roomies.

3) I'm going to this event tomorrow night with new awesome gear (it's just a puffer) courtesy of a cool friend.

Who might or might not think I'm a creeper....yeah. Not going into that even though I opened the door cause I'm a meanie like that.

The event will be my dear friend and constant sparring partner Brad Linde, in his self titled quartet (...the Brad Line Quartet..............bet ya didn't guess that......) featuring pianist and composer Dan Tepfer at Twins Jazz (for two sets). Facebook event here, buy tickets here, and come buy me a drink cause this weekend is retaliation for the last relaxing and drama mama-free weekend I had. DUH.

Oy vey.

xxoo

PS, a shout out to the Facebook group Jazz in DC and Gio Russonello and his speedy notification of THIS EVENT GO NOW.

-Sorry I couldn't get to this sooner, Gio. Life is fucked, I'm fucked, but I'll be ready to post another of Capitalbop's AWESOME SPECTACULAR events next time and ALWAYS.

A Bohemian Caverns Photo-Essay

Goddamit, Elijah, stop moving.

D'aww, Bradley! <3

Just so you can get a feel of what every Monday night is like for me now that I live 3 minutes away (WALKING) from U St. Come by, the music's always great.

Tonight I get into DC9 for free to see DC band Bake Sale, Orla Conway, and Like Whatevers. Not really knowing what's happening with them---but it's DC9, it's IN MAH NEIGHBORHOOOOOOOOOOOD, and it's free so deal. 

ALSO this weekend is packed with extra awesome goodies to celebrate my move, and some birthdays, and general 'LETS PARTAY AND GET WASTED' events, so stay tuned. 

xxoo

THE LAST FORT RENO IS TONIGHT. Wanna meet me? The get the hell over to Tenleytown and follow the music ringing from a distance (or you know, GoogleMaps...)

Oh man updates UPDATES.

I'm moving up from Marylannnddddd to (wait for it…) U STREET. WHAT. WHAT. Aren't you jealous/relieved that now I have absolutely NO excuse to give you coverage of all that's great and spiffy about DC(other than AHEM monetary reasons…)? Be it under less than desirable circumstances, I'm still excited and enthralled and bewildered.

Back to business, no? Well, On Saturday night, I found myself at the Goethe Institut in Chinatown----yeah, I know, not really a happening/expected place huh?

But see, it was no ordinary Saturday night---it was a night featuring an event called

Natural Selections: An Interactive Audio Installation (or, err, LIKE A MILLION), which is their annual major event.

The reason why I don't have many photos is because you've got to go to one of these events to really capture what it's about. Trust me, this needs to be experienced in the flesh.

The event was done by the DC Listening Lounge: a group that organizes experimental radio and audio events, and really focuses on the art of audial stimulation (and has been doing so since 2004)

^ Awesome right?

OH AND THEY HAD FREE BEER. So I would pop into the DC Listening Lounge webpage every once in a while to see what may be happening next. I might/might not be up to much this weekend, since the moving and craziness---but hell, I'll be all moved in on U Street 

by Friday night….so we should have something up our sleeves by then.

OH WAIT, I ALMOST FORGOT SOME 

FORT RENO/BOHEMIAN CAVERNS JAZZ ORCHESTRA PICS.

I know, this is an oldie----but solid goodie.

If you live in DC and haven't heard of Fort Reno, you should slap yourself upside the head cause it's FREE, it's in an AWESOME PARK, it's METRO ACCESSIBLE and IT'S NEAR FUCKING WHOLE PAY-CHECK (Whole Foods).

Usually some really good bands (and some amateurs who aren't really THAT bad…), some pretty chill people (except for the teenagers flailing about and being plain silly) AND you've got an ice cream truck right on the curb. Closest to the Tenleytown Metro (not even 5 mins).

THURSDAY, YES, THIS THURSDAY IS THE LAST SHOW UNTIL NEXT SUMMER. Get on this shit like your life depends on it---it's a great time, I promise.

Phew, okay Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra is on every Monday night for $7 in advance or at the door. A nice, chill environment with amazing music from greats (and personal friends) like Brad Linde (baritone sax, co-band leader) and Elijah Jamal Balbed (tenor sax AND RAISING MONEYS (YES, MONEYS) FOR HIS ALBUM ON KICKSTARTER SUPPORT THIS HE IS A GREAT MUSICIAN AND AWESOME DUDE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPORRRRRTTTTTT).

….Yeah.

No, but seriously, this is exactly what the doctor ordered after a super lame Monday working and being pummeled by daily life restarting after Sunday. 

And hey, good cocktails too.

OKAY, now I'm done. Bookmark them links, SUPPORT ELIJAH'S ALBUM ON KICKSTARTER, and stay tuned for what the hell I might be up to Friday night after I've moved in…hopefully I don't get too hammered, hah.

xxoo

How quaint!

You thought I had forgotten about you all, haven't you? Tisk tisk, mama's working her magic, don't you worry. Off to the Goethe Institut in Chinatown to give you a visual feast and turn you onto something brilliant! Give me till Monday afternoon to satisfy your lusty hunger--you won't be sorry. Xxoo
(and pardon for the formatting, I did this all on my crap phone, haha)

Quick Hiatus

So sorry, everyone (though I'm sure tumbleweeds have been rolling round since my terrible ass has neglected you all), but I'm going on a quick one week hiatus. Things work-wise have been unbearably busy, and I honestly need a bit of a break.

Sorry I'm so tardy, but feel free to check my personal Tumblr and my photography tumblr, and hell my Twitter to see what is up lately in my world. Be back soon! xxoo

Okay, back from Hiatus.

Sorry about the absence, but as you know, Silverdocs has given me a ROUGH ride.

*That's what she said*

….

But now, I'm refreshed after the long, sparkling, very liquored weekend, ready to head to some cool spots in DC. I've got several options, and they will all be surprises.

But Sunday night, I'm heading over to the wonder DC Jazz Loft @ The Red Door for their free jam session and show. Lax, simple, and awesome is what I've described this place, and I can't wait to see some good friends and the brains behind CapitalBop.com (the authority on Jazz in DC), Giovanni Russonello --- the sweetest and best host you'll ever have <3

And now a few little reminders and  tidbits.

Check out my links on the right---I have a new one! It's HotToddyPhotography.tumblr.com my own photography blog. Yeah I know I have HotToddy365, but that's not my full repertoire, and I want you guys to have the most while not having to look at Flickr all the time (especially since I haven't upgraded it…whoops…)

ALSO, if you're from/live in/traverse into Silver Spring, MD, YOU MUST FOLLOW THIS BLOG called Silver Spring, Singular. Sligo is a great voice for this amazing community that I live and work in, and he does a far better job covering it than I do. 

Then again, my focus IS DC. So meh.

Happy Friday darlings --- and see you after our hangovers.

xxoo

Sprinklers are lovely, but the company and laughs misery brings are forever.

I'm sure you can tell from the title how…lackluster and, well, depressing. I love Silverdocs, and the people of AFI---the incident that happened at the Closing Night Party 

@ the Discovery Buildings Sensory Garden…was all on Discovery. Cause…COME ON.

Well, here are some picks from the
amazing panel Youth Voices panel in Schooldocs on Saturday.

Alan Higueros Marroquin talking about his film 'Illegal Dreams'

Schooldocs (and personal mentor and completely AWESOME human being)
Matt Boratenski

Mohamed Sidibay answering audience questions

The full panel (left to right): Laura Moya, Alan Higueros Marroquin, Courtney Spence, Mohamed Sidibay, Sam Klee, Forrest Penrod, Alessandra Sistrunk, Joyce Chopra.

HOKAY. Now pictures of the Closing Night Party BEFORE the mess I shall not speak of…

That photo booth was EXTREMELY popular, and oh so fun!

The garden in relative peace BEFORE THE STORM.

It honestly was relatively nice.

A little artsy bokeh for ya.

And Discovery Channel's HQ is a gorgeous building…you remember
those Rooftop Party photos from last week?

It's a shame…I only had one sparkling wine and a vodka tonic by 11:30pm, then all the sprinklers went of and me and my friend felt like DYING.
DYING.

Ohhh, sexy camera man.

But ah well. The festival was great, the drinks were great, and the people I met/met up with were fantastic. I can't believe this was my last year working for Silverdocs,
but I'm kind of glad it is. Now next year they have to booze ME up and make me feel like the special snowflake I am.

On to the next event, shall we?

I don't have anything planned just yet---but don't you worry my lovelies.
I'll make sure you're taken care of.

xxoo