If you are looking for margaritas, micheladas, tacos, tortas, or other Mexican deliciousness with a great atmosphere, then you probably already know that El Centro DF is a good bet. I’ve visited several times and have always really enjoyed myself whether for happy hour or late night (bring back the pork carnitas tortas late night!)

What you may not know, however, is that Chef Richard Sandoval (of El Centro, Zengo, Masa 14 fame) and his corporate chefs visit a different region of Mexico every year to research the culinary heritage of the area, and then come back and incorporate dishes into the menu at El Centro to showcase the diversity and flavors of Mexico.

Dec 14
Dec 14 Afternoon Tea at the Park Hyatt DC - Dainty, delicious, and decadent

aparna krishnamoorthy

DC, Events, Food, Restaurants

Afternoon tea is something I have always wanted to do but never actually did till recently. You know, the kind with fine china, dainty sandwiches, pastries, scones with clotted cream – a grand affair!

Afternoon tea at the DC Park Hyatt Tea Cellar combines the foundation of a traditional, elaborate afternoon tea with a modern twist.

Dec 9
Dec 9 Eating around town: Secret Chopsticks in Rosslyn, Virginia

aparna krishnamoorthy

DC, Drinks, Food, Restaurants

Firstly, Healthy and Chinese are not two words I typically use in the same sentence. Secondly, Rosslyn, Virginia is no dining destination in my mind. Challenging both those notions is Secret Chopsticks, which just opened in Rosslyn, and serves authentic, HEALTHY Chinese fare with a contemporary twist. Curiosity aroused! I soon realized that Secret Chopsticks is not going to be the typical MSG laden take out style “Chinese” food.

Dec 1
Dec 1 Quintessentially DC: The "half-smoke"

aparna krishnamoorthy

DC, Culture, Food, HIstory, Restaurants, Travel

Chicago has deep dish pizzas, Philadelphia has cheesesteaks, New Orleans has po’boys, and Washington, DC, has half-smokes. “Half-smoke?” you may be thinking. “What’s that?” To the untrained eye, they may appear to be any other hot dog, but that is just selling the sausage short.

So, what is it?

Nov 25
Nov 25 L’Hommage Bistro DC – Classic and Classy

aparna krishnamoorthy

DC, Drinks, Food, Wine, Restaurants

I recently had a fantastic dining experience at L’Hommage Bistro in the Mount Vernon neighborhood, and had to share. The French bistro opened in September and is reminiscent of dining in a typical restaurant in Paris.

Nov 11
Nov 11 Fall Flavors at The Gibson, DC

aparna krishnamoorthy

DC, Drinks, Food

Fall is finally here in DC, and with that comes the arrival of fall flavors in the cocktail menu at The Gibson. Master mixologist Frankie Jones and his team have created new fall cocktails with equally creative names that came from pop culture references and staff jokes.

Nov 8
Nov 8 Ramen 101 at Daikaya DC

aparna krishnamoorthy

DC, Food, Culture

There’s always so much to learn in the world of food and drink. Daikaya’s Ramen 101 classes, held on scheduled Saturday mornings, are the perfect start to learn about the big world of ramen. I attended this class recently, and came away with a whole new appreciation and understanding of this intricate dish.

Oct 30
Oct 30 Spooky luxury at the Hay-Adams "Transylvania" suite

aparna krishnamoorthy

DC, Drinks, Events, Food, Hotels, Travel

If you really want to up your Halloween game this year, in MAJOR style, and have $3000 to spend, look no further than the "Transylvania" suite at the historic Hay-Adams hotel.

Oct 29
Oct 29 American Tandoor - Indian meets American opens in Tysons Corner

aparna krishnamoorthy

DC, Drinks, Food, Wine

American Tandoor is not a typical Indian restaurant. It has Indian inspired dishes with an American influence, which is in fact how the name came together! I’ve been following American Tandoor’s progress with EAGER anticipation, and am beyond excited for them to finally open tomorrow (Oct 30) in Tyson’s Corner. Why? Let me tell you.

Oct 28
Oct 28 Gochujang sauce + Succotash DC by Chef Edward Lee - a hot combination!

aparna krishnamoorthy

DC, Drinks, Food, Restaurants, Travel

I first learned more about Chef Edward Lee from watching the PBS show “The Mind of a Chef”. Chef Lee is a Korean-American who grew up in Brooklyn but has a popular Southern-Asian-New York inspired restaurant in Lousiville, KY! An eclectic mix – which comes from his Asian heritage, New York experience, love for the American South, and ingredients from local farms.

Chef Lee just opened his first restaurant in the DC area with Succotash in the National Harbor. Chef Lee, while not in the kitchen, works on different collaborations from small batch bourbon to his latest venture – “gochujang” sauce with Korean company Chung Jung One.