All in Restaurants

Takoda DC - Rooftop beer garden, whiskey bar, and modern American food

It seems as if there is a new restaurant opening in Shaw every other day! I’m definitely not complaining. The newest addition to the scene is Takoda –  a rooftop beer garden a modern American menu.

What’s in a name? TAKODA is a Native American name that means “Friend to Everyone” – and that’s what they are aiming to be and based on my first experience there, I am definitely happy to be their friend!

Kyirisan: Chinese-French dining in Shaw

I’ve been eagerly anticipating Tim Ma’s first DC venture – Kyirisan to open in the Shaw neighborhood after hearing so much much about Chef Tim’s other restaurants – Water and WallChase the Submarine, but never having been to either of those. So when Kyirisan opened last week, I knew I would have to visit soon.

Kyirisan (pronounced kyr –i-sahn, a combination of Chef Tim's childrens’ names and a generational family name) is in the Shay building on 8th St, and is a Chinese –French bistro. What does that mean? Chef Tim is of Chinese heritage, but trained in French technique, and Kyirisan is a blend of exactly that – Chinese flavors and French methods!

A sweet buzz at the Fairmont Washington - 3 ways to try their rooftop honey

During my recent stay at the Fairmont Washington, I learned of their rooftop honeybee hives, from which they harvest honey to use.  This is not the hotel’s first foray into sustainable farming – their beautiful courtyard is already home to fresh herbs and edible flowers that are used in the hotel’s culinary programs and at the Juniper restaurant.  A few years back, as the Fairmont looked into new and creative ways to enhance their sustainability program, the honeybee program was initiated and is now being done in many different Fairmont properties across the country and internationally. 

Hungry in DC: The "Balkan experience" at Ambar DC

We can all agree that DC is a smorgasbord of global cuisine, but there are not too many places for Balkan cuisine!  Enter Ambar.  Ambar has been open for a couple of years now, serving up Balkan specialties, in tapa style small plates. When they opened, I had a fantastic meal with friends trying out the cuisine for the first time. I recently went back for dinner, and although I’m not too familiar with Balkan food, I can definitely say this place has turned me on to it!

Signature banana bread at The Mayflower hotel

The Mayflower is one of the most historic hotels in DC – it has been home to Presidential Inaugural balls, the spot for the power lunches of power lunches, scandal and gossip, and is known as DC’s “second best address” (the first being the White House, of course). But it is also known for something else – BANANA BREAD. Yep, the hotel has been making banana bread since the 1950’s and it has become one of the hotel’s signature items, used in the hotel’s turn down amenities, served in the hotel’s Edgar restaurant, and even as dessert at many weddings in the hotel!

A Thai Traveler’s bar. What the heck is that? Everyone knows Thailand is has been a popular traveler destination for many years now. I’ve never been, but apparently there are plenty of “expat bars” all over the country, owned by expats and locals alike, but with a diverse traveler customer base. That’s what Alfie’s is going after – a funky, fun bar where everyone and their stories are accepted, with some kickass food.

#FoodCulture - Turkish Tea and Coffee, featuring Ankara DC

Turkish coffee and tea are well known for their robust flavors, and the preparation and consumption of coffee and tea are both integral to Turkish culture and daily life. After enjoying a fantastic brunch at Turkish restaurant Ankara with endless cups of tea, and a cup of strong Turkish coffee complete with fortune reading, I was curious to learn more about the importance of coffee/tea in Turkish culture. I sat with Erin Gorman (co-owner along with her husband Utku Aslanturk), to learn a bit more about this …over a cup of tea, of course!