Only the best salmon can grace this belly of mines, which is why I knew I could count on "Me Jana " to satisfy my craving. The outside grilled to a crisp, the flakes shielding the juicy inside revealing a different layer of awesomeness, with the nerve to be coated in a pleasant douse of garlic butter. No games were played with this one.
Me Jana
Arlington, Va
I was very pleased to stumble upon this Lebanese gem! The menu made it very hard for me to stick to just one thing. After combing through the menu a few times I finally decided on the Lamb Chops. Charred to perfection, yet still moist and flavorful, alongside fingerling potatoes which were perfect to top these baby's off!
Me Jana
Arlington, Va
Dinner was a real trip! DC's first establishment that actually serves Balkan inspired cuisine, featuring tapas style plates ranging in taste and texture making it that much easier to over-stuff yourself. Many refer to tapas as an overpriced snack, however, I love to partake in smaller portions to leave a little space for more experiences. They offer an a la carte or market table experience, I chose a la carte because it didn't make much sense to try market table alone. My choice? Rainbow Trout, peas,spinach and baked tomatoes resting in garlic flavored butter. Can I just pause for a moment.....because its dishes like this that are the reason I decided to become a Food Critic. This is proof that the DC restaurant scene is abruptly changing for the better! Back to the meal! The skin of the brackish trout was very flaky yet the meat remained juicy, the tomatoes were piquant leaving behind a sharp taste that lingered even after the meal was complete. This well-balanced dish was executed to perfection, this restaurant has my seal of approval! I will definitely be returning.
Ambar
Washington, DC
Made up of Kimchi, one Wok fried egg, scallions, cilantro and bean sprouts this rice did not disappoint. Spice MEATS Tang in this high- flavored dish, The chef did not hold back on this one, we wanted something so flavorful that it would make us question everything we've ever digested over the course of our 20 something-year-old lives and you better know, we've found it. All I have to say is "When you're used to eating filet mignon, it's kind of hard going back to hamburger helper".
Masa 14
Washington,DC
It's rare that I consume raw fish, so you better know tons of research was done before deciding on visiting this establishment, I went in knowing what I was getting into. This smoked beauty was garnished with chopped egg, onions,chives and capers she seductively laid alongside four pieces of the crispiest brioche toast. I squeezed lemon over my salmon to give it a bit of zest. The smoke from the salmon mixed with the saltiness of the capers and crisp of the toast left my mouth in a state of disbelief. It was in that brief moment I tasted heaven.
Convivial
Washington,DC
Chef Jose' Andre's is no stranger when it comes to experimental cuisine which is why I was so appreciative of this flavorful starter. Endives covered with goat cheese, almonds, and oranges. Now this was my first impression, this was the dish that decided whether I placed another order and I must say I was impressed at the ingredients used to create such an amazing appetizer. Each component played its part in bringing everything together, almonds with endives made-up the crunch, the orange provided some zest with a trickles of sweet juices while chunks of goat cheese provided a sour finish. After experiencing something so unique, my tounge was ready for my next surprise.
Jaleo
Washington. DC
This night I was accompanied by a friend who’s all about mussels. I’ve never gotten into them, they look slimey and i’m more of a crunch kind of girl but after seeing how my friend went at them I thought I would give them a try before they were all gone. Moules Marinieres features Mussels, linguica sausage and crab fat butter which served as excellent distractions, I actually didn’t mind the texture of the mussels but I definitely can’t see myself ordering them anywhere else if they aren’t prepared like this. Good Job Requin.
Requin
Washington,DC
Turkey Chorizo Sausage, Whole Grain Mustard-Bourbon Aioli and Roasted potatoes join forces in this electrifying dish. It was impossible for me to stop stabbing at every ingredient in the bowl. Well played and Full-bodied.
Cure Bar & Bistro
Washington,DC
Made up of the juciest Atlantic Lobster, Butter-Toasted Green Onion, and Dill Fronds. I was pleased to find that although the lobster was very juicy the bread still maintained its crunch. This was one of the best lobster rolls i've experienced here in the city.
Cure Bistro & Bar
Washington, DC
This dish was one of the best meals I’ve had in LA thus far, The steak was cooked to perfection, It was definitly hard not to fall in love with the Tangy-Sweet Teriyaki sauce coating it. By the end of the meal I lapped up every juice at every corner of the plate. Now thats how you Katsuya lol.
Katsuya
L.A.Live
I love all things sushi! No it isn’t always prepared correctly but when it is, I swear its a toungasm waiting happen. After hearing a few locals rave about the sushi at Katsuya, I decided to give it a try. With my friends in tow, we tracked down the closest Katsuya and did a little pop-up, ready to take on anything the chef threw our way. First up we’re the Lobster Rolls……….. Spicy but nothing unbearable, the lobster was very juicy and could have easily been mistaken for crab. Hints of tuna with drizzles of dynamite sauce definitely turned things up a notch. If I had to sum up this experience in one word it would be SUPERB!
Katsuya
L.A. Live
Listennnn, I trusted this establishment so much that I ordered a mushroom soup! My mushroom loving readers I apologize, but mushrooms are nowhere near my vegetable of choice. However, it’s a cold day and I’m in need of comfort. Note that the moment this dish hit the table my feelings we’re a little mixed and the only thing that I could ask myself is “Why would you order this ?”. After blaming you guys and picking up my spoon, I dove head first into this experience, I was immediately taken aback. Light and creamy meets sautéed mushrooms that provide a kick of smoke to this pool of perfection. Discreet, yet powerfully elegant.
Washington DC
Dirty Habit
If it lives in the sea, it’s alright with me which is why I wasted no time selecting salmon as my protein of choice. And boyyy did it pair perfectly with the gochujang sauce. This dish was made up of alfalfa sprouts, lettuce, carrots and mint leaves atop glass noodles. I say was because after I was done no one could make out what the dish was. I loveeee glass noodles, if you haven’t tried them, I urge you to they’re amazing especially when prepared correctly. This meal was as light as a feather yet it left me satisfied. The salmon was perfectly seasoned but once you add the gochujang sauce prepare for an edible earthquake.
Washington DC
Dirty Habit
At a lost for words, the things that this ball has done to my body should be x-rated. A filet of salmon holds together this blend of lime-slaw, crab and avocado finished with crispy flakes and drops of the craziest sauces, sweet but not too sweet. This palate had the perfect balance, nothing was too overpowering. With so much going on you're just left to sit there and relish the taste.
Bonchon
Alexandria VA