Five Days in Dc - Day 2

Le Diplomate.

I can't even. If there is one place, one menu (or five, in this case), one location, that is the single handed reason I am debating moving to DC, like right this minute. It's Le Diplomate. On Saturday morning, Cailin and I met her lovely boyfriend, Rafi, for brunch over Bloody Marys (very well executed). The restaurant is completely French, for the tiles and moldings imported from France, to the woven chairs, the bound menus, and the officious waiters - I LOVED IT.

It was bustling with families, couples and newspaper wielding individuals, chatting over cappuccinos and fresh bread. I mean, it was heaven. I ordered the creamy polenta, with crispy prosciutto and two poached eggs. The eggs were perfectly cooked, so rare to find and utterly delicious. Cailin, who is a regular, said everything on the menu is that ridiculously magical and I can only imagine. It is a must go.

After brunch, I wandered over to Dolcezza cafe, where they incidentally served Stumptown. I picked up an iced Americano from their to-go window (such a great idea) and wandered to the Mall, where I met up with Annie at the Lincoln Memorial for a personal tour. Like I said, Annie is smart and sweet and thoughtful and also, an amazing tour guide. We walked around the Mall and she gave me the history, tips about DC, and we even had time for a quick discussion on recent political movements within the U.S.  

Ten miles later (jk kind of), I had seen the White House, Washington Monument, all the War Memorials, the Lincoln Memorial (my favorite), and all the monuments around the Tidal Basin. We even watched the late afternoon sun rest over the Tidal Basin with some Dove ice cream bars - pretty epic. Since it was my first time to DC, I was awestruck by the history and the beauty and it really solidified my own feelings of responsibility in being an American citizen. Many of the monuments contained quotes about kindness, generosity, fairness and justice. Good things to remember in the midst of the recent political climate.

After that epic stroll and a rather tearful goodbye with Annie, I walked back to Cailin's for a glass of wine with my new friend, Rachel, where we discussed boys. (Much needed levity after my DC trek; Rachel is so funny and open and warm). Cailin and Rafi joined us a bit later and we headed to Doi Moi, a fusion restaurant down the street. It was lifegiving after my walk. We started with the Gui Chai, Steamed Garlic Chive & Mushroom Dumplings with sweet soy-black vinegar dipping sauce. I would bath in that sauce. So amazing, totally made the dish. We also had Laab Ped, Ground Duck & Duck Liver Salad (Phet Mak) with shallots, toasted rice powder, ground chilies, saw leaf herb, kaffir lime, and cilantro. Very rich, but so flavorful with the lime and cilantro to cut the delicious duck. Again a great dish. I had the pork belly over vermicelli noodles, which I can't seem to find on the menu now, but, let's be real, you can't go wrong with beautifully cooked pork belly. Amiright? We had the ice cream and the pumpkin coconut custard for dessert, which was solid and headed down to the speakeasy downstairs for post-dinner drinks. 

Two Birds, One Stone is super secret and very chic, located in the basement of Doi Moi. It's brick, blue light, and white furniture feels very Euro to me, with little cavernous booths and twists and turns. We ordered a round of the punch du jour and settled in for some serious conversation before heading home. It would certainly be a good place to while away a Friday night, but we were deep into our food comas. 

We wandered home and I pretty much collapsed after such a fulfilling and busy day.

Five Days in DC - Day 1

Confession 1: I had never been to DC until this past week.
Confession 2: I want to live there ASAP.


Of course, it most certainly helped that I had the best group of hosts ever, including first and foremost, Miss Cailin, as well as Laxmi and Annie and Millie and Will. I had the privilege of the trip by virtue of a short-term work project (more on that later - I'm too stressed and inspired to discuss now). Upon arrival, on Friday, however, it was just a vacay, mostly centered around the bustle of 14th Street. (Which is the area Cailin resides and the area I plan on living once Sophie and I relocate to our brick row home - I can dream right?)

Friday began with the beer garden, Garden District, where I caught up with Annie and her work at The New Republic. Annie is one of the most thoughtful people I know. Not just in a sweet, caring way, but deliberate and smart in her conversations. She is also one of those people that we may not keep in the best day to day contact, but whenever I see her, we fall into our old ways. The beer garden was bright, fresh, hipster-y with large herds of buttoned-up boys getting off work and preparing for Friday night shenanigans. It felt like an older, polished college beer garden, but brimming with intellect and vibrancy. I would go here every day.

Later, Cailin met us and we hopped across the street to an new Italian restaurant called Lupo Verde. It is that industrial-chic vibe I love, with wood beams, high stools, and aproned waiters. The winners of the night, included the octopus salad and the swordfish tartare (the best way to eat swordfish in my opinion.) It was perfectly prepared food, fresh and clean. The pasta was delicious, but you can't get better than my favorite at Bestia.


Later, Cailin and I hightailed it over to Right Proper, a newish bar, which is huge with a great house made beer selection and friendly tenders. I also got to meet some of Cailin's friends, including Rachel, off of whom impressed me with their warmness and ambition. Pro tip: get the Raised by Wolves beer, an almost IPA, and the baked Mac and Cheese (THE BEST DISH EVER - like 18 cheeses and deliciously salty.)



Cailin and I finished up the evening catching up at her gorgeous studio with Emile, her stately black cat, and some great red wine. (P.S. seltzer is amazing at getting red wine out of new couches.)

Although I had traveled all day, seeing Cailin and Annie filled me with such energy and gratitude. They are so kind, loyal, caring and crazily smart. Like crazily. More on my other days in DC but back to the grindstone.

xx