The Latest Trend: Georgetown Cupcakes

Every few months a new food trend sweeps across the United States, such as tart frozen yogurt (seen at Pink Berry, Red Mango, and even Haagen Dazs) and cupcakes- the latest fad that has taken over D.C. Georgetown Cupcakes ($) takes the gold in D.C., as their mouth watering moist cupcakes with creamy frosting beat Baked and Wired and Hello Cupcake's selections.

Chocolate Cupcake with Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting

Georgetown Cupcakes is a small bakery on M St. that stands out because of the permanent line of people that circles around the corner. I could probably eat one dozen of these cupcakes in one sitting, but for the sake of my figure I refrain. I am a fan of the classics, so the chocolate cupcake with vanilla butter cream frosting is my favorite. I also love the carrot cake cupcake with cream cheese frosting, and I am dying to try the coconut cupcake or the lava fudge one. The bakery has specials for every day of the week, which you can find listed on their website, but this little shop should be designated a D.C. landmark because it is THAT good!

All-American Restaurant: Clyde's

My friend Helen came down from Baltimore for Easter Sunday, so we decided to wander over to Georgetown to grab a bite to eat. We did not make reservations anywhere, but passed by Clyde's ($$) and I remember being pleased with a meal I ate there before so we decided to get some brunch.

Vegetable Frittata with Carrots, Asparagus, Onions, Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, and Pico de Gallo (Salsa)

They had a special Easter Brunch menu which had a tempting Breakfast Burrito with eggs and Chorizo sausage as well as Strawberry Pancakes and Challah French Toast. I eventually decided on the Easter Vegetable Omelette with Jack and Cheddar cheeses, asparagus, carrots, onions, and Pico de Gallo. Helen ordered the Chesapeake Eggs Benedict, which is the classic Eggs Benedict with an English Muffin, poached eggs, bacon, and hollandaise sauce but with a twist- crab cakes on top. While we waited for our food, we received complimentary Hot Cross Buns which were delicious. They are moist buns with dried fruit inside, topped with sweet frosting. Our food arrived, and my Fritatta was good but did not blow me away. It was cute because it was prepared in its own individual skillet. Helen's dish looked very appetizing and she said it was delicious.

Chesapeake Eggs Benedict (Poached Eggs, Hollandaise Sauce, Bacon, and Crab Cakes on an English Muffin) with Spiced Potatoes

Clyde's is a fun, casual all American place that is good to go in groups. I've had the Lobster Bisque there before which was tasty, and I've heard overall good things. It's conveniently in Georgetown near Wisconsin & M St.

Le Pain Quotidien

Le Pain Quotidien ($$) is a popular French chain which is located in Georgetown. It is known for its common table, as it has one long table in the center of the restaurant where different parties can sit (although there are individual tables available). The restaurant has a variety of dishes ranging from tartines to soup to cheese platters. Le Pain has a seasonal Pear and Gorgonzola Cheese Tartine (an open-faced sandwich) which is out of this world, and a Praline Butter spread that they serve with the freshly baked brioche buns.

The Bakery "On-the-Go" section in the front of the restaurant

Le Pain is a good place to have a sit down brunch or dinner, but I frequently go for their bakery section ($) which is fast and convenient. My favorite dessert here is the brownie because of its rich chocolate flavor and moistness. They also have mini Belgian Waffles covered in sugar for on-the-go which are delicious. I want to try the granola they sell and the 8-inch wide chocolate chip cookie.

Chocolate Brownie

Manouch: The Legend

The famous hot dog stand on George Washington University's campus is home to the one..the only.. Manouch. Everyone knows his name because of his delicious late night hot dog stand. His stand, located on the corner of H and 21st St., is only open from 9pm-3am on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights to appeal to the wandering drunk students with munchies. There is always a line of 20 people or more outside the stand throughout the night, but it moves quickly. Manouch is a comic attraction himself because he talks to students offering them dating advice and inquiring about their lives. Of course, his hot dogs are the best around which also accounts for the lengthy line.

Hot Dog with GW Sauce, Ketchup, and extra Relish

He has a famous secret recipe, the GW Sauce, which I would best describe as a spicy relish. He pours on the sauce in addition to any other topping you prefer onto your 3 dollar hot dog, making the experience quite a messy one. Manouch clearly is an experienced hot dog maker as he can cook up five dogs in less than one minute to keep the line going. The GW Sauce and Half Smoke Hot Dog are must haves.

GW's very own celebrity is well worth a visit.

Zaytinya

Zaytinya is a Greek Tapas restaurant that was recommended to me by two different people in the same week- so I had to go check it out. This modernized Greek restaurant is located in China Town, and is always bustling with people. They have small slightly over priced (but worth it) plates of a variety of unique vegetable, meat, and seafood dishes.

The attentive waiters immediately brought the fresh, and most importantly free, pita bread to the table. The pita was warm and puffed up because it just came out of the oven, and it was absolutely divine. I think I had a good two baskets of the bread by myself. For dinner, I ordered two different dishes. I had the Kabak Köftesi, which are squash and golden raisin fritters with a walnut pistachio sauce. The dish came with four of the veggie fritters, and they were very tasty. The raisins on the inside gave the squash a nice burst of sweetness. I also ordered the Adana Kebab which was skewered lamb with roast tomatoes and sauteed onions. The lamb was shaped like a sausage, and had red pepper flakes inside which made it spicy. Delicious! The two little tapas were enough for a dinner, along with the baskets of bread, and Zaytinya is definitely worth the trip.

Sadly, I did not get photos, but I promise this place is worth the buzz.

Update (with photos!)

Fresh Complimentary Pita

I recently revisited Zaytinya, and it was even more fabulous than the last time. We ordered a Tzatziki, a yogurt and cucumber dipping sauce, for the table.

Tzatziki (yogurt & cucumber) Sauce

I ordered the special (which I sincerely hope they add to the menu permanently!) which was crispy brussel sprouts. The brussel sprouts were lightly fried and mixed with red pepper flakes and a garlic yogurt sauce. They were to die for. I also ordered the braised short ribs in a spiced tomato stew. The meat was so tender it melted in your mouth. The sauce was a perfect compliment. I was tempted to lick the plate clean!

Crispy Brussel Sprouts with a Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Street Food: Pedro and Vinny's

Pedro and Vinny's is a small burrito stand on a street corner in Farragut Square. Kelsey read about it online, and we instantly recognized the stand as we approached 15th and K St. from the 20 person line that stood in front of it. If that many people are willing to wait in this line during their brief lunch hours- then you know this place must be good!

John making the burritos freshly in front of you as your order

John Rider owns this stand, and he opens only during lunch Monday-Friday. The stand is worth going to just for him because he is very sweet and charming! He has dozens of different types of hot sauce, and he makes recommendations based on one's spice and sweet vs. savory preferences. Kelsey and I had the Georgia Peach Hot Sauce because we asked for something on the milder side that was fruity. This sauce made the burrito.

"Black and Tan" (Black and Pinto Bean) Burrito with Guacamole, Sour Cream, Jack Cheese, Salsa, and Georgia Peach Hot Sauce

Pedro and Vinny's is a vegetarian vegan stand, but don't let this scare you away! He has a plethora of toppings, including homemade guacamole and spicy salsa. You can get the "Black and Tan" which is black beans and pinto beans in one burrito. There are different flavors of tortillas, for example tomato or chili, and he piles on the cheese. The burritos are huge, and better yet cheap (4-6 dollars)! You can eat chips and try the hot sauces while you wait in line, and you get a free peppermint patty with your burrito.

Simple Menu at Pedro and Vinny's

Now, while nothing can compare to our authentic Mexican food in California, Pedro and Vinny's is a great option for burritos in D.C.

On-the-Go: Pret a Manger

The on-the-go British chain, Pret A Manger, just made it's way into the U.S. and happens to be right down the street from me in DC. Pret A Manger has breakfast and lunch items for people who are in the rush and want to grab something to eat quickly. Everything here is freshly made, and the staff is very friendly. Now for the food..surprisingly very tasty! I had a hard time choosing between the baguette sandwiches, the colorful salads, and the homemade smoothies Pret offers. I decided to get a Chicken, Walnut, Blue Cheese, Tomato, Dried Cranberry, and Apple Salad on top of Mixed Greens. For dinner later, I grabbed the Brie, Tomato, and Basil Baguette Sandwich.

Salad with Chicken, Tomatoes, Walnuts, Cranberries, Apples, and Blue Cheese
Brie, Basil, and Tomato Sandwich on Baguette

I want to go back to try the Egg Salad and Bacon Sandwich, the Honey Yogurt drink, or the Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Word on the street is that the coffee is superb in addition to their muffins and breakfast items. This place beats other on-the-go chains like Au Bon Pain and Cosi. The British know their stuff!