the DC food edition

I have officially been living in Washington D.C. for a week and two days. I have learned much, what with the basics of Metro etiquette and where to find a cheap cup of coffee, but I am still adjusting to this unique city. I will never get over the sudden rush of adrenaline I feel when I pass by the Capitol building on my way to get a quart of milk. So while most of my friends at school have been studying, I have been still "getting used to the city" which consists of exploring, some fascinating culture lectures and service learning in the community (more details about that to come soon).

But amid all of the experiences I have had so far, food is a category all its own. I've already told you about Ben's Chili Bowl (which I've been to twice now) but let me introduce you to some other D.C. cuisine:

1. Five Guys:
The east coast's equivalent to IN-N-OUT, or at least, the next best thing. So no, you will not find Neapolitan milkshakes or animal style fries at this joint but you can order as many burger toppings as you want with no extra charge (including hot sauce and green peppers). And the fries are delicious! Don't forget to grab a plate of peanuts to eat with your meal, the restaurant offers them free to munch on.

2. Kyoto Sushi:
Just up the street by the Federal building, where senators do senator-like business. The place has affordable sushi and even a happy hour where sushi is a dollar each. This too may be a weekly stop for a quick Philadelphia roll (pictured above) that consists of Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese and Avocado YUM!

3. Eastern Market Bakery:
Gourmet cupcakes are a big thing hitting the baked goods runways that present some delicious art. I got a red velvet cupcake today with cream cheese frosting. Yeah, I was drooling too. Not too bad of a price compared with other cupcake eateries like Baked and Wired that I plan to visit soon. I also was tempted and bought garlic bread and blueberry scones.

ANNNNNNND!!!!!

4. Ebenezer's Coffee House:
A wonderful blend of fair-trade coffee, good prices, a urban atmosphere and faith. The coffee shop is a venture through National Community Church, which meets on the bottom floor, that offers an array of warm drinks and entertainment. I've never met a coffee shop that is so overtly Christian (minus the one on my college campus) that is always full of customers. I'm impressed and plan to study here/drink here/go to open mic here/possibly live here during this semester.

And finally, let me end with an ode to my mini-van who for the last five years has remained my partner-in-crime for so many great adventures, with the exception of this grand adventure in Washington D.C. Today a group of us toured Downtown D.C. and the National Mall when much to my surprise, there was my red Nissan Quest mini-van parked in front of a department building. It's been a little more than a week since I last drove my van. Since, getting groceries is now a way to burn calories and I've never walked this much in my life.
Much to say, being reunited was sweet, sweet bliss.