Tag: DC dining

Tearoom snapshots | The list

Published on by McKenna4 Comments

Quaint cafes, bakeries and tearooms are my jam. Whether I’m trying to be productive and get piles of work accomplished or going to brunch with a friend, I always eventually find myself perched on a comfy armchair ordering a chaippuccino (my new obsession!) –

Over the past few weeks I’ve been Instagramming at these venues A LOT – I mean who can resist snapshotting an adorable latte with a half-eaten chocolate croissant, anyway?

Here are my top picks for cafes for both work and play – in the District and from my Eurotrip 🙂 Who doesn’t love espresso and sweets?

1. Tryst | Coffeehouse – Bar – Lounge | Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C. 

Tryst is my go-to. Whenever I want to grab a coffee, put my headphones in and cross a few tasks off my to-do list, I go to Tryst. They also have an amazing chaippuccino served with animal crackers (pictured below), half-priced wines at 4 p.m. and live music on select nights. What more could you ask for?! 

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Chaippuccino with animal crackers on the side – yum.

2. Angelina Tearoom | Paris, France 

Angelina is perfection. A historic tearoom on Rue de Rivoli in Paris. It’s a perfect pitstop between a morning of shopping and an afternoon at the Louvre. You can’t deny it – those desserts are pristine and mouthwatering. Great cappuccinos and little gifts, as well!

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Talk about aesthetically pleasing, gorgeous!

3. Caelum | Barcelona, Spain

Caelum has such a humble, family oriented vibe. You could tell that every cake, croissant and quiche was baked right in the shop. The intimate setting, over beautiful hardwood floors with a small crystal chandelier floating above, was a perfect way to start off a day of sightseeing in Barcelona. Not to mention, beyond delicious!

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It was a cappuccino, quiche and Ray-Ban clubmasters kind of morning.

4. Colorova Patisserie | Paris, France

And we’ve switched back over to French tearooms! My friend Diana and I discovered Colorova on Vogue’s Weekend Guide – and thank goodness we did. This casual, colorful, loungy tearoom ended up being the best bang for our buck with a high quality of presentation and flavor 🙂 For a fixed price we received mint tea, a variety of spreads, poached eggs, cauliflower soup and a fresh fruit salad in an orange blossom dressing. It was all scrumptious. Colorova, I will be back!

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Cappuccino and a variety of spreads at Colorova. And whoops, I leave lipstick stains everywhere.

5. Emily’s Tearoom | Alexandria, Virginia 

Sometimes the most delicious brunch is at home! My amazing cousin Emily whipped up this outstanding morning meal – eggs benedict with homemade hollandaise sauce, hashbrowns and fresh berries. And of course we couldn’t forget my coffee fix! Emily’s Tearoom’s specialities are always made with love 🙂

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Eggs benedict, hash browns, fresh berries and a cup o’ Joe.

Which one do you think sounds like your kind of place? Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these gems 🙂

Tomorrow’s Saturday, so happy brunch, loves!

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DC Dining: Raku

Published on by McKennaLeave a comment

Happy Sunday Funday, everyone!

It’s been a little while since I updated my blog, buttttt I’m back and ready to write! My first post back revolves around one of my favorite things – city dining. I am truly a foodie at heart. This week I  ventured out of D.C. and over to a restaurant called Raku in the city’s neighboring little sister – Bethesda, Md.

The self-proclaimed Asian, Sushi & Sake joint is to die for. Here’s what I snagged during my friend’s birthday dinner (clearly margs are a must during birthday festivities!) –

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Traditional margaritas on the rocks with salt | Photo by McKenna
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Chesapeake roll and spicy tuna roll, equipped with wasabi and ginger | Photo by McKenna

Sushi lovers in the DMV, you’re definitely going to want to check this place out.

Fresh seafood, delicious cocktails and a great ambiance – what’s not to love?

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Oh, we brunch

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Since I moved to DC, I have found myself at brunch almost every single Saturday and Sunday – and I’m not hating it one bit.

Honestly, I didn’t think it was possible to beat New York in the brunch competition – but DC has come on strong.  The District is King when it comes to a variety of venues offering bottomless barrels of mimosas and bloody marys alongside delicious breakfast plates.

I love new dining experiences – and my Instagram definitely reflects that. Take a look at two of my brunch shots below.

Masa 14 | Photo by McKenna
Masa 14 | Photo by McKenna
Martin’s | Photo by McKenna

I know it’s Monday, but the weekend will be here before we know it!

And yes, brunch can be used as a verb. We brunch. 

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DC Dining: Founding Farmers

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Last night a group of nine of us headed over to Founding Farmers to celebrate my friend Lyndsay’s birthday. First of all, there’s nothing better than celebrating a birthday over delicious plates and delectable wine – in my opinion!

I’ve always heard amazing reviews on the place and I was excited to try it myself! Between our group, we probably ordered 15 separate plates – they were all mouthwatering. My friend Ali and I split the Lemon Meunière Diver Scallops – paired with butternut squash risotto and a lemon brown butter sauce – and Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese. Both were INCREDIBLE. 

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Scallops with butternut squash risotto.
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Lobster mac ‘n’ cheese.

Other top rates:
Oven-roasted crack black pepper wings
Bacon lollis
Fried green tomatos
Southern pan-fried chicken and waffles
Crab cakes with grainy mustard sauce and your choice of two sides

Bonus: there’s not just one, but two locations in the DMV! Pennsylvania Ave. in NW and Potomac, Md. GO IMMEDIATELY – i’m not kidding. Your tastebuds will thank you. 

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DC Dining: Unum

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My girlfriends and I recently made a pact to try a new restaurant/have a girl’s night out twice a month. First on our list – Unum – a “neighborhood restaurant with American contemporary cuisine” in the heart of Georgetown.  Conclusion: It’s 12 hours later and I’m still drooling/thinking about all of that deliciousness.

My personal favorite: Sesame crusted scallops with wasabi risotto with edamame, shiitake & tobiko, spiced shishito peppers, pickled vegetables & nori beurre blanc.

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Sesame crusted scallops. Photo by McKenna

Other top rates: 

Grilled quail with sauteed spinach with dates, pistachios & date demi-glace

Boneless shortrib pasta with tagliatelle, baby root vegetables & red-wine braising jus

Grilled hanger steak with roasted sunchokes, white & green asparagus, horseraddish & port sauces

Looks as if our dining pact is off to a scrumptious start!

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