Weirding Word®: Food and Drink

Sorry for the "Part Deux". Too many action films during my formative years. Okay, I'm not really sorry.

Back to Gaea's DC: A Guide to Food, Fun and Debauchery During the 2009 Inauguration. In the first part, we went over a few key points about the area. And, some not so key points that I just needed to get off my chest. Now, we get to the restaurants. I have food allergies, so those allergic to wheat (gluten), nuts and/or soy should take comfort in this list. I'll also make notes for other allergens if I know or it applies.

My favorite places to eat in no particular order:

Rustico on Slaters Lane on the edge of Old Town Alexandria (VA). They have a chick pea crust pizza that I almost never pass up. There is also a seasonal grits special. If you're lucky, they'll still be serving sweat potato grits during the Inauguration. They can also accommodate dairy allergies. Across the street, you may want to try their sister coffee shop, Buzz, which has gluten-free (not necessarily nut- or soy-free) cupcakes. I eat their creme breule. It's tasty.

I understand that Cake Love makes gluten-free cakes, but I never go in there because it's a waste of time for me. However, whether in the original store in DC or the newer locations in Shirlington Village (Arlington, VA), Tysons (McLean, VA) or over the bridge in the new National Harbor in MD, you're sure to find a treat.

The Juice Joint (on Vermont between K and L streets) was a delightful find. They're friendly, they'll make a smoothy for you from a freshly cleaned blender, and they've got turkey burgers without fillers. Absolutely heaven sent.

The Bombay Club (Connecticut between H and I streets), which is closed for a private party, is a fabulous Indian restaurant that always makes me feel welcome the minute I step through the door. Everyone on the staff is gracious, the food is good, and the decor is soothing, warm and welcoming.

Station 9 (U Street between 14th and 15th streets) is the newest restaurant on my list. The chef makes food from simple, flavorful, natural ingredients. DC 4 Obama will be holding an all-day watch party there on Inauguration Day for volunteers and others. Admission is $10.

Both the Austin Grill and Mike's American have gluten-free menus. Austin Grill is in Silver Spring (MD), Springfield (VA), Old Town Alexandria (VA) at King and Columbus, DC in the Penn Quarter and a couple of other locations. Mike's is in Springfield (VA).

Teaism is located on the North Side of Dupont Circle and in two other locations. Choose from a wide selection of teas as well as light food items.

Krispy Kreme . . . oh, how I miss it. Nice one with a drive through just south of 95/495 on Route 1 (Richmond Hwy) in South Alexandria, VA. Is there really anything else to say?

Whole Foods, the grocery full of natural and organic foods, has a humongous prepared food section in the Old Town Alexandria (VA) store on Duke Street, with plenty of seats. It's really the best one I've every been to and that's saying something.

A quick shout out to MOM's (My Organic Market). Great prices and good selection. There are several in MD, but I visit the one on Mt. Vernon Avenue in the Arlandria neighborhood between the Glebe roads (Alexandria, VA).

Clydes in DC (Gallery Place), and several other locations, is incredibly helpful to people with dietary issues. Special shout-out to the bar staff in DC that makes every visit pleasant and relaxing. If you get there during happy hour, try the oysters. I hear great things about them.

Now, all I can eat here is plain grilled chicken, rice and mashed potatoes, but I am very fond of Busboys and Poets at V and 14th streets in DC. Great tea, fabulous drinks (one of my girlfriends orders DC Tap Water every time), poetry slams, and interesting atmosphere. They'll be serving brunch all day Saturday-Tuesday. Other locations at 5th and K streets (DC) and in Shirlington Village (Arlington, VA).

The Hotel Monaco's Poste Modern Brasserie (DC) is fabulous, but not inexpensive. Nice dining, fantastic atmosphere, but not particularly good for those with allergies. Go anyways. Have some pomme frites for me.

Ever had a bison burger? Try Ted's Montana Grill, which has Virginia locations in Alexandria on Eisenhower Avenue and in Arlington in the Ballston, Crystal City and Rosslyn areas. They are revising their special diets menu, but make every effort to accommodate allergies.

Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street in DC. Pre-allergy, I was hooked on the coconut cake. If you want a half-smoke or chili burger, or you just want to visit the spot that Obama visited yesterday, or you just want to see the place that serves Bill Cosby for free, this is the place to be. People from the neighborhood and all over the region visit Ben's. Just don't get in line unless you know what you want. That backs up the line.

Silver Diner in Springfield (VA), Woodbridge (VA), Rockville (MD), McLean (VA), Greenbelt (MD), Arlington (VA), BWI Airport and several other locations. They offer classic American diner food with a twist. Unfortunately, they went with soybean oil a year or so ago (that whole transfat thing), so I can hardly eat safely in there. But, they have a strong following and something like 20 locations.

Speaking of dangerous places, if you're allergic to peanuts, stay as far away from Five Guys Burgers as possible. People who are extremely sensitive to peanuts might actually die by just standing in the doorway (I wish I was kidding). If you're not allergic, I hear nothing but good things about this joint that uses peanut oil. Locations in South Alexandria (VA) on Richmond Highway, Old Town Alexandria, and several other places.

Need some stick-to-your-ribs soul food, then try Georgie Porgie just over the bridge in Temple Hills, MD. They've got burgers, they've got fries, they've got peach cobler, they've got sweet potato pie . . . anything guaranteed to add 2 inches to your waste. And it's all good.

Now, I'm sure I forgot someone, but this list is long enough. Friends are welcome to post comments on their favorite places, too.

Next post: Places to Visit!

Gaea Honeycutt
blog@weirdingword.com

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