Washington DC Recap

May 15, 2009

I’m back once again, however, still on the road. I had a wonderful trip to DC with my parents and brother and now I’m in Kentucky catching up on some things and with some friends while my husband attends a conference.

I say this because I have a great food recap from DC, but the recipe posts will still be slim until I return to a kitchen. I’ve got some reviews and health focused material though so I hope that will keep you interested until I return to making my own food.

We stayed in Alexandria, VA which has quickly become one of my favorite cities in the US. I just love its historic, quaint feel and there is so much to do and so many places to eat there! The local restaurants around every corner and the fact that it is such a dog-friendly community really draw me in.


The highlight of our trip when it comes to food was definitely our dinner at Chadwicks. We got the recommendation from our shuttle driver and he definitely knows good food. The restaurant overlooks the water and inside has the cozy feel of a pub meets family restaurant.


My dinner was fantastic! I debated a while because there are so many good offerings, but finally decided on the Fish Tacos. They are the best I have had by far. I missed the part on the menu where it said the fish was fried and while the healthy person in me would have preferred grilled, I will not lie – the beer battered rockfish was excellent and really made the dish.


The platter came with three grilled tortillas, three pieces of fish, shredded cabbage, a colorful homemade salsa, a chunky guacamole and the best part – a spicy red chili sauce. Everything went so well together. I couldn’t have made a better choice.

Other selections in the family included the grilled chicken sandwich with onion rings and marinated chicken with sweet potato fries.


On another night we went to the Capitol City Brewing Company. My husband and I stopped here on our last trip and I was an instant fan. I love microbreweries and this time I was thrilled to find that they had a seasonal Heifweizen on tap. It was light with a fruity aftertaste. It hit the spot after a long day of walking.


I enjoyed the grilled portabella mushroom burger topped with veggies and cheese with a salad and balsamic vinaigrette. Another great choice!


My dad feasted on the bratwurst sandwich which is what we had when my husband and I went the last time. A huge bratwurst on a hoagie bun topped with kraut and cheese.

Check out these little food carts called SmartKarts. They were several places around the city boasting healthy choices of 100% beef hotdogs and one cart had empanadas and tacos. They were so cute when they closed up to drive around the city. They looked like a mini panel truck.

We arrived back to the Louisville airport on Thursday and there were still a lot of things hanging around from the Derby celebrations. One of these things was Woodford Reserve Bourbon balls, but not just any bourbon balls. These were Mint Julep flavored.


I noticed them on our flight out and my mom surprised my husband and I with a box at the end of our trip! These little bonbons were full of minty, bourbon, chocolate flavor. The perfect end to a fun and food filled trip!
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Just a reminder. Entries for the Mango Challenge are due on May 22nd! You’ve got less than a week left!

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  • Chow and Chatter May 15, 2009 at 2:33 pm

    I love capital city have fun back home lol

  • Alison May 15, 2009 at 3:34 pm

    Looks delicious. Especially the fish tacos! Those onion rings look yummy too…a weakness of mine.

  • Angie (Losing It and Loving It) May 15, 2009 at 3:38 pm

    Ahh good old DC. I’m originally from Northern VA, born in MD and spent a lot of time in DC and Alexandria too. Brings back memories. Glad to hear you had a great time.

    Those bourbon balls sound awesome!

  • Reeni♥ May 15, 2009 at 5:01 pm

    I love fish tacos! They look great! And the chocolates look like a nice little treat too. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

  • Tangled Noodle May 15, 2009 at 6:43 pm

    It’s been so long since I’ve been in the DC area. My family lived in nearby Falls Church, VA; I worked at Geo Washington University and Mr. Noodle and I first met in Annapolis, MD! I’m sure it’s changed quite a bit – I’d love try these restaurants.

  • 5 Star Foodie May 15, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    Looks like you had some great food in DC! Capitol City Brewing Company is one of our favorites.

  • Heather May 15, 2009 at 7:58 pm

    i work 2 blocks away from the fish market! don’t you just LOVE old town?!? it’s my favorite! next time you MUST try restaurant eve (a total splurge but SO worth it) and the PX lounge. best. cocktails. ever.

  • Lori May 16, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    Chow and Chatter – Thanks! I love their microbrews there!

    Alison – They were soooo good!

    Angie – I really like the area. I wouldn’t mind living there someday at all. 🙂 Oh, the bourbon balls were so great!

    Reeni – Thanks! I’m so glad fish tacos are showing up on more menus. Such a great combo!

    Tangled Noodle – Sounds like you have a lot of history and great memories from the area!

    5 Star Foodie – We really enjoy it. It is becoming one of our must-stops. My husband and I went twice on our last trip!

    Heather – How cool! I didn’t realize I was so close to you. 😉 Had I been there on my own I would have tried to organize and blogger meet-up. With my fam though every minute was booked. We had a great time! 🙂 I will definitely put that restaurant on my list for our next visit. We’ll be back for sure.

  • Still Life in South America May 20, 2009 at 8:53 pm

    Hi Lori, It’s funny–I’ve seen you post in several of my favorite blogs including Diet, Dessert, and Dogs, and Just Married Chilean Style. We must have a lot in common! 🙂

    Capital City Brewing Company was one of my favorite haunts when I lived on the Hill. The DC area is a great foodie haven, especially Alexandria.

  • Johnna Knows Good Food: Yum Yum, Gimme Some! July 14, 2009 at 8:29 am

    Next time you’re in the D.C. area, the best onion rings on this side of town are at Z Burger. They are the perfect comfort food alongside one of the numerous milkshakes they have.

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