Washington, D.C.
I’m continuing my “city” kick and I’m going to write about my home away from home - D.C.
I love D.C. I loved living in D.C. I would move back if all of my friends did too. In some ways, I think it’s the perfect city. Here’s why:
There is so much culture and art. There’s literally no way to avoid all of the museums, galleries, and historic architecture. The city is steeped in history, but it’s more than the nation’s capitol. What I love about it, is every museum or gallery is FREE. You don’t have to go far to experience a new culture, or history, or art, and it is truly accessible to everyone. I think removing that barrier to access does a lot to foster inclusivity and curiosity in things outside of oneself.
Renwick Gallery - This is my favorite gallery that I’ve ever been to. It’s one of the only buildings with French architecture in the city and was saved by Jackie Kennedy. The tectonic plates exhibit in the main room is usually there and I have spent hours on the floor, staring up at it. They rotate exhibits regularly and it’s right across from my favorite government building (the Eisenhower Executive Office Building). Don’t @ me about how nerdy it is to have a favorite government building.
National Portrait Gallery - I love portraits. I love this gallery. It’s big enough to spend a few hours, but not overwhelming enough to feel discombobulated. I think it is perfectly rated.
Museum of African American History and Culture - Despite the hype, I think this museum is still underrated. It’s my favorite Smithsonian and if you’re walking through it with intention, it’ll take at least an entire day to navigate. It’s so informative and well-organized. I learn so, so much every time I visit and I love that you’re walking through time. The cafeteria is also pretty great, so don’t miss out on that.
D.C. is a good food city. Most restaurants are pretty good. A lot of restaurants are pretty great. If you choose to take a gastrointestinal tour of the city, you won’t be disappointed. I didn’t realize how spoiled I was when I lived there. When I miss D.C. the most, it’s usually the food I miss first.
2 Amys near the Cathedral - This is my “last meal” meal. I’m serious. I dream of their classic Neapolitan pizza (the 2Amys) with their crushed Aleppo pepper. I also recommend getting the vanilla ice cream with a side of the cherries they reserve for their almond cake. It’s a pro move. Everything I’ve had here is amazing and their atmosphere is busy, but cozy at the same time. I’m not kidding that their pizza is the best and I could eat it everyday and still not have enough. They don’t take reservations, so be prepared for a little bit of a wait.
The Coffee Bar in Midtown? - There’s a question mark, because midtown is this new phenomenon that just popped up. I’ve heard it called the golden triangle before, too. Either way, I just call it the Coffee Bar on 17th and M. This is my favorite coffee shop, ever (besides the one I worked at, RIP). Their seasonal, cardamom latte is my absolute favorite and I love pairing it with their sour cherry and vanilla bean scone.
Lapis in Adams Morgan/Kalorama - This restaurant is a Michelin Bib Gourmand, which means it’s an amazing value (I think, idk google it). This was in my old neighborhood, so I spent a lot of time here. I think their Korma is my favorite dish, but I’ve never had anything bad here (except I had one, really bad date… he sucked but the food was still good).
Rumi’s Kitchen in Mount Vernon Square - This restaurant is relatively new, but I’ve been there three times so far. I don’t live in D.C. anymore, but I’ve managed to go every time I visit. I’m committed to kebabs, what can I say? The restaurant is busy, so book in advance. I get the traditional sheesh kebab and I’m obsessed with their little herb starter and the sumac on the side for sprinkling over the rice. Genius.
Beau Thai in Mount Pleasant - This restaurant was a dangerous, 12-minute walk from my old apartment. I will ride or die by Beau Thai. I mean it. I’ve had it delivered to the office on my shorter D.C. trips so I could still get a hit when I needed it. Get their drunken noodles with chicken and their mango sticky rice for me.
Old Ebbitt near the White House - I’m not going to lie, this place is full of tourists and I’ve only had one menu item. I’m obsessed with buffalo wings. It’s a problem. Old Ebbitt has the best wings in the city, I’ve housed so many of them at the bar after a long day at work. If you’re going to get them, you have to get them double-dipped, double-fried.
Rasika in the West End - This place is popular for a reason, not just because it was Obama’s favorite. I genuinely don’t think you could find better Indian food in the city. Make sure to book in advance.
Duke’s Grocery or Counter in Dupont/Woodley - This place holds a lot of nostalgia for me. I remember many a summer Friday spent on their front patio. They have one of the best burgers in town, but I’m really in it for their Mac and cheese and their elote. Either location is great.
Breadfurst in Van Ness - This one is a hike, but worth it if you love bread and pastries. I like everything they make and they rotate their menu based on… I’m not sure, but it’s fun to not know what you’re getting before you get it. I’m impartial to their mozzarella and pesto baguette or their monkey bread or their bear claw.
Sundevich in Shaw - I’ve only been to the Georgetown location, so I can’t speak to the Shaw one. But, they have the best sandwiches in the city. I recommend ordering some to go and having a picnic somewhere.
Arepa Zone in Midtown - I love Arepas and it’s dangerous to have them one whole block away from the office. I was notorious for organizing a large group to get arepas and then ultimately responsible for the lethargy in the afternoon as everyone processed their heavy lunches. Whoops! Get extra garlic sauce. Just do it.
La Cosecha near Union Market - Everyone loves Union Market, but I think it’s overhyped. La Cosecha is still a market/food hall, but all of the stalls are latin-inspired. It’s a fun way to try new flavors and it’s a beautiful space.
You can walk everywhere. By now, you know that I love to walk. The best way to get to know a city is to walk, get lost, and find something new and unexpected. D.C. is perfect for walking without a destination. I spent so much time walking into Rock Creek Park and letting it spit me out somewhere new. I logged a lot of miles when I lived there. It’s relatively easy to navigate and there’s always a main road that will lead you back home.
The Cathedral - I have logged hundreds of miles to the National Cathedral and back. I’m not Christian, but I’ve found my own peace there. It’s the perfect place to sit on a picnic blanket and just read or enjoy a 2Amys pizza with friends. So much social distancing happened on the Cathedral grounds, and it’s probably my favorite place in the city.
Dunbarton Oaks - I loved the walk from Rockcreek Park to Dunbarton Oaks. All of it is shaded and you’re rewarded with a nice park to enjoy a picnic. This was my regular walk when I needed to clear my head, and you almost forget that you’re in a city.
Georgetown Waterfront - I love Georgetown. I know. It’s touristy. All people do is shop. I like to shop - sue me! I especially like the waterfront and looking over the Potomac in the early morning or as the sun sets. The Key Bridge was described to me as “one, sexy bridge” and I have never stopped referring to it as such. Georgetown isn’t transit accessible, thanks to those pretentious residents, so walking to and from is kind of your best bet.
Public transit is not bad! It’s actually kind of great. After experiencing Boston’s Transit system, I will never speak badly about the D.C. Metro. She’s reliable, functional, even if she’s not pretty or new. I will say, I prefer the buses. I love being above ground and the L2, 42, and 43 buses have never let me down. If they did, I probably repressed it… and that’s okay.
The people are nice. When everyone is from somewhere else, there’s a shared sense of choice - people chose to be there and make it home (even if it is for a little while). It’s normal to walk outside your door and hear half a dozen languages and see people from all walks of life. People say hello and nod in your direction. They give directions. They let you pet their dogs. It was a culture-shock when I first moved to Boston and experienced the exact opposite. I’m used to it now, but D.C. goes against the East Coast stereotype.
D.C. has earned its place as my home away from home. I grew up there. I discovered so much of myself there. I had the best five years there. I am really grateful that she’s only a one-hour and six-minute flight away, and that I’ve been able to keep up with my hair appointments with the only white man I trust (shoutout to Chris at Luigi Parasmo).
I hope you call me before and after your next trip to D.C. to tell me that I’m right, because I usually am.
