My fifth summer in DC has made me love this city even more. Here's why:
1) Brunch at Dino in Cleveland Park turns out to be amazing. Two words: orange butter. It's so much more than just unsalted European butter and orange zest. ::happy sigh::. The restaurant is also hosting a Great Lakes Brewery dinner soon! I recently got to sample all of the Great Lakes brews (in microscopic portions, thank goodness) at a little event in Chicago. Based on my recent intro to the label, I cannot say enough good things about it. I like the names in particular.
2) The Pig in Logan Circle is cause for celebration among pork lovers especially. Spoonbread is not just for historical reenactments and southern drive-ins! It is studded with bacon in lavish quantities. The waiters are extra sassy, and so is the drink list.
3) I missed the last Truckeroo, but there are more to come.
4) Granville Moore's is a self-respecting Belgian place. There are challenging items on tap. The sporty, louche feel (complete with beer crates) is perfect. You cannot order a diet coke here, FYI. The moules are just right.
5) Sometimes I forget that DC is a special place. Today, I heard a guy playing Prokofiev on the violin on the Metro by the Capitol South station. He was no Joshua Bell, but he was good - he ran through some buttery glissades and glassy chords sul ponticello like he was getting warmed up. Where did he come from? Who knows. On the way back from a CAPAL mixer, I stumbled onto a free orchestral concert (full strings, brass, winds, percussions) outside the Capitol building. There was a small crowd already. I stood by and listened. The strains of familiar patriotic tunes over the Capitol lit up at night gave me shivers. The swell of French horns was audible for a good distance. On the walk back to the Metro, the night air by the National Arboreteum nearby was heavily perfumed by row upon row of very well-tended gardenia bushes in full bloom. It was unreal.
There are many more reasons why I sometimes stop and think, I'm so lucky to even be here. I look forward to finding more.
