American | Citybuzz - A Vidicom and Christy Ferer Guide to Travel

Eat/Drink

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+ Ripple’s Debut of the Grilled Cheese Bar

Ripple, located in Cleveland Park, is a restaurant that focuses on dishes made with organic and locally acquired produce. Not only does it guarantee the customers with an enjoyable time, but also many pleasant surprises as the menu are updated daily. Now, the restaurant expands to include a grilled cheese bar where guests in the bar area can choose creative sandwiches with Ripple’s list of 15 amazing cheeses. Silly sandwich names include Krusty Krab, an homage to Spongebob SquarePants’s place of employ that features jumbo lump crab imperial and béchamel; and the "Swiss bank account," with hand-sliced prosciutto, Challerhocker, and truffles. Give it a try, the grilled cheese bar will be available Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 6:30 pm and again from 10:30 to midnight.

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+ The Hamilton

Strange and amazing, unlikely and enviable, the life of Alexander Hamilton could be a blueprint for the evolution of Washington, DC. This is a man who started off an orphan and ended up a lawyer, banker and founding father before dying famously in a duel with the Vice President of the United States. First built to house the federal government, DC is now a city where polish and sophistication have been charmed by a bohemian spirit yielding a new, thriving, artistic underground. Located just two blocks from the White House, the District's newest destination for envelope-pushing, visionary music and talent defies convention, much like Hamilton himself. Visit thehamiltondc.com for more information.

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+ Wholesome American Goodness at The Blue Duck Tavern

The Blue Duck Tavern located inside the Hyatt Hotel offers a sunken garden veranda with an outdoor fountain, adding a distinct element of romance and elegance. Featuring its classic and wholesome American meals with a market-based menu, the Executive Chef Brian McBride offers delicacies made with the finest and freshest locally sourced ingredients. Time honored cooking methods such as roasting, braising, preserving and smoking, are techniques that are used to create each tantalizing dishes. The restaurant welcomes guests with an open staff pantry and kitchen, complete with a wood-burning oven. The hand-crafted furnishings and heavy, wooden tables keep the restaurant warm, homey, but contemporary, offering a welcoming dining experience.

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+ Take Me Out To A Ball Game at Nellie’s Sports Bar

Nellie’s Sports Bar is Washington, DC’s first gay sports bar featuring an expansive rooftop deck which is as much of an attraction as the flat-screen TVs. Nellie’s is considered THE go-to place for LGBTQ sports fans. True to its theme, the sports bar sticks to showing games on its plasma TVs and displaying tennis rackets, oars, and trophies as decorations. No worries, the athletically challenged customers will not be left out of the fun, since Nellie’s provides board games galore. Don’t forget to check their website for fun activities like Drag Bingo and brunch! Visit nelliessportsbar.com for more information. Shhh…. The insider tip is that the earlier you get to Nellie’s the cheaper the drinks will be from Monday through Friday!

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+ DC Chillin’ at Ben’s Chili Bowl

Ben’s Chili Bowl is a proud landmark of DC’s history since the 1950s, surviving through the DC riots of the late 60s and the devastating economic crisis during the 70s and 80s. Despite all this, they have been serving what is considered as the best chili in not only DC, but in the country, bringing even the Sarkozys of France for a visit. The thick, spicy chili that tastes even better over half smokes or a pile of cheese fries even brought DC rapper Wale and Lady Gaga to shoot their music video for “Chillin” at Ben’s.

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+ Hardwood Smoky Goodness at Rocklands BBQ

Stepping into Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company you will see a huge bucket of peanuts, a whole bookshelf of hot sauce selection, and several rolls of no-nonsense paper towels - you know this is the perfect prerequisites to a hearty meal of BBQ.

With the meat, seafood, and poultry cooked by real red oak and hickory, you can smell the woody deliciousness half a mile away! Munch through the ribs, briskets, sausage, sides, and corn bread and don’t forget to take a swig from their tasty Coolant Root Beer (refill available)!

Insider info: You can have Rocklands prepare their famous barbequed pigs, displayed whole on a decorated board for your special events!

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+ Nora’s First for Organic Eating

Usually trends are set in New York or Los Angeles, but the Nora Restaurant started one of the best culinary trends as of late: organic eating. Being the first certified organic restaurant in the United States, Nora's knows how to cook with the heart and body in mind. Not only is the food good for you, it is also really good. The Nora Restaurant was voted OpenTable.com's Diners' Choice Winner this year. At Nora's, once you go organic, you can never go back.

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+ Hang with Politicians at Bullfeathers

Sure, fun and politicians may not seem like they go together, but at Bullfeathers they do. Serving the House of Representatives and "friends" since 1980, Bullfeathers knows how to have a laugh. After all, it's named after the phrase President Teddy Roosevelt used to deal with "frustrating situations" and to call out other people's, well, bull...feathers.

Happy hour is always hot at the 40 foot bar and enjoy one of the best burgers in town with that beer. When the weather's nice, make sure to take advantage of the patio and relax with the savvy Washingtonian crowd.

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+ Porterhouse Fit for a Prez at Bobby Van’s Steakhouse

With its start as a reputable New York institution, it’s no wonder that Bobby Van’s had to spread the love. This long-loved classic steakhouse has made its mark on the high-end American dining circuit, serving some serious power diners throughout the years, and now with two locations in DC, there’s no reason to miss out on this celebrity favorite. Let’s just say the steaks are so good, President Obama even celebrated his first day in office with a meal at this exclusive downtown favorite. Outfitted in rich wood paneling with appropriately masculine accents, Bobby Van’s simple design and crisp white tablecloths allow the food to steal the spotlight. Start off with a refreshing Raw Bar Selection or a decadent taste or two of the traditional Escargot, prepared with butter, lemon, pernod, garlic and fresh herbs . Select from a variety of hearty cuts of prime beef, from which Bobby Van’s gets its claim to fame. Pair your luscious cut with a few family-style sides like the Creamed Spinach, Cottage Fries or Prosciutto Mac & Cheese. For those looking for a beef alternative, indulge in the Colorado Lamb Chops or the Sesame Crusted Tuna with wasabi mashed potatoes, pickled ginger and Miso vinaigrette. Whatever you choose, be prepared to spend –after all, there’s a reason why the President himself decided to celebrate with a Bobby Van’s meal.

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+ Splurge at Bourbon Steak

The traditional “gentleman’s club” steakhouse just got a serious makeover with celebrity chef Michael Mina’s new addition, Bourbon Steak. Located in the heart of Georgetown at the Four Seasons, Bourbon Steak is attracting both foodies and power diners alike, with its simple, yet sophisticated menu and smart, contemporary décor.

Outfitted in warm, modern neutrals, Bourbon Steak exudes a cool masculinity fitting for a Mad Men-worthy steakhouse, with a menu that reflects the same sensibility. Start off with a classic cocktail with an updated twist paired with the Ahi Tuna Tartare that's prepared tableside with Ancho Chile, toasted sesame oil, fresh mint and crunchy Asian pear. The perfectly aged cuts of meat, locally sourced and poached in butter, will change your life, while classic American sides prepared with a gourmet hand only enhance the meat with a decadent simplicity. Be sure to try the Black Truffle Mac & Cheese or Wood-Roasted “Magical” Mushrooms. The new hotspot on the DC restaurant scene, Bourbon Steak, has definitely shown patrons such as Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson exceptional American cuisine. Insider Tip: For a real splurge, try Michael’s lobster pot pie (enough to feed two) at $85 a pop. Be sure to ask Executive Chef, Dave Varley, his wine recommendation as well – aside from executing a flawless menu, Varley has extensive wine knowledge.

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+ Washington Meets Wonka at Co Co. Sala

They say that a little too much chocolate is just about right, and at Penn Quarter's trendy Co Co. Sala Chocolate Lounge & Boutique, there is definitely enough to go around. Founded on the premise of being a "chocolate treasure-like oasis," this pastry shop by day, chocolate lounge by night, is sure to stir the senses with its unique concept and euphoric tasting menus. Sit back and relax as chic patrons lounge in dark, velvet

y booths sipping sinful libations to the pulse of hip, Latin beats. The light, unique cocktails, like the Strawberry Basil Martini with Balsamic Drizzle, balance the richness of creative savory small plates (all with a subtle hint of chocolate, of course). Be sure to try the Four Cheese Orecchiette with Chocolate Covered Bacon for a to-die-for twist on traditional mac and cheese. To finish off the evening, let the bubbles of a colorful champagne flight tickle your nose as a pairing to a decadent four course dessert tasting. Insider tip: For a great date spot, be sure to sit at Co Co. Sala's glass-enclosed "chocolate bar." Watch as accomplished pastry chefs create one-of-a-kind chocolate sculptures while you and that special someone savor your own chocolate treats.

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+ Sophisticated CityZen at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Chef Eric Ziebold, named one of "America's Best New Chefs 2005" by Food & Wine Magazine, explores modern

American cuisine at this elegant D.C. restaurant. With three menus to choose from – a three-course prix fixe, a six-course tasting menu or a vegetarian tasting menu – patrons have the opportunity to sample a wide array of what the menu has to offer. In order to incorporate only the freshest ingredients into his dishes, Chef Ziebold changes the menu frequently. So come back for seconds and you're likely to find new dishes for your sampling pleasure. High ceilings, an open kitchen, a warm color scheme and decorative lighting work together to create this sophisticated and chic top-tier restaurant.

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+ DC’s Morning Must: The Bean Counter

The Bean Counter is a friendly neighborhood spot for more than just a cup-a-joe. It's open for breakfast and lunch and is famous for its Cuban Sandwich. At breakfast you can find, Huevos Rancheros stuffed English muffins, a Peanut-Butter-and-Nutella sandwich, and more. The owner's wife bakes up cholesterol-conscious brownies made with olive oil, oatmeal and chocolate-chip cookies made with whole-wheat flour and even dog treats for your pooch! And there's coffee, all locally roasted from organic fair-trade beans. Colombian is the house brew, with rotating specials like Tanzanian and Ethiopian.

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