Where I've Been + What Was Good
written by Amanda
on 06/07/2011
A look at where I've been eating and what was good ...
• Westend Bistro
I ducked into the bar at Westend Bistro after an event to grab a bite, which turned into a mini shellfish feast. I love chef Joe Palma's oyster pan roast, briny oysters with a few clams, grilled bread and vermouth cream — it reminds me of my dad's delicious oyster stew. (Which reminds me to get the recipe.) We also dug into a pot of mussels with chorizo, and tasted one of the newest menu items, crisp fried oysters cradled in lettuce cups with tomato relish.
• Freddy's Lobster and Clams
Yes, I do really love shellfish (see above), so last week I hit Bethesda's brand new seafood shack Freddy's and sat at the counter in the open front window. The place has a low-key beachy vibe with wooden picnic tables out front and retro red barstools inside. I opted for the seriously plump fried whole belly clams with onion rings and a bowl of lobster stew, dotted with nice meaty hunks of lobster.
• Estadio
Tried out Estadio's new lunch menu, now served Tuesday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. I always order the boquerones, and these were the largest, most gorgeous (yes, anchovies are gorgeous to me) they've come. Not to mention being amazingly good for you. I also adore the Stonehenge-esque dish of baked cracker picos with fava bean and almond dip (pictured).
• Ripple
The cocktails at Cleveland Park's Ripple have a clever naming convention — each concoction is named for a TV or movie character, from Breakfast Club's Claire Standish to The Addam's Family's Morticia Addams. I sipped the Violet Beauregarde — being a food writer has a way of making one identify with her overstuffed plight. The refreshing drink combined creme de violette, Lillet Blanc, rose water, Fee Brothers grapefruit bitters and sparkling wine.
• Bread Ovens at Quail Creek
A friend brought me a loaf of Quail Creek's delightful fig bread, studded with thick pieces of fresh figs. Toasted and smeared with butter it made a delicious breakfast. I'll have to pick up more at the Penn Quarter FreshFarm Market to serve with cheese, too.
Looking for more ideas on where to eat? Here's more of where I've been eating: Et Voila, Bibiana, Fiola, Eve, Estadio, Pitango; Volt, Proof, Tabard Inn, Hill Country; Sheppard Mansion, The Source, Rasika, Taberna del Alabardero
Comments
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6/7/2011 5:22:06 PM EDT
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Claire was the character Molly Ringwald played in The Breakfast Club, not 16 Candles.
6/16/2011 3:01:46 PM EDT
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Holy bad 80 movies recall! You are absolutely correct and I have updated to save further face. =)
6/16/2011 7:47:35 PM EDT
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