DonRocks

Here’s one of my 10 monthly gift links (for those who can’t get past the paywall): “The 25 Best Restaurants in Washington, D.C. Right Now” by five authors on nytimes.com

I thought about chiming in and saying ‘all Vietnamese vegetarian will also be vegan’ [to hell with the split infinitive], but then I thought of the occasional egg (especially during breakfast) and fish sauce (fermented krill et al). But from vegan.com: ”As a largely Buddhist country, Vietnam offers plenty of vegetarian restaurants. They serve up a staggering variety of vegan dishes, many of which are remarkably healthy and loaded with veggies.”

Our last two meals at Kinship were great. Last Sunday (it’s always best to go early in the week), the two stars were: Saucisson a l’Ail d’Agneau - fava beans, marinated maitakes, parsley vinaigrette (house-made lamb saucisson served warm!) Sautéed Sea Scallops - toasted sesame velouté, asparagus, anise hyssop, and shaved radish (The “secret ingredient” in the sauce (which you’ll want to pick up and drink, but can’t) is that they lightly smoke the scallop feet and add them.) 05.03.24.pdf

Enkulal Firfir?

Well, you did say “all” suggestions … I haven’t been to Ethiopic since it first opened. If you’ve been there, you don’t need my opinion. If you haven’t, I would have described it as “the Rasika of Ethiopian restaurants.” If that’s your thing, you might not mind the “modern” (I would say “California-roll”) variant on the cuisine. (Incidentally, for those who wish to distinguish between Ethiopian and Eritrean, several Eritrean-Americans I’ve talked with recommend Keren which has been in Adams Morgan seemingly forever.) One question people may wish to ask any candidate Ethiopian restaurant: “Is your injera made with teff?”

Ah! Viscosity.

I got lunch at the Wildwood Shopping Center Fish Taco today. A Steak Quesadilla was just how I wanted it - uncomplicated and super-tasty - and the Grilled Fish Tacos are as good as they were a few years ago. I wish I lived closer to one.

Had dinner at Daykaya Izakaya two nights ago, as well as takeout from Daikaya Ramen. The noodles were the best thing in both meals - they were exceptional (and the Izakaya items were uninspiring (although our server was wonderful)). Do both Daikaya Ramen and Bantam King abut each other back-to-back? I recall Bantam King having its own kitchen, and I’m pretty sure Daikaya Ramen does also. Are there three kitchens at these three establishments, or is there some sharing?

Do tell!

First time I went to Europe (three-week backpack in 1989), I ate at the Nice, France McDonald’s two consecutive meals. ”Royale with Cheese” (- John Travolta in “Pulp Fiction”)

I think by today’s standards in DC, it’s one-star quality (food only). That said, your “slapping shit together as fast as he can” comment is funny and describes the general scene perfectly (although I’d substitute “sushi” for the word you used). You also touched on one of my three criticisms about the food itself: I had one piece of nigiri explode in my hand because of the rice. I also think the entire meal has a very narrow palate amplitude. Finally, I found the sequence of maguro, chu-toro, and o-toro (really?) to be in descending order of quality. But there’s too much good here (like the $100 price) to be focusing on the bad. I’ve had numerous You’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me one-star meals in DC, and this wasn’t one of them. Still, yours is a legitimate point-of-view shared by another friend of mine who tried it (I never went to Nakazawa, but I’d be crestfallen if I paid $190 for this).

Went there tonight … Michelin-star-quality sushi in the middle of a food court! Complete with a bad musician in the background, and free parking in the garage (you have to use the K Street entrance after 5PM). $100 for this omakase is a steal. Listen to DPop - he’s right.

Has anyone tried Shinwari? I’m intrigued, not least by the signage outside, also the menu online. The owners obviously have their sights on bigger things, but for now it seems to be a local restaurant.

[Thanks-I-Think emoji implied.]