We spent a few days in Washington DC this past weekend, and had a great time. En route, we visited with friends in Maryland, and then did a lot of walking in between passing showers. We finally tried the burgers at Five Guys (having mistakenly believed we were at the original location, in Georgetown)–I love the peanuts! (Awfully good, but vote still goes to Shake Shack, which is especially relevant now that the Shack has arrived in DC.) The rain (and a nice hotel room) encouraged us to take it easy, but we went out to celebrate our “second Saturday of May” for the second time in DC; this time, for our fourth wedding anniversary, we went to the Blue Duck Tavern. It really was gorgeous and the food was delicious. I had heard that Barack and Michelle went there for their anniversary–no doubt inspired by the local farm-to-table emphasis–and figured that was a good sign.
On Sunday, the sun broke through the clouds and we spent the day walking around the city. It was warm but we walked from Dupont circle, down through the mall, and over to the Eastern Market and Captiol Hill for lunch. Aron had to attend a Urology conference that evening, and over the next day, but we did fit in one more dinner together at Cork. I’d heard that the wine bar (not an obvious choice for me) had good food–and I’m almost always partial to restaurants with single-word names–but I can’t recommend it. We were visited by some critters (eek, roaches!) and left as quickly as possible. The drive home took us through a crazy, wild storm, but most of the way was clear and lovely. (Although Aron kept making me get out and walk!)
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I live in DC and have been meaning to get to the Blue Duck! Any recommendations for me from the menu?
Looks like fun! We have Five Guys down here and it is really good.
Everything was delicious–and the menu changes seasonally. But I had pea soup and a crab cake: the soup tasted exactly like fresh peas and the crab cake was good, but even better when I added some hollandaise from our asparagus starter. Aron's bone marrow was amazing and he had duck–the smoked version of which was so good (and I don't usually like duck). We thought the house-special apple pie was good but not outstanding. It should have been warmer. I'd try something else to finish…
And they had seasonal mocktails (albeit a bit pricey)–so I was thrilled!
(P.S. The menu just to sit in the lounge looked great, too).
Five guys actually had a bunch of restaurants in VA before making it to DC but they certainly are popular here now! I'm excited shake shack is in town now and will have to give it a try soon!
Thanks for the correction, Lindsey! I'll change the text.
I was prompted to then read the Wikipedia entry and saw this:
"The Center for Science in the Public Interest placed Five Guys's bacon cheeseburger, which contains 920 calories, among its 2010 list of most unhealthy meals available at U.S. chain restaurants.[11]"
Ouch! I had the Bacon cheeseburger… bummer!
Great post. I do not love Five Guys, so I definitely look forward to trying the Shake Shack! We'll be traveling through DC next weekend, so I especially enjoyed this post!
My WORD. the food pics kept getting better, so glad you had a fun getaway – DC is gorgeous in the Spring
It is so wrong that I couldn't even focus on the rest of your photos b/c all I am thinking about is how to get my hands on some five guys?
Mmm, mmm, Five Guys, yummy, yummy!
So sorry to hear about Cork! Justin and I never made it there, because Rice and Posto are in the same neighborhood and we couldn't pull ourselves away. Looks like a good trip, nonetheless!
Roaches at a restaurant/winery? How awful! Glad the rest of the trip turned out okay.
I know! It was crazy! And our waiter never even apologized or said anything about it (we had pointed it out to another man and then moved tables). The waiter just came to the new table, refilled our water, and then dropped the (full) check.
We'll have to try those other spots next time, Meaghin! Thanks!
Okay, I love the original 5 Guys. It's in Virginia, right? Well, I fell in love- especially with their fries. They opened a bunch of 5 Guys out in Sacramento and guess what? Everyone hates them out here! It makes so sad! I haven't tried them in Sac so I am thinking maybe it's different? Someone complained about the mushrooms and I have no idea what they're talking about. Sorry for the tangent. Love 5 Guys, mostly maybe because it reminds me of being in DC, which I love so very much. Georgetown is my favorite!
this post made me miss my old home so much! love your shot at union station. looking forward to my memorial day visit even more now.
Shake Shack – I would fly all the way to New York City just to eat one of those beauties again. So good!
I live in Alexandria, VA and if you're looking for a special anniversary dinner I highly recommend Restaurant Eve's tasting room. I took my husband for his MA present and it was the best meal we've ever had. p.s. cheesetique is much better than cork — lovely variety of cheese, unpretentious and never seen a roach there:)oh and it's a single name.
I love all your travel stories, and throughly enjoy reading them, especially because you both document the different foods you eat so well.
Since you ate five guys, like shake shack, and are from California, I thought you'd enjoy this article, http://aht.seriouseats.com/archives/2011/05/in-n-out-vs-five-guys-vs-shake-shack-the-first-bi-coastal-side-by-side-taste-test.html
Delia!! I can't believe that was just posted yesterday–brilliant timing! I loved reading it. And I have to agree with the outcome: despite my West Coast roots, Shake Shack wins.
And I actually have to say that Fresh N Fast is perhaps a better In N Out competitor in NYC than Five Guys, but maybe because that's their clear goal.
Thanks for the link!
Shake shack is absolutely the best of those three.
sounds like a fantastic weekend! man, do i loooove five guys. mmmmmmmm!
Next time in DC have a meal at Founding Farmers – you will not be disappointed. Maybe wait till after the baby arrives so you can enjoy one of their cocktails.
When we lived in the D.C. area, the best burgers we ever tasted were at Rays Hell Burger in Rosslyn — just across from Georgetown. I highly recommend it. By the way, Happy belated anniversary!
We have a 5 Guys here in Upstate, but no Shake Shack (yet!!). Love it. Delia, I was going to post that link about the Best Burger Battle, great minds think alike!
I clicked through to your "2nd Saturday" from last year, So cute! I had two clients who were on opposite ends of the town of Hudson, and I would try to book meetings with both on the same day just so I could conveniently swing by Warren Street
. Also, we got married on a Thursday afternoon, so we celebrate the "date," but I love your "day" tradition. So original and thoughtful! Happy anniversary.
ughh i love five guys
just made me so hungry
-Winnie
http://winniereally.blogspot.com