Restaurant Blog - Chowbaby.com

YANNI’S GREEK TAVERNA
3500 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
(202) 362-8871
If you’re on a tight budget but have somebody to charm, I’d try Yanni’s. Romance for me is in the ambiance—Greek bouzouki music in the background, a lovely mural along one wall, adorable Greek (I assume) waiters, and a compact little bar in the back of the room. The menu is large, with items listed first in English, then in Greek. While the food isn’t innovative or gourmet, it is fresh and filling. The feta cheese in nearly every dish is the real thing! I love spanakopita (spinach pie in layers of flaky filo dough) and usually begin with that. The beef souvlaki platter comes with seasoned meat skewers in pita bread, tzatziki (cucumber-yogurt dip), Greek salad, and french fries. Since I’m a spinach fan, I’ve often ordered the spanakorizo, a blend of spinach and rice served with feta cheese, tomatoes, and olives. Save room for the baklava (a classic dessert of filo pastry layered with crushed nuts and pure Greek honey)—it’s heavenly! The outside seating is perhaps Yanni’s greatest draw, allowing dining couples the pleasure of people-watching in lively Cleveland Park.

by: Magda Nakassis

BEN’S CHILI BOWL
www.benschilibowl.com
1213 U Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-667-0909
Stepping foot into Ben’s Chili Bowl is like walking into a 1950s time capsule: vinyl stools at a Formica counter, staff in red hats and aprons, Jackie Wilson on the jukebox. It’s hard to imagine Washington, DC without Ben’s; it is a true cultural and culinary institution. Ben’s started off as Black Broadway’s late-night hang out spot, where jazz musicians would come for tasty eats after the clubs closed. It survived the 1968 riots, and it survived the construction of the Green Line Metro Station, bringing gentrification and skyrocketing property value with it. But over the decades, Ben’s Chili Bowl still serves the same delicious half-smokes and thick milkshakes. In addition to being one of the few spots where all walks of DC life rub shoulders, it has also attracted a number of out-of-town (even celebrity) fans—Bill Cosby being the most vocal among them. Come be part of local history with a delicious order of chili cheese fries.

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by Magda Nakassis

AMMA VEGETARIAN KITCHEN
3291-A M Street NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-625-6625

Bourgy Georgetown is the unlikely home of Amma Vegetarian, a second-story South Indian hole-in-the-wall with rock bottom prices and magnificent dosas. Amma is not the place to take a date—unless they are impressed by styrofoam plates and plastic cups. But this restaurant serves consistently delicious food that’s easy on the wallet. The dining room itself is tucked away towards the west end of M Street, and can be difficult to find initially as it’s on the second floor. The service can be unpleasant at times, extremely accommodating at others, and the décor is minimalist—which is to say, barebones. All that being said, the food is the #1 draw here, and the atmosphere is wonderful for those who appreciate character and need a break from the ostentation of Georgetown.

by Magda Nakassis

TWO AMYS
3715 Macomb Street NW
Washington, DC 20016
202-885-5700

There are a couple unpleasant things about 2 Amys, it must be said. They don’t take reservations, and it is often overrun with unruly children. But foodies can be parents too, and some things are worth waiting for. So suck it up, cause the pizzas that come out of this restaurant’s brick, wood-burning ovens are simply out of this world (metaphorically)… and from Naples (literally). 2 Amys serves “authentic” Neapolitan pizza—thin, puffy, light, fresh—that has been approved by the Verace Pizza Napoletana Association, the Italian organization that protects and promotes traditional Neapolitan pizza. And while you can’t miss out on 2 Amys’ “pizzes,” the rest of the menu—which includes a fine selection of salads, cheeses, and desserts—is worth sampling as well.

by Magda Nakassis

MAESTRO
1700 Tysons Boulevard
McLean, VA 22102
703-821-1515
Chef Fabio Trabocchi is the culinary maestro behind Tyson Corner’s Ritz-Carlton restaurant. He leads a staff of cooks (all equipped with headsets) that compose Maestro’s open kitchen—perhaps one of the most orderly, calming kitchens in the world. He is also the mastermind behind Maestro’s menu, which is divided into four themes: La Creazione (a tasting menu), La Tradizione (traditional fare), L’Evoluzione (a sort of adventurous fusion with European and Asian flavors) and I Colori dell’Orto (“the colors of the garden”). Sample from more than one section, or stick to what you know—but rest assured that you will leave Maestro delighted and sated. This elegant Italian dining room has won awards and star reviews from everyone who’s had the pleasure. You simply can’t go wrong

by Magda Nakassis

BOB’S 88 SHABU SHABU
316 N. Washington Street
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 294-5888
First, let’s get one thing clear: we’re talking about Bob’s 88, not Bob’s 66. Yes, across the street from each other are two Bob’s Chinese restaurants—both quite delicious. Bob’s 88 Shabu Shabu, however, specializes in Taiwanese hot pot. For those who have not had the pleasure, it’s a bit like Chinese fondue—but instead of melted cheese, diners have a simmering broth in which they can cook and eat just about anything, from cabbage to pig blood. Each diner has his own burner and pot in front of him, and all orders come with a generous plate of fish balls, shrimp cakes, mushrooms, noodles, tofu, onions, etc. Then you tack on whatever else: beef, lamb, squid, duck feet, whatever. You throw it into the broth and let it simmer, then fish it out and eat it with a dipping sauce—which you get to fix for yourself from a selection of chili sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, chopped leeks, garlic, fish sauce, Chinese barbeque sauce, etc. It’s a lot of food for your money, and even more fun. It’s only a matter of time before Bob’s 88 becomes one of the most popular restaurants around and all of DC gets hooked on hot pot.