Taco Bamba

Taco Bamba is a takeout taqueria that reflects Chef Victor Albisu’s Cuban and Peruvian roots, and operates next to Plaza Latina in Falls Church, Virginia, a Latin market owned by his mother.  On our drive home from Virginia wine country, Keith and I stopped by for lunch one day, and I was surprised by how packed the small shop was.  Minimal seating is available inside, so most patrons took their order to-go.

Inn at Little Washington

For my birthday this year, Keith whisked me away to Virginia wine country.  For dinner, he made reservations at the illustrious Inn at Little Washington.  The Inn’s dining rooms are pure fantasy – "a wondrous cocoon of luxury. Rose-colored, silk lampshades float above each table creating a private, romantic world below. Chef Patrick O'Connell's creations arrive at one of the 30 intimate tables as if served by invisible hands, course after course more dazzling than the last."

Kogiya Korean BBQ

Kogiya Korean BBQ located in Annandale, VA offers traditional Korean dishes in a vibrant modern dining experience.  A young, energetic team is trained to be service-oriented and masters of the grill of quality ingredients like well-marbled short ribs and tender pork belly. Keith and I met up with my parents for lunch here.  My Mom was apprehensious at first, because she is pretty 'old school' when it comes to Korean food, and was pleasantly surprised to see so many young kids packed around the stainless steel bbq tables.  Luckily, she had called ahead so we did not have to wait long.

Beer Dinner with Art & Soul and Ocelot Brewing Company

Craft beer is a passion, an obsession and a journey. Art and Soul, a restaurant in Capitol Hill that provides Southern comfort food with the same passion, recently teamed up with the Ocelot Brewing Company for a beer dinner on Friday, March 11.  Ocelot Brewing Company is located out near Dulles airport in VA and has been open for only 11 months now.  From hoppy, to malty, to sour, we took a trip through all the flavors of Ocelot beer accompanied by Executive Chef Douglas Alexander's comfort cuisine.

Rural Society

Rural Society is a contemporary Argentine steakhouse from nationally renowned master of Latin cuisine Chef Jose Garces. Inspired by his travels to South America, Rural Society is at once rustic and luxurious, bringing the energy and sophistication of Buenos Aires to Washington. The menu and primarily South American wine list, combined with the warm hospitality and welcoming décor, transport you far from the bustle of DC to the sweeping cattle ranches and grill-fired kitchens of Argentina.  Closest Metro is McPherson Square.

DC Brewery Tour

For Keith's birthday this year, I planned a local brewery tour to check out the latest trend of beer homegrown here in DC.  Since some of the locations are not that convenient to a Metro station, I highly suggest taking Lyft so you don't have to worry about drinking and driving.  Check out our photo recap below.

Brookland's Finest Bar & Kitchen

Located at the corner of 12th & Jackson in NE DC, Brookland's Finest Bar & Kitchen features classic American cuisine with a bistro flair. The kitchen features a seasonal menu with a variety of meals which highlight local, seasonal ingredients. Rotating specials and drinks specially crafted by the award-winning staff round out the menu. Closest Metro is Brookland-CUA.

Favorite Food Pictures of Winter 2016

I often hear from readers that seeing my food pictures in my write-up posts "makes them hungry!"  I love hearing that so in this series, I will continue to share a collection of my favorite food pictures from each season.  Here are the top food pictures from Winter 2016 (December - January - February).  Compare to my favorite food pictures from Fall 2015 or what I liked best last year, Winter 2015.  Do you have any favorites?