Saturday, November 20, 2010

ChurchKey


Last date I was here: 11/20/2010

Restaurant: ChurchKey (
http://www.churchkeydc.com/)

Location: Logan Circle


Total Rating:
3.95
Food: 4, Price: 3, Service: 4, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 5

Summary: Located upstairs from sister restaurant Birch and Bailey, ChurchKey is a
beer bar that offers 50 drafts -- D.C.'s largest selection -- plus 500 bottles and five cask ales. A draft menu is broken into such categories as "Malt," "Tart and Funky" and "Hops" to help you browse the many beers on the list. It also includes details about serving size, the point of origin and even the appropriate glassware and temperature. Three-ring binders describe the bottles. Every beer on the list is available in a four-ounce glass for half to a third of the price you'd pay for a full 10-to-16-ounce serving. Closest Metro is Dupont Circle or McPherson Square.


No wonder every one of the 150 seats in the high-ceilinged upstairs bar and lounge gets quickly taken, and there are deep crowds fighting for the attention of the five bartenders behind the 60-foot-plus bar. ChurchKey manages to blend the feel of a European beer hall with that of a comfortable lounge with the softly padded stools that line the bar, the love-seat-style booths and the enormous banquettes with sparkling chandeliers above. ChurchKey has a relatively small selection of appetizers, charcuterie, sandwiches, flatbreads and salads, and there's a deli service area at the far end of the bar with sliced meats and cheeses. A few large screen televisions situated above the bar allow for a view of the game while chatting with your friends over beer. We went around 2:30pm on a lazy, beautiful fall day and were able to grab a booth table. We ordered 6 of the tasting sizes first to be able to try out some of the different beers. Once we decided on a favorite, we each ordered a full glass with some bar bites to share. Our server was very friendly and had no problem with us taking our time and chilling out. The bar started to get more and more crowded with groups filling in every seating area possible. About 3 hours later, we were ready to leave and noticed the dreaded line had started to form with doormen checking IDs. Seems like we came at the perfect time. ChurchKey was a nice new spot and great for groups - we would most likely come back again.

What I ate:




Mac & Cheese Sticks
served with tomato relish

Chicken MikeNuggets
confit chicken thigh served with honey mustard and barbeque sauce

Spinach and Artichoke Flatbread
with fried shallots and garlic breadcrumbs


Churchkey on Urbanspoon

Friday, November 19, 2010

DC-3

Last date I was here: 11/19/2010

Restaurant: DC-3 (http://eatdc3.com/)

Location: Barracks Row

Total Rating: 3.3
Food: 3, Price: 4, Service: 3, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 5

Summary: The newest adventure from the team that owns Matchbox and Ted's Bulletin, DC-3 brings various hot dog dishes from across the region
. Closest Metro is Eastern Market.


This fun, casual spot is great for grown-ups and kids alike. Sample one of the 21 different hot dog combinations to satisfy that familiar craving or create your own. From the classic all beef frank to pork sausage dogs to the veggie falafel dog, DC-3 has something for everyone. The dogs themselves were decent, although Keith felt they could have been bigger. I agree, as there was extra bread on my dog as well. Also, the prices seem a bit high for just one dog. The veggie chili was good with hearty beans and vegetable flavor. Given that they just opened, service is still a little frazzled. But I am sure they will get into a routine flow soon.

What I ate:

California Left Winger

All veggie falafel "dog", served on a Heidelburg Deli bun with fresh avocado and tzatziki sauce


Frips
cross between French fries and chips



Veggie Chili

Plus Keith ate:

Lancaster Dutch Pretzel Dog
All beef dog, Heidelburg pretzel roll, sauerkraut, brown mustard




DC-3 on Urbanspoon

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Greek Deli



Last date I was here: 11/11/2010

Restaurant: Greek Deli (
http://greekdelidc.com/default.aspx/)

Location: Dupont Circle

Total Rating:
4.3
Food: 5, Price: 4, Service: 3, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 3
What Micky Eats...

Summary: A native of Greece, Kostas Fostieris opened this deli in 1990 and it has remained a popular staple for lunchers in the area. Serving fresh, authentic Mediterranean and Greek cuisine, the Greek Deli is sure to please. Closest Metro is Dupont Circle.


We were off for Veterans Day and decided to check out this deli that has received acclaimed reviews for years. As soon as we arrived there was a long line trailing out of the door and down the sidewalk - a sure sign that the food is good enough to wait for. The wait was not that bad, as Kostas and his staff kept the orders moving fast. We were able to sit at one of the few tables outside, the other option is to walk to the nearby park at Dupont Circle. The food was very fresh and tasty, bursting with flavor. I would definitely eat here again and recommend to others.

What I ate:



Humos on Pita with Feta Cheese

Orzo Salad

Plus Keith ate:
Famous Gyro

Greek Deli and Catering on Urbanspoon
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