Nommin’ Out: Dino’s Grotto

Happy Sunday! Planning an outing this week? A date or a ladies happy hour perhaps? Look no further than Dino’s Grotto, one of Shaw/U Street’s latest awesome additions on 9th street.  Previously located in Cleveland Park, Dino’s revamped restaurant features two levels, a robust and ever-changing Italian menu, and saucy wine descriptions.  My roommate read about Dino’s new location in this Thrillist article, so a group of us chicas checked it out last week for dinner and drinks.  And let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint.  Also, the happy hour is pretty terrific for all you winos out there.  Each glass is a healthy 8 ounce pour and $3 off during happy hour, which goes until 7pm.  I spent $12 on 3 enormous glasses of wine, which is borderline unheard of in the District.

Below are some favorites from their rapidly-changing menu.  Thank goodness my friends are patient, and let me try and snap a perfect pic whilst staring longingly at their untouched food 🙂

The Burrata (Air freighted from Italy olive & red pepper purees – oven roasted tomato)

 

Calamari Salad

 

Duck Fat Potatoes (incredible)

Meatballs (Truck patch pork, dartagnan veal, ricotta, bread, egg, spicy tomato sauce)

Stuffed Squash Blossoms

Mozzarella in Carrozza  (Fried italian mozzarella di bufala sandwich, egg, spicy sorrento tomato sauce)

 

Now go figure out a time this week to check it out!

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Nommin’ Out: U Street Treats

I love living in Shaw for many reasons.  I live right next to LeDroit Park and can hear bubbly children running after the ice cream truck on the weekends.  A community garden is near my house where Shaw residents work together on their veggie plots.  Howard University hospital and dorms are a stone’s throw away.  My neighbors are always stoop chillin’ with a smile on their faces.  Add all of that to the fact that I can walk just a few short blocks to some of the hottest new bars and restaurants in NW, and it starts to make sense why I never leave this area.  Two of the most recent additions to my favorite hood, both of which have already been acclaimed by the Washington Post, are Right Proper Brewery Company and El Rey.

Right Proper Brewery Company

Right around the corner from the Shaw/Howard Metro and next to Howard Theater on T street, this spot opened in December and has been literally packed ever since.  They offer several beers that are brewed in house, along with several other domestic items like DC Brau, all of which are shockingly low-priced between $4 and $5. Beer aside, the food is phenomenal.  I have eaten there several times, and can definitely attest to Right Proper’s undying popularity.  Below are some of my faves:

Chilled Avocado Snack & Bacon-Fried Kale Side

Eight-hour Lamb French Dip (amazeballs)

All Beef Chili

 

check out the full menu here 

 

El Rey

The brains behind the Brixton, American Ice Company, and Satellite Room opened a fourth U Street gem also back in December- El Rey.  It’s located directly next to Dodge City and you definitely can’t miss the cool construction.  The taqueria is made entirely out of shipping containers and has a retractable roof for those beautiful summer nights.  I’ve already enjoyed several margaritas and some delicious tacos.  My favorite was the al Pastor taco, filled with pork shoulder, pineapple, and chipotle sauce.  Also convenient for U Street, the takeout window is open until 4am on weekend nights to fill your grumbling tummies after a late-night dance sesh.

Pictured above: The al Pastor, the Carne Asada, and the Pescado.  Menu here!

Hit up one or both of these spots for a weekday date night or a weekend hangout.  Whether it be a Tuesday at 7pm or a Saturday at midnight, I can guarantee you will be pleased.

Nommin’ Out/In: Greek Spot

I’m back after a holiday hiatus!  Hope you all had marvelous Christmases, Hanukkahs, Kwanzaas, etc and are back on that work grind. I’m devoting this post to my house’s new tradition: Seamless Sundays.  Basically, most of our Sundays are spent lounging on the couch, watching stellar movies, and ordering (at least) one meal via Seamless.  In case you’ve been living under a rock, Seamless is an online food-ordering platform that saves lives.  Seamless has it all- Italian, Chinese, Thai, Sushi, Burgers, Mexican, and even Malaysian for those of you feeling adventurous.  My favorite place to order from resides in the Greek category, and aptly named Greek Spot. Located just off of U street NW on 11th street, Greek Spot produces quite possibly the best gyros ever made.  The $6.75 lamb gyro (they also have veggie) has thin strips of meat, lettuce, tomato, feta and tzatziki sauce.  Paired with their peppery french fries and extra tzatziki, this meal is sure to take your Sunday from sub-par to incredible.  I have also tried the gyro platter (pictured) that comes with orzo and the Greek burger, both of which are bomb. You can order online at Seamless, Greek spot’s website online ordering, or by phone at (202) 265-3118.  I highly encourage you to add this spot to your dining repertoire, and feel free to adopt Seamless Sundays as part of your own lifestyle. It’s fantastic.

Nommin’ Out: The Dickson

 

A discreet multi-level building with almost no signage, the Dickson Wine Bar is a gem to add to your happy hour musings.  Located on 9th and U St, it’s small with a super cool interior.  The walls are lined with hundreds of dark green, blue, and brown recycled wine bottles, and the cozy bar level has cute high top tables that fit parties of four.  I sat in the bar along the window on one of several high top seats, allowing for sidewalk views and a direct line of vision to Nellie’s Sports Bar (sidewalk stalking may or may not be a blog motif).  Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 5-7pm, and boasts $5 house wines (red, white, & sparkling) and select brews.  Pictured above is an appetizer from their dinner menu: $6 carrot dip with capers and feta, served with warm bread.  This was the perfect accompaniment to my house white wine, and the ideal size for a twosome.  And speaking of twosomes, the Dickson is a GREAT date place.  You can pick a level depending on your desired surroundings (i.e. bar level you will be sitting 10 inches from the next couple, whereas the top level is a bit more spread out) and its dark with great aesthetics.  Snag a companion and get there!