A Gluttonous Week

Udon and mushroom

DC definitely has a food scene, but for the most part I would describe it as superficial and overpriced. But there are some gems in this transient city. My mother came to visit this week, so we made the rounds at a few local favorites.

Saturday and Friday: The Lebanese Taverna

This is my go-to for convenient Mediterranean food. It is super close to my apartment, and offers a lovely array of small dishes suitable for vegans. Plus, if bread is within your diet, there is a never-ending supply of fresh, warm pita!

Sunday: Indian Yoga Graduation!

I taught my yoga final class and then celebrated with my yogi classmates with Indian food and vegan desserts! Have no idea where it came from, but was sooo yummy!

Monday: Founding Farmers

This is quite a favorite, with a special vegan menu. I am particularly fond of the flatbread with onion jam and apples (sans brie). Sustainability and supporting small-scale farmers sits as the core mission of the restaurant.

Make-your-own bowl

Wednesday: Java Green

This is one of the few fully vegan spots to dine in DC. This and Cafe Green (vegetarian) are owned and operated by the same folks, and offer a suite of vegan, raw, and gluten-free items. I am partial to their bowls, and got one with kelp noodles, mushrooms, carrots, kale, and a raw soy dressing. My mother ordered their udon and mushroom bowl. Meals are reasonably-priced, but if you're hankering for a vegan and/or gluten-free baked good, you'll get more bang for your buck at Sticky Fingers in Columbia Heights.

Sweet and sour cauliflower

Thursday: Co Co. Sala

Very non-vegan dessert is the highlight of this restaurant near Penn Quarter. Chocolate Onyx consists of a chocolate mousse, chocolate sorbet, and a cinnamon toffee bonbon. For a slightly less decadent, but considerably more vegan, dessert, there is a sorbet montage. As to the food, the sweet and sour cauliflower was delicious, but quite small. It is best to go during Restaurant Week, because you get a much better deal!

Chocolate Onyx

Saturday: Filomena

A very popular hole-in-the-wall, this Georgetown Italian establishment is far from vegan-friendly, but has some lovely salads and side dishes that suit. Pasta Mamas sit churning out freshly-made gnocchi, ravioli, and manicotti. It's very authentic; my mother and aunt praised the sauces and pastas.

This is my last hurrah before Passover. While all the excess of this week has been enjoyable, I am quite looking forward to turning over a new leaf on healthy dieting.