West End Bistro

Ok, sorry, it's been a long time since my last post, but have you been to Eric Ripert's West End Bistro yet? Try the Eastern Market Salad, it's probably the most exciting salad I've ever had, full of spice and salt.

Trader Joe's

Tonight at Trader Joe's in Foggy Bottom, the checkout line stretched all the way to the front of the store! Everyone was there to snap up good deals on everything from crackers and dips to meat, produce and low-priced beer and wine. Much better deal than Whole Foods, or as it's known, "Whole Paycheck."

Bebo pizza

Had a great pizza last night, cooked by Chef Roberto Donna himself, at Crystal City outpost Bebo Trattoria. The vitello tonnato wasn't half bad either. But I am the only one who forgot that you can still smoke in Virgina? Three at the corner of the bar puffed away while I tried to enjoy my Negroni.

Le Pain Quotidien...

...is coming to Georgetown. Chow Chow ate a fantastic sandwich on whole wheat bread at one of this chain's N.Y.C. locations. It's much more than just an Au Bon Pain competitor. The place has style, store made, artisan breads and even a communal table.

Central -- again

At Central, Chow skipped our usual Tuna Tar Tar for another "Tar" altogether, this one made of Filet Mignon. Generous portion arrived, slightly spicy, tart with some kind of sesame-type crunchies? Fantastic! And of course, the Cappuccino dessert pleased (split for two) with its foam, caramel and bitter chocolate layers. Good luck getting a table, or a seat at the bar for that matter.

Miller "Chill"

Chow was pretty excited when we saw the bus stop ads for "Miller Chill," a light beer with a hint of lime and salt," because Chow likes beer, lime and salt. Unfortunately a taste test proved false advertising: it went down more like a Sprite than a post-Tequila gulp.

Pizza?

So, there are actually many good pizzerias in DC -- 2 Amys, Paradiso, Sette. But Chow is partial to Sette because of the service and the taste, and the location. 2 Amys is the king, but its in Cathedral Park and not metro accessible and there's always a wait. Chow tried to get into Matchbox too, but there was an hour wait at 9:30! So we "settled" for old standby Sette, and enjoyed a nice caprese, spaghetti con vongole and a margherita. Nothing wrong with that.

Croque Monsieur

Have it at Beck's. Fantastic--truffled cheese, hot from the press, plus frites!

Lima

Lima's K Street outdoor lounge is hard to beat -- on a Washington evening with low humidity. The restaurant/club/lounge is quite relaxing, especially with a frozen blackberry mojito in hand. The Latin-themed joint's churros with chocolate and lemon dipping sauces is a heavy finsher, but great to share. Chow Chow heard the fish is fresh as can be, and the tuna tartar, while not super original or unique, is refreshing and light.

Mio: too damn loud!

Stopped in new spot Mio for a drink. It's probably the loudest restaurant I've ever had the displeasure of hearing. It's beautiful, lots of wood, open space, upper side level and open kitchen... but even at about half capacity, you have to be sitting next to someone to hear what they're saying. We could still hear conversations a block away. Too many restaurants forget the importance of acoustics. Definitely not a place for quiet tableside murmurings. Nice lounge in the front and while we didn't eat, I don't think I'd go back for dinner, especially with a large group.

Beck's

Chow tried Beck's charcoute encroute, a sort of wonderful package of boudin blanc, sauerkraut and potato? wrapped in parchment paper. Perhaps a bit heavy for summer but a lovely meal in a package, definitely split for two. By the way, try the Scaldis, Chow's favorite beer of the moment.

Brasserie Beck 1101 K Street NW

Proof--first take

Chow Chow took a first crack at Proof, the newest, and practically only true wine bar in the nation's capital. Chow was amazed by the attention to detail from the orange floors to the tiles on the columns. By now it's become a game in itself to run to the ladies' to see how creative the architect really is. Proof doesn't disappoint... the ladies' can is bedecked in silver wallpaper, spotted with hot pink burlesque ladies, strippin'! Plus I heard from a reliable source that the urinals actually feature naked ladies' bums! Fabulous! So, initial verdict: food, so-so, maybe too asian from the ex-Asia Nora chef. Wine: incredible. I'd go again, sit at the bar and enjoy the show, perhaps while munching on a nice plate of salumi and cheese.

Proof
775 G Street NW

Welcome

Hi, Welcome to Chow Chow DC, a real blog about the real DC dining scene. I've got the inside track on the newest capital area dining spots and trends. It's in my blood -- I've been eating out practically since I was born at the old Duke Zebert's, New York New York and well, the buffet at Congressional Country Club. Lets chat.