Photo by R Lopez
Dish of the Week: Savory waffles
Where: Belga Cafe, BToo, Brasserie Beck
In the immortal words of Leslie Knope, everyone’s favorite fictional public servant, “We need to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles, work. Or waffles, friends, work. Doesn’t matter, but work is third.” As any good waffle aficionado knows, waffles can cure all sorts of ills, from a broken heart to one’s waning faith in the American electoral system. And when a waffle craving hits, there’s no substitute for that light, crisp texture and those little nooks and crannies designed for holding melted butter and syrup. Pancakes are for amateurs.
Waffles aren’t just for breakfast though; they’re amazing any time of the day. They are also surprisingly good with savory toppings. By now you may be familiar with fried chicken and waffles, a quintessential soul food combination of sweet and salty. But local chefs have been thinking of other ways to get creative with this Belgian classic, from cheese or vegetable-laced batters to waffle sandwiches.
District diners can try some inventive waffles at several area Belgian restaurants. BToo (1324 14th St NW) always features savory waffles on their menu, including a wild mushroom version, a decadent lobster waffle, and even a waffle stuffed with blood sausage. Belga Cafe (514 8th St SE) also has some pretty far out renditions, with toppings that range from seafood to sweetbreads to beef tongue. For those with dietary restrictions, there’s even a gluten-free waffle made with quinoa. And during brunch, Brasserie Beck (1101 K Street, NW) offers both sweet and savory breakfast waffles.
Small Bites
The puns only get funnier as the night goes on
Pizzeria Paradiso’s Dupont Circle outpost (2003 P St NW) is getting punny today. In honor of National Grammar Day (yes, that’s actually a thing), the bar will be doing a tap takeover featuring beers with funny or punny names like Mikkeller’s Get Wit or Die Trying or 3 Stars’ Zombie Date Night. Sure, some of these might be groan-worthy, but it definitely beats diagramming sentences.
Ethiopian food gets the fast casual treatment
Proving no cuisine is sacred, Ethiopian food will be going fast casual at the forthcoming LaTena (3100 14th Street NW) in Columbia Heights. While the menu will feature typical Ethiopian fare, diners will have the option of getting their dishes in a wrap or with bread or rice instead of injera if they don’t want to eat with their hands. The restaurant will also feature a coffee shop with plans to host traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies on Sundays in the summer. LaTena is scheduled to open this spring.
Ain’t no party like a raclette party because a raclette party is filled with cheese
Experience the gooey joy of raclette, Switzerland’s answer to fondue, at The Fainting Goat’s raclette party on Friday, March 11 at 8 p.m. Enjoy a traditional dinner of melted cheese-topped potatoes, charcuterie, pickled veggies, and bread. The $65 ticket also includes beer and a butterscotch budino for dessert. Seats are limited so reserve by calling (202) 735-0344 or emailing info@thefaintinggoatdc.com. Reservations are limited to two seats per person.
M.E. Swing’s closing temporarily
M.E. Swing Coffee Roasters (1702 G St. NW), a favorite of many downtown office workers, will be shuttering their G Street location in order to make way for building renovations. According to their Facebook page, the shop won’t be able to return to their current location until 2017, though they are currently searching for a temporary location. In the meantime, be sure to get your caffeine fix before their last day on March 25.
