Washington, D.C.

We've given you food for thought. Now give us your vote for the hottest new chef, baker, or other foodie front-runner.

Nominees in the Taste Category

  • Nicolas Jammet, Nathaniel Ru, and Jonathan Neman

    Nicolas Jammet, Nathaniel Ru, and Jonathan Neman Sweetgreen

    Recent Georgetown grads Nicolas Jammet, Nathaniel Ru, and Jonathan Neman emphasize health at their ecofriendly salad spot. Chicken curry with mango dressing and drool-worthy yet diet-friendly desserts are on the menu. Read More

  • a sweet deal!

    Originally published on August 1, 2007

    The Sweet Life

    Sweetgreen Opens

    Filling the shoes of a beloved legacy is daunting (just ask Drew Carey).

    Which is why no one has successfully gotten close to the Little Tavern space since it closed years ago.

    Until now. A group of Georgetown grads is opening an ecofriendly salad-centric resto in the former hamburger joint’s tiny green-roofed building.

    Appropriately named Sweetgreen, the spot will offer chef-crafted salads like the Bondi, with mesclun, grilled chicken, and wasabi peas; and the Curry Gold, with romaine, curried chicken, and mango dressing. They’ll also have mix-your-own options and plenty of healthy and organic ingredients.

    And you can indulge in dessert guilt free with Sweetflow, a natural frozen yogurt that’s sweetened with fresh fruit (think lychee) and good-for-you toppings (try maple granola).

    They aim to do mostly takeout, but there are a few to-be-coveted seats on the little side patio.

    In other words, come on down.


    Sweetgreen, 3333 M Street NW, at Bank Alley (202-337-9338 or eatsweetgreen.com).

  • Barton Seaver

    Barton Seaver Hook

    The easy-on-the-eyes chef centered his seafood-heavy, seasonal menu on sustainable cuisine. The result: absolute deliciousness. Read More

  • get hooked!

    Originally published on April 25, 2007

    Captain Hook

    Hook Restaurant Opens

    For you, the word hook conjures up visions of pirates, ships, and Robin Williams as an overgrown Peter Pan.

    But that ought to change with the opening of Hook, the new restaurant from Chef Barton Seaver (of Bar Pilar and Cafe Saint-Ex).

    The seafood restaurant centers on sustainable cuisine — all of the menu’s fish comes from small, artisanal sources that practice responsible fishing. Its meat and dairy are certified humane, and its produce is locally farmed. (Wind energy credits were even purchased to power the place.)

    Menu highlights include Maine scallops with almond milk and sofrito, Columbia River sturgeon with oregano and black olive oil, and Chesapeake smoked tomato bouillabaisse with orange-Pernod aioli.

    Take a seat at the long bar, make friends at the communal table, or gaze at ocean photography from Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau’s EarthEcho International from your spot on the banquette.

    Before you know it, you’ll be a regular. And (need we say it?) hooked.


    Hook, 3241 M Street NW, between Wisconsin Avenue and 33rd Street (202-625-4488 or hookdc.com).

  • Lizzy Evelyn and Nichole Ferrigno

    Lizzy Evelyn and Nichole Ferrigno Paisley Fig

    Local pastry chefs Lizzy Evelyn and Nichole Ferrigno won us over with made-from-scratch, all-natural desserts like honey goat cheesecakes, chocolate zucchini bread, cream biscuits, and white-chocolate cherry cookies. Read More

  • yummy!

    Originally published on October 23, 2007

    Hot to Trot

    Fall 2007 Wedding Guide

    They say everyone gets cold feet. But don’t worry, we’ve got ways to help you warm up to the big day.

    Can’t Stand the Heat
    Stay out of the kitchen and call local gals Lizzy Evelyn and Nichole Ferrigno of Paisley Fig to whip up delicious sweets like mini honey goat cheesecakes, flourless chocolate tarts, and shortbread cookie favors.

    It’s Getting Hot in Here
    Heat things up on the dance floor with salsa, reggae, bossa nova, and other tunes from Neal Becton, a.k.a. DJ Neville C. You might know him from his nights spinning at Cafe Saint-Ex, Science Club, and Bourbon (202-907-8586; neal_becton@yahoo.com).

    charming!

    Radiate Charm
    No matter what happens, you won’t sweat it if you’re wearing custom jewelry by local designer Sissy Yates. She’ll work with you to design something perfect for your wedding-day look — whether modern or antique (202-262-2834).

    Hot Stuff
    Don’t leave the groom out in the cold. Make sure he looks dashing in a custom tailored suit and shirt from VM Clothiers. He can choose from 600 fabrics, plus monograms and collar and cuff styles (703-981-8814).

    plant away!

    Let the Sun Shine In
    Don’t add to global warming with more trash. Put more oxygen into the environment with letterpress invitations by Baltimore-based Gilah Press + Design. They’re printed on all-natural handmade seed paper that your guests can plant for a wild flower garden (Hitched, 1523 Wisconsin Avenue; 202-333-6162).

    Come Inside
    Forget outdoor weddings. Have your fete inside at Heineman Meyers Contemporary Art, now available for parties and receptions. There’s a big, open space, and they guarantee art on the walls. Plus, they’re flexible with caterers (4728 Hampden Lane, Bethesda; 301-951-7900).

    smile!

    Rekindling the Fire
    If things get frosty, relive every warm moment in black and white or color with photos snapped by ace photog Andrew Reilly (443-676-1926).

    Now you can keep your cool.


    For more ways to make your wedding memorable, check out our spring 2007 wedding guide.