succotash
915 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
tel: 202) 849-6933
what was consumed: succotash's happy hour menu (smoked chicken wings, pulled pork sliders, pimento cheese, deviled eggs).
may the influence of korean america continue, this time with chef edward lee! (and may my support of them live long!). i've been a fan since top chef (of course. i've even read his book!), but this was the first time i got a chance to dine at any one of his establishments. i'm so glad he made it to the DC area!
k and i met at succotash, opted to sit at the bar, and proceeded to order the entire HH menu ... and we were not disappointed. even someone who is not a fan of chicken wings (k, not me) gobbled quite a few down. and if the deviled eggs aren't on the menu, be sure to ask for them: each bite has a hidden but delicious bit of kimchee. yum.
succotash is located in a really convenient location (i.e. take public transportation. parking in chinatown is sometimes difficult), an easy location to suggest for people to meet. it's located in a former bank location and it looks like they've kept some of the previous architecture/style, which i actually really appreciated. its location also means that the professionals from around town will also gather at succotash (understandably). but don't mind all of the suits when you go. just look forward to the tasty treats!
the national harbor also has a location, under the same "succotash" name. i'll have to get out there one of these days to see how it compares. i'm sure it, too, will be great!
online: succotashrestaurant.com/
haikan
805 V St NW, Washington, DC 20001
tel: 202) 299-1000
what was consumed: a few happy hour specials (cirspy pork belly, chicken kara-age, haikan fries, deviled eggs) as well as a veggie ramen with extra chasyu (this is turning into my favorite MO when enjoying ramen. not so traditional, but ... YUM).
looking for a fun ramen, and then some, place? be sure to check out haikan.
my "ladies who dine group" decided to head to haikan for an evening of chatter and delicious food. on a cold night, ramen just sounded even better. it was easy to make a reservation at haikan, and i'm glad that we did (though it was a little bit tight for our group of 6). but that's ok! haikan has a fun vibe - the happy hour crowd is boisterous, just as is the dinner crowd that comes in afterward. definitely try the happy hour bites - they are delicious. and while haikan specializes in ramen, i enjoy the other little things they have to offer. a little something for everyone (though, who doesn't like ramen?). oishi!
also, there's something really fun about the area around that atlantic plumbing building (the 9:30 club, the other restaurants ... and i love that movie theater). happy to see this as a part of my former stomping grounds. can't wait to try the other things around there!
online: https://www.haikandc.com/
pineapple and pearls
715 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
tel:202) 595-7375
what was consumed: the day's set menu
everyone has been talking about pineapple and pearls (including the michelin folks). and i can see why. yes, it's on the pricier side. yes, it's more fancy than i'm accustomed to. but there's something about the creative, fun, and super delicious treats that are served at pineapple and pearls that make this a must-have dining experience.
k and i had been wanting to go, so we nabbed a few reservations (mind you, weeks in advance) and looked forward to an evening of delicious bites and lots of chatter. upon arrival, we were greeted by a welcome drink (non-alcoholic varieties were also available) until we were escorted to our seats (at the bar. no worries - same menu at the bar!). pineapple and pearls proceeded to delightfully overwhelm us with an adventure for our taste buds. each course came out, timed perfectly, with a knowledgeable staff who explained what we were eating and, as appropriate, the recommended way to enjoy the dish. i could have relished in everything pineapple ad pearls had to offer, but (sadly) there's only so much room in my stomach. sigh.
so save your pennies, find a fun person to spend a couple of hours with, make a reservation, and enjoy everything pineapple and pearls has to offer!
online: https://www.pineappleandpearls.com/
succotash
may the influence of korean america continue, this time with chef edward lee! (and may my support of them live long!). i've been a fan since top chef (of course. i've even read his book!), but this was the first time i got a chance to dine at any one of his establishments. i'm so glad he made it to the DC area!
succotash is located in a really convenient location (i.e. take public transportation. parking in chinatown is sometimes difficult), an easy location to suggest for people to meet. it's located in a former bank location and it looks like they've kept some of the previous architecture/style, which i actually really appreciated. its location also means that the professionals from around town will also gather at succotash (understandably). but don't mind all of the suits when you go. just look forward to the tasty treats!
