The DC Traveler

Be prepared for long lines during the exceptionally popular lunch hour (at times, close to an hour) at The Italian Store in suburban Arlington, Virginia.
It’s a Mecca for hungry lunchtime diners who flock to this Italian sandwich deli landmark, that’s been serving lovers of authentic Italian sandwiches since 1980.
The small Italian market and sandwich shop does a booming lunchtime business, thanks to its dozen-plus Philly-style sub sandwiches ($ 6.19-$ 7.69).  The sandwiches come in two sizes and are served on soft or hard Italian style rolls, along with sweet or hot peppers, lettuce, onions, oregano, and their own special …read more

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Washington, DC has tons of places for brunch where you need to get dressed up to enjoy an expensive and lavish Sunday brunch.  But how about a neighborhood joint that caters to locals and serves simple and hardy classic breakfasts, where wearing jeans and a sweatshirt is more than acceptable?
Then head on over to Jimmy T’s Place, just five blocks from The Capitol Building, for a classic diner,  no-frills breakfast. It’s been called the last of a dying breed- the classic greasy spoon and is a weekend ritual for people who live on The Hill.
Down home breakfasts ($5.00 – …read more

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Time again for Washington, DC’s Restaurant Week, where diners get to sample reduced priced 3-course lunches and dinners at over 170 area restaurants.
Lunches cost $20.08 and dinners just $35.08.
Some participating restaurants only offer a limited Restaurant Week menu for the price, some either lunch or dinner, while others might offer both, so make sure to ask. 
Additionally, some establishments may run specials just for the week, or for the week or two preceding or after Restaurant Week.
DC’s Restaurant Week is one of the two area-wide discounted dining events offered each year, the other week occurs in …read more

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On July 4th, towns and municipalities across the region host multiple Independence Day parades.
But the largest and most popular is the annual America’s National Independence Day Parade that runs down Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC.
DC’s Monuments make up the backdrop for the parade that’s packed with military units, classic fife and drum corps, marching bands, floats, giant tethered balloons, equestrian and drill teams, and more.

And while on the Mall, check out the National Folklife Festival.
Here’s a Washington Post link to other area July 4th parades.
America’s National Independence Day Parade  Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th …read more

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Now that the weather is warm (or perhaps hot), it’s time to enjoy a casual and relaxing cocktail outside, overlooking the Potomac River.
One of my favorite places to do just that in Washington, DC is Cantina Marina.

Okay, the above photo was taken in early April, on a Sunday morning, so the place looks dead, but it really does get a big crowd most evenings in warmer weather.
Situated in the Southwest Waterfront District, at the Gangplank Marina, the ultra casual and laid-back Cantina Marina offers 2,400 square feet of outdoor patio overlooking the Potomac, along with a small stage that has …read more

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With $40,000 in prize money up for grabs, not to mention bragging rights, the barbequed meats served at the always-popular annual National Capital Barbecue Battle in Washington, DC is sure to please.
Besides thousands of pounds of Carolina chicken, Texas brisket (my favorite), Memphis ribs, pulled pork and that great barbeque smell, there’s also:

Over 30 live bands on 3 stages, including headliners Roy Ayers, Leon Russell and Chuck Brown
Cooking demos and celebrity chefs
Lots of food sampling
National Pork BBQ Championship contest
BBQ marketplace for all types of sauces, rubs, marinades and more.
Children’s play area

So what’s my favorite place in the U.S. for barbeque? …read more

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Managed by the National Park Service, The Old Post Office Clock Tower offers one of the best views of Washington, DC and the National Mall area.
The building houses mostly commercial and governmental offices, along with a large atrium with shops, an entertainment stage, and a food court.
But the highlight of the building is just an elevator ride to the 270 foot-high observation deck. Being the third tallest building in Washington, DC, it offers fantastic panoramas of the National Mall.
Opened in 1899, the Post Office Building was located between the Capitol Building and the White House, an area which …read more

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You know it’s Springtime when the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC start to bloom.  And while they are not an official DC monument, the cherry trees in full blossom are one of Washington, DC’s most prized and loved attractions.

The 2-week festival begins Saturday, March 29th and runs until Sunday, April 13th, with peak viewing some time during that two weeks.  But I recommend that, if possible, you get  down to the National Mall early (the first weekend) to view the blossoms.  Historically, DC’s spring rains and wind can often put an abrupt and early end to the show.
Historically, the average …read more

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Today in 1634, America’s first tavern opened in Boston. Since then, enjoying a drink in a public house, even during prohibition of the 1920s, became part of the American way of life. 
And every city across America has it’s own list of classic and notable taverns, frequented by locals and eagerly visited by tourists.  New York has the legendary McSorleys (1854), Chicago has it’s share of classics, The Lodge, PJ Clark’s, and River Shannon. And Philadelphia has McGillin’s Old Ale House, dating back to 1860.
Likewise, Washington, DC has it’s share of classic bars, taverns and pubs as well.  And …read more

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Call it a soup or a stew, I love gumbo. Chicken gumbo. Fish gumbo. Shrimp gumbo. Chicken and sausage gumbo. As long as it’s rich and spicy. 
I fell in love with gumbo on my first trip to New Orleans, close to 20 years ago.
Since then, I’ve been working on the perfect gumbo recipe. 
And to celebrate Mardi Gras, twenty area professional chefs will show off their idea of a perfect gumbo.  They’ll compete in the 9th annual Chesapeake Chefs Association’s Signature Gumbo Competition on Sunday in suburban Annapolis, Maryland.  
Besides tastings of 20 different versions of New Orleans’ favorite dish, enjoy music, …read more

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