Hello! If you noticed my absence these past few days, I was away on a three-day, food-focused trip to Washington, DC, hosted by Destinations DC, the city’s official convention and tourism organization. I traveled with longtime food and travel friends Tina from Carrots n Cupcakes and Leslie from And Her Little Dog Too. This trip combined my two great passions: discovering new flavors and exploring a vibrant urban food scene.
Washington, DC is an exciting culinary destination with something for every palate. Neighborhood favorites and casual eateries serve affordable, authentic dishes from around the world—Ethiopian, Salvadoran, Mexican, Thai, and more—while top-tier, award-winning restaurants deliver refined, memorable dining experiences. The city is also home to celebrated chefs and James Beard–recognized talent, creating a mix of comfort food and cutting-edge cuisine that makes DC a must-visit for food lovers.
We stayed at the Washington Hilton, which recently completed a comprehensive renovation with modern updates and thoughtful touches. The staff were welcoming and attentive, and the rooms felt fresh and comfortable. I particularly enjoyed the little extras in the lobby—seasonal infused waters like mint and cranberry—that add a polished hospitality touch and make a stay feel more personal.
The hotel even engaged with guests on social platforms during our visit, which was a fun, contemporary way to interact with staff and learn more about hotel offerings.
Bon Appétit!
No culinary tour of Washington, DC is complete without a visit to Julia Child’s kitchen, preserved and displayed at the National Museum of American History. Seeing her workspace in person offers a moving glimpse into the life and legacy of a chef who helped shape American food culture.
What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?
We also explored the “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?” exhibit at the National Archives, which traces the government’s influence on American food and dietary habits over time. The exhibit provides a fascinating perspective on how public policy, wartime needs, and cultural shifts have impacted the American table.
After the museum visits, we enjoyed cocktails and small plates at America Eats Tavern, a seasonal pop-up inspired by historical American dishes and the stories behind them. The concept uses forgotten recipes and regional specialties to tell the broader American culinary story. Chef José Andrés brought modern technique and thoughtful presentation to classic flavors, creating an engaging, nostalgia-tinged menu. During our visit we sampled a range of beverages—Moscow Mules, switchel, grog, a classic champagne cocktail, rickey, and a spirited Horse’s Neck with a kick—all curated to echo historic American tastes. The pop-up donates its proceeds to support the National Archives, reinforcing the connection between food and cultural preservation.
We enjoyed playful, Jose-style boneless buffalo wings that reimagined a familiar favorite with modern technique and flavor balance.
Desserts were artistic and refined: a deconstructed key lime pie and an elegantly composed pecan pie, each plated to highlight texture and acidity alongside sweet, nutty notes.
By the end of that cocktail-focused evening, we were happily content and ready for more culinary exploration the next day.
Fit for a President
On another night we experienced a five-course tasting at the District Line, prepared by a chef experienced in cooking for official events. The meal showcased technical skill, quality ingredients, and elegant plating. Among several standout dishes, the tea-smoked five-spice duck breast was rich and aromatic, and the medallion of venison was tender and perfectly seasoned—two dishes I would happily order again.
Every course at District Line was thoughtfully composed, reinforcing why Washington’s dining scene continues to grow in reputation—bridging high-end technique with regional and global influences.
That wrapped up our first day of indulgence—yes, it was a lot of food, but it was a delicious introduction to the city’s culinary offerings. There’s more to come from the trip, including a few recipes inspired by what we tasted and a giveaway, so stay tuned for the next installment.