Three Days, Nine Meals (or More): Power Dining in Washington, DC

Washington DC Considering the important figures walking around Washington, DC, you never know when you might bump into a famous(ish) politician or media correspondent.

To boost your chances of DC-style celebrity-spotting, try out these delicious (and totally local) places for power dining.

So why not eat your way around town with the latest installment of our Three Days, Nine Meals series…

DAY ONE

Lunch

A favorite of everyone from businessmen to students, Taqueria El Charrito Caminante has the some of the most authentic Tex-Mex in the East. The go-to item on this menu is, of course, the taco, filled with your choice of goat, steak, chorizo, or chicken. Instead of being overloaded with cheese or sour cream, these tacos have the fresher taste of cilantro and avocado.

The small locale in the DC suburb of Arlington, VA, also offers “plates” with fajitas, enchiladas and burritos served with rice, beans and a salad. Even for those who don’t feel like a fiesta, TECC has a variety of sandwiches such as a chicken club and steak and cheese that come with fries and a soda for only $6.50. Wash down your meal choice with one of the Latino beverages like Inca Kola, horchata or maranon. 703-351-1177

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Dinner

Considering the city’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, getting at least one seafood meal is a must. Even though Hook is a much-buzzed-about restaurant, the interior has a distinctive homey, down-to-earth feel with a knowledgeable wait staff.

Start off with the tuna tartar, served with a raspberry gazpacho and ginger cilantro oil that enhances every aspect of the fish. Any entree is a good option, but my pick is the yellowfin tuna paired with squash, strawberries and a tomato jalapeño sauce. Each dish on the menu bears a unique stamp of layered flavors, including the inventive desserts. In fact, Hook’s Heather Chittum has been awarded multiple accolades as one of the top pastry chefs in the country. 202-625-4488, www.hookdc.com

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Palena has two dining sections: The bistro is more formal and gourmet, while the café offers a more laid-back experience. But, no matter where you sit, the roast chicken is a must. The meat takes some time to cook, but it always comes out tender with a simple, buttery taste.

Another top item is the cheeseburger, served simply with cheese and butter. Order a side of fries, served with a couple of deep-fried lemon slices that really spices up a normal dish. The bistro also offers some prix-fixe menus from $58-$76 per person. For dessert, all options are top-notch, but the banana chocolate cream pie is a standout, perfectly blending banana, chocolate and caramel. 202-537-9250, www.palenarestaurant.com

DAY TWO

Breakfast

Just blocks away from the White House, the Tabard Inn Restaurant is a great place to fill up before setting out for the day. The dining room is extremely airy and bright with white tablecloths at all hours. Try the scrambled eggs served with chives and cream cheese or the omelet filled with a variety of fillings like Gruyere and house-smoked salmon. For something sweet, try the brioche French toast. Whatever you decide, make sure you start off with the freshly baked scones, which bring forth the flavors of an authentic English tea. 202-331-8528, www.tabardinn.com

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Lunch

Although a chain in the D.C. area, Moby Dick’s House of Kabob serves food that can’t be found at regular fast-food joints. With a healthy slant, the menu items revolves around fresh veggies and lean meats.

Order the lamb, chicken, gyro or tendolin on either a salad, sandwich or plate served over rice. The meat has an almost curry-like flavor, and practically falls apart at the first bite. Wash down this relatively cheap lunch with homemade milk drink called Doogh or follow it up with a slice of baklava. www.mobysonline.com

Dinner

Known as both Michel Richard Citronelle or just Citronelle, the food that comes out of this kitchen is impeccable. The Promenade Gourmande tasting menu is absolutely excellent, but costs $190 without the wine pairings. Have no fear, you can still order a la carte.

Start off on the savory side with the Parmesan-bacon soup or the goat-cheese ravioli. Then order any of the burgers, tuna, lobster, or lamb, which are truly unlike anything you have ever had before. Or indulge in Texas-style short ribs for two covered in peppercorn sauce, which is one of the chef’s specialties. Another Richard specialty is the Rhode Island skate rolled with crab. Of course ask your server about the best wine pairings for your choices, as this restaurant boasts one of the top wine lists in town. 202-625-2150, www.citronelledc.com

Don’t miss the Off the Brochure Travel Guide: Washington, DC

Dessert

Instead of spotting by Pinkberry or Red Mango, get some ice cream from a local purveyor. With a simple philosophy, Thomas Sweet is dedicated to using the finest ingredients available in their daily, homemade ice cream and chocolate.

Probably the most popular item is the Blend-In, made with three kinds of fresh fruit, candies or cookies blended in with your favorite ice cream flavor. Remember to pick up homemade fudge and chocolates to bring home to friends and family who can’t sample the delicious ice cream. 202-337-0616, www.thomassweet.com

Hungry yet? Find more foodie experiences in our Culinary Travel section.

DAY THREE

Breakfast

With the ambiance of an Eastern European coffee and pastry shop, Leopold’s Kafe & Konditorei serves breakfast with an exotic twist. Try the Leopold’s Frühstück, two eggs served with toast and smoked ham, or the Belgische zucherwaffein, a classic Belgian sugar waffle topped with whipped cream and honey or chocolate. Or step out of the box and try the Kaiserschmarrn mit Zwetschgenröster, a scrambled soufflé plated with a plum-compote and currants. The fresh coffee is excellent, but you can get the full experience with a cup of one of the exotic teas. 202-965-6005, www.kafeleopolds.com

Lunch

Ben’s Chili Bowl offers diners not just food, but a true DC experience and institution since 1958. The place is so popular that hungry diners may have to wait outside, but not to worry, the food is worth it.

Classic Ben’s dishes include down home chili, chili dogs, chili burgers, and even chili subs. Also available is vegetarian chili as well as tuna sandwiches, veggie burgers and turkey burgers … all of which you can order with chili. Try some of Ben’s golden fries or stick with the theme and get chili-cheese fries. For dessert, there’s cake, but a better choice is a thick, homemade milkshake in all the regular flavors or a fun option like piña colada or banana. 202-667-0909, www.benschilibowl.com

Ben’s was also a pick in our Ask the Locals City Guide: Washington, DC.

Dinner

In a city that mixes so many cultures, TenPenh is a perfect representation of Asian fusion, starting with the dining room set up by a Feng Shui master. Start off with the Peking-style duck roll made with moo shu pancakes and cucumber or the wok-seared spicy calamari salad served with Sriracha chili and cashews.

For an entrée try the Thai basil pesto salmon served over lo mein noodles or the Chinese-style smoked lobster plated with stir-fry vegetables and fried spinach. The desserts may sound appetizing, but a better option is to go back and order a few more appetizers. 202-393-4500, www.tenpenh.com

Easily one of the best steakhouses in the country, Prime Rib has locations in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, DC. The capital city locale has become a destination for many a power meal.

Its bright décor sets the tone of an old Manhattan supper club, complete with waiters wearing suits and a jacket requirement for male diners.

Start off your meal with something from the raw bar like the oysters on the half shell or the cherrystone clams. Salads are available, but at this place it’s really just filler. For an entrée, a great choice is the roast prime rib, roasted and served with the bone in for added flavor.

But if steak is on your mind, then go the bone-in filet mignon—you’ll be amazed by how much of a different a bone makes. Sides should include creamed spinach and the sautéed mushrooms, both of which compliment the meat perfectly. If you can eat any more after that, desserts are an option, but you may want to go back to the side menu for more savory delicacies. 202-466-8811, www.theprimerib.com

By Courtney Crowder for PeterGreenberg.com.

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