the round up: june 2024

Food:

I cannot stop singing Ceibo’s praises. I am just so in awe of the food and the staff and truly think this is one of the best food in DC at the moment. Everyone should be running to try Ceibo.

I had a lovely brunch on the patio at Le Diplomate and we had a seafood platter, pea soup and a classic French omelette. It was such a nice way to spend the morning on a not-too-hot day.

Pastis has finely landed in DC so we had to go! We went for brunch is it was glorious. I can’t wait to go back for dinner!

I made Melissa Clark’s recipe for Crispy Chile-Glazed Tofu with Soba Noodles and it was honestly the perfect warm-weather meal. The noodles and tofu are warm and savory, topped with the cold and crunchy veggies, perfection!

We tried Bar Spero this month and it was super delicious. All the food was really amazing and the service was great too. My downside, is truly just the location. I really dislike that part of DC / never think to go over there. BUT would go back for Bar Spero. Some of the standouts to me where the broiled oysters, steak tartar, cucumber salad, mushrooms and the burger.

Perhaps these are fighting words, but the crunchy boi sandwich from Compliments Only is one of the best sandos in DC. If you put chips in your sando AND love a heavy-on-the-mayo sando, the crunchy boi is for you. Served on a hoagie roll, it has mayo (a lot), turkey, provolone cheese, shredduce (shredded lettuce), salt and vin, pickles, onions, AND CHIPS!! I want to take this sandwich to the beach!

Perhaps a little late to the party but the Austrian Bakery at the Dupont Farmers Market is SO GOOD. Their apple strudel is really just so delicious. I like the class flavor and like to warm it up a bit at home and serve it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

I declare this caprese girl summer! Caprese salad in any form - panini, salad, pasta salad, you name it. Tis the summer of tomato and mozzarella.

We went to a wedding in the Cutchogue, NY area and had a delicious lobster roll lunch at Braun Seafood Co. If you happen to be in the area, this should definitely be on your list.

On our way back from Long Island, we obvious had to stop at Uncle Guiseppe’s grocery store. We did a wee bit of damage and got some delicious things to bring home. Uncle Guiseppe’s is the Italian version of H Mart and I am HERE for it!

I made the most delish bean salad with super fresh and herby flavors and topped it with the most delish tin of tuna. It was a perfect warm-weather meal that I can’t wait to prep and make on repeat all summer!

My friends and I tried a new spot in Eden Center called Truong Tien Restaurant and it was really delicious! I got to try some new flavors and textures of Vietnamese food that were really amazing. I especially enjoyed the banh bot loc la which were tapioca dumplings wrapped in leaves.

I finally made it out to Mama Chang in Fairfax, VA and it was really delicious. Probably some of the best Chinese food I have had in the DC area! The menu is extensive and offers some things you don’t normally see on “American” Chinese menus, like pig ear salad (which is a favorite of mine, in general). If you haven’t been yet, this should be high on your list!

Drinks:

I tried a new cocktail this month called La Batanga (at Bar Spero) and it was tequila, Amaro and Mexican Coke and it was very very good. Super refreshing and light! I will definitely be recreating this at home.

I live for a Jack’s coffee. Their “dirty Harry” drink is one of my favorite coffee drinks out there. I always look forward to it when I go to the Hamptons.

Other:

LOVE ISLAND UK is BACK and I could not be more thrilled! My UK VPN and Love Island podcasts are queued up and ready to go!
I have a problem and I legit cannot stop cleaning out my closet. I feel like in the last year, I have really figured out what I like to wear and what looks nice on me so I have been really cleaning out the stuff I never reach for and swapping things out for things I really like. This summer, I have been loving what J Crew has to offer!

I found this brand, Elwood, that does incredible basics and ordered this sweatshirt and I am incredibly happy with it. It is soft, cozy and not too heavy - perfect for being in the AC during a DC summer!
We made a big life decision this month and while change is scary, it feels good to have made a decision!

We spent one night and two days in the Hamptons this month and I truly just love it so much. It has all the charms of a New England town with the “amenities” of New York (aka food and shopping). I love it there.

Lenny:

banh mi smash tacos