First Impressions: Bread Furst Bakery in Van Ness

I just popped into Bread Furst while out running errands and it's so cute! But more importantly, check out these sandwiches and baked goods:

Multi-Grain Bread

Muffaletta

Ham & Cheese Sandwich

Housemade Fig Newtons

It's not quite as close to home as Palena Coffee Shop (RIP) was, but I can't wait to go back to Bread Furst, sit at one of the outdoor cafe tables and enjoy a pastry and coffee or sandwich and soda.

PS. When the staff caught me snapping photos, I loved that their response was, "We're on Instagram! Tag us!" Oh, you bet I did. Tagged. Followed. Blogged.

Bread Furst is located at 4434 Connecticut Avenue NW in Washington, DC, near the Van Ness Metro stop.

Where to Eat in NYC: Ivan Ramen's Slurp Shop at Gotham West Market

I've been following Ivan Orkin ever since I read about him in the first issue of Lucky Peach. So, when I heard he was opening Ivan Ramen's Slurp Shop in New York's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, I knew I had to go. (I mean, odds are I'm not making it to his flagship in Japan anytime soon.)

What I didn't realize was that it was nestled into Gotham West Market - an adorable incubator of food concepts on 11th Avenue between 44th and 45th. Upon entering, I went all wide-eyed and wanted to try everything. After all, there are eight different artisanal food purveyors and it's really hard to decide where to focus. 

But, I was on a mission, so I sidled up to Ivan Ramen's and ordered the Spicy Red Chile Ramen... mostly because it sounded like a dare. It was hearty, spicy, delicious... and certainly cleared the sinuses. It came with minced pork and smashed egg, so I thought adding pork belly and egg might be too much. Next time, I'd go big and layer those on too. The richness would balance out the heat. 

Spicy Red Ramen at Ivan Ramen's Slurp Shop

After that, I wandered around plotting my course for the next visit to Gotham West Market. I think Cannibal or Genuine Roadside will be the next target. (I'd add Blue Bottle Coffee, which is fantastic, but I've already been there on the West Coast.) I did get sucked into the Brooklyn Kitchen food market and shop where I took home a bottle of Mike's Hot Honey and this amazing macaron chocolate hazelnut ice cream sandwich by Jeni's.

Jeni's Ice Cream Sandwich from Brooklyn Kitchen

Thank God I'm not local. I'd be scouting condos to live above this gluttonous paradise.

Where to Eat in Santa Monica: Huckleberry Cafe

I flew into Los Angeles earlier this week for work, and before I slogged down to Anaheim, I met a friend for lunch at Huckleberry Cafe in Santa Monica.

I'd always heard it was great and it exceeded my expectations. The menu for lunch is simple sandwiches and salads that are almost fully locally sourced. I was trying to be healthy, so I pounced on the Kale Caesar Salad. It was. Great mix of greens and Parmesan - and I loved that the dressing came on the side. (I hate a too-wet-salad!)

Strawberry Tart at Huckleberry Cafe

Even though lunch was satisfying, we couldn't resist a return trip for dessert. I mean look at this summer strawberry tart! I was also drooling over the merengue lemon blueberry parfait, the strawberry donut and the ricotta peach salad.

I'll be back for that brunch too.

Huckleberry Cafe is located at 1014 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica, CA. Follow them on Twitter at @HuckCafe and try their other restaurants.

Where to Eat in Anaheim

Nowhere.

Am I wrong? If so, tell me in the comments. 

(Just returned from VidCon where food was meh at best... No, I had a lovely meal at Morton's... But I could do that in DC.)

Lunch at Osteria Morini Feels Like a Vacation

I took the Acela back to DC this morning and was filled with a longing to leap off and escape to the Eastern Shore for the day. Since that wasn't possible, I shifted my city lunch meeting to Osteria Morini so that I could at least sit in the sunshine by the river.

It was so relaxing and the food so fantastic, it made me feel like I was on vacation... Even if I had to be back in the office by 2pm.

Panzanella salad topped with prosciutto at Osteria Morini

There's a $25 two course lunch pairing, so I enjoyed the decadent panzanella salad followed by a pipette with zucchini ribbons and seasonal vegetables.

Pipette pasta with seasonal vegetables at Osteria Morini

I think I may have even picked up a tan.

Osteria Morini is located at 301 Water Street SE on the Anacostia River in the trendy Yards section of Southeast Washington, DC.

PS. Ice Cream Jubilee is opening right around the corner. I'm envisioning enjoying cup of her PB&J or Dark & Stormy ice cream while lazing by this adorable wading pool. 

The Yards Park wading pool and waterfall on the Anacostia River

Where to Get a Great Hangover Brunch in DC? Mintwood Place in Adams Morgan

Ok, I wasn't hungover... but the Mintwood Place Hangover Cure still had my name all over it. How could I resists something that starts with a burger (and Mintwood's burger is one of my faves in town) topped with grilled onions, crispy french fries, bacon, cheese, a fried egg and blistered shishito peppers?

Hangover Cure at Mintwood

Hangover or not, put it on your to-eat list. 

Mintwood Place is located at 1813 Columbia Road in Washington, DC and serves brunch on both Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am - 2:30pm. Reservations are recommended, or just grab a seat at the bar like I did.