Dumbarton Oaks Park

K- Near Georgetown there is a gorgeous, little park called Dumbarton Oaks Park.  Last weekend took Heidi, the dog, for a humid, adventurous walk to see what this park was like. We walked for two hours and didn’t see the whole thing. Part of the reason is we ended up on “Lover’s Lane,” which is kind of part of Rock Creek Park and goes to Dumbarton Oaks Park. However it was a nice path in itself. Despite the recent rains and a bit of mud, quite a few people were walking about and enjoying the scenery.  Everything was pretty and green and the creek made a nice burbling sound as the water rushed through. If you are looking for a place to have a Zen moment, I recommend coming here and having a leisurely walk or picnic.

There are several ways to access Dumbarton Oaks Park. Many or most people take a short stroll downhill along an asphalted pedestrian-only lane, Lovers’ Lane, which descends from R Street NW in Georgetown. Lovers’ Lane is located approximately 200 feet east of R Street and 31st Street NW.  Lovers’ Lane separates Dumbarton Oaks estate from Montrose Park and is signposted by a green-on-white wooden plaque reading,  “Dumbarton Oaks Park, Open Dawn to Dusk.”  The lane descends one-fourth of a mile to the Park entrance at the bottom of the hill. Free, street parking is available on R Street NW.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Farmers Fishers Bakers – Our new go-to place for pre-theater dining

C – Getting in and out of the Kennedy Center can be a bit of a pain, and once you’re there, your dining options are limited. K and I went to Farmers Fishers Bakers at Washington Harbour before heading out to La Boheme, and I have to say, it kind of worked for us.

The hook at FFB – can I call it FFB? – is “Farm to fork.” Related to Founding Farmers on Pennsylvania Avenue, FFB serves dishes with ingredients sourced from American family farmers in a creative, eco-friendly setting. You might think that means it’s pretentious, but think again. It’s all quite casual. Prices vary, but you can get away pretty inexpensively if you want. (My favorite, the Detroit Deep Dish w/Meatball is only $11, and it’s massive!) The choices are varied. Feel like sushi? They’ve got it. Steak Frites? No problem. Jambalaya? You bet.

Detroit Red Top

I’d recommend starting with the Bread and Broths. It’s exactly as it sounds, but with a remarkable amount of roasted garlic.

Bread and Broths

 

As for entrees, K had the Cauliflower Steak & Risotto which satisfied her need for a no meat entree quite well. On the traditional steak side, the 5oz Butcher’s “Butter” Rib Cut is excellent, and small enough so you don’t have to roll away after the meal.

Cauliflower Steak

 

The Virginia Peanut Butter Mousse and Floating Smith Island are the only deserts I can vouch for. Both good, but given the choice, I’d go for the mousse again.

 

Finally, or maybe I should have started with this, the cocktails. It’s a crazy assortment of craft beers, wine and insane drinks. They have a proprietary line of spirits, “Beer Cocktails”, and a Signature Tiki Redux section, which scares me a little. The Zombies come with a limit of how many a customer may have: two.

Farmers Fishers Bakers
3000 K Street NW
Washington Harbour
Washington, DC 20007

Paul – Mais oui

K- I don’t buy lunch very often as I usually make it at home and bring it with me. Sometimes I will eat out with friends and on occasion, when I’ve forgotten my lunch and left it on the kitchen counter, I will go out and buy something but I’m usually not too happy about it – until now.

La Maison Paul has opened up a shop at Farragut North, 1000 Connecticut Ave NW, which is a couple of blocks away from my office. So I’m quite excited to forget my lunch as it gives me an excuse to pick up a Sandwich Atlantique with smoked salmon, lettuce, lemon cream spread, fresh tomatoes on a Paul sesame baguette. The baguette is nice and crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside just like it should be. The salmon, lettuce and tomatoes taste fresh – no fishy taste here – and the lemon cream spread adds a nice finish and doesn’t overwhelm.

I’ve also picked up a baguette to bring home as well as the eclairs that taste like a bit of chocolate heaven. The first time I had one I only bought one and shared it. Now, I don’t share, I’d rather buy two!

At lunchtime Paul does become crazy busy so be prepared to wait, order online or get their earlier or later.

Okay… I wrote the first part of this post and forgot to take photos as I was so enthusiastic to tuck into my lunch. So, I went back another day  but decided to pick up something later in the afternoon to take home for dinner.  Sadly, I was a little disappointed. There was only one eclair left and one Sandwich Atlantique, which looked a bit tired. I decided rather than one eclair and sharing it, I’d try a blueberry tart.  I also asked if there were any other Sandwich Atlantiques (my heart and stomach was set on this type of sandwich) and was told that was it.  As I was handed it, I looked it over and the lettuce and tomatoes just looked like it had been sitting there for quite a bit (although in the photo it does look much better). I asked if I could have another and they said it would have to be made in the kitchen – I said I didn’t mind. I’m almost certain I got the same sandwich in another bag. The lettuce was still a bit wilting and there was very little salmon. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t the amazing sandwich I had previously had.

My advice – at least at Farragut North – go in the early afternoon, you have a better, wider choice with fresher sandwiches.

@Paul_USA has locations in Georgetown, Foggy Bottom, Penn Quarter and now at Tyson’s Galleria in McLean!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.