Pizzeria Paradiso

Pizzeria Paradiso is located in one of my favorite areas in DC: Dupont Circle. The area is humming with activity. On a nice day you can sit on any given patio and just watch the world go by, the well-dressed, DC citizens of the world that is.

This particular day was beautiful out. I sat down and was immediately served a bowl of olives and given an extensive beer list (I'm talking a short story). The olives were divine and a much better app than bread. As I perused the beer list I noticed they had just about everything I had ever heard of plus so many I hadn't. I ended up having the waiter suggest an IPA. He recommended the Dogfishhead 61 minute. Dogfishhead is one of my favorites but I had never had the 61, but I took his recommendation.

The pizza menu is almost as extensive as the beer menu. Again I simply asked for suggestions. As I waited for my pizza I started observing my dining companions: men in business suits, son taking his parents out, ladies who lunch. It was an eclectic group, exactly what you expect from Dupont.

The olives were done the pizza had arrived. DELICIOUS! I scarfed most of it down without a thought. I got the Atomica. It was spicy, but not too spicy. The olives gave it a slightly salty flavor. Yum. You could definitely share, but probably won't want to.

I lost steam. The waiter came to check on me. Noticed my empty beer and suggested I try something special they had just put on tap the Bells 2 Hearted. As I sat and observed the crowd and the people walking down P Street I reveled in the sun. It really was a glorious day and I was delightfully full from the pizza. My beer arrived and I enjoyed it and the scenery for the next hour. I wasn't rushed out, the waitstaff was great.

If you are looking for a wonderful, casual place to eat, drink and people watch Paradiso is the place.

http://www.eatyourpizza.com/tag/pizzeria-dupont-circle/ 

The complimentary olives.

What was left of the pizza when I remembered to take a pic.

Martin's Tavern

Martin's Tavern in Georgetown.

From JFK and Jackie O to Tucker Carlson, anyone who's anyone in DC goes to Martin's. So naturally I had to see what all the hype was about.

As soon as Chris and I walked in I got a wonderful feeling of familiarity, history and Mad Men like appeal. It was if we had stepped back into the 1960s to an old fashioned bar where the bar keep knows your drink and your life story.

This was true of Chris, he seemed to be somewhat of a regular. Damon, our bartender, greeted him by name and when Chris requested a Stella, he mocked with "oh something different".

I introduced myself and gave my little story of where I was from, how I knew Chris, the basics. They had Dogfish Head 60 minute IPA, one of my favorites. As Chris and I sat and chatted at the bar, there seemed to be regulars all around. Damon floated from customer to customer, checking in on their food, drinks and lives as if he was an old friend. 

When it came time to order lunch the french onion soup came highly recommended by Chris and Damon. I also ordered the crab cake sandwich. Chris ordered a turkey club. 

While we waited for our food we browsed the newspapers that were left on the bar for customers. Talking about news. It just felt like what you had to do in such a historic place. It felt natural. 

My soup came out first and the recommendations were spot on. It was delicious with a huge helping of cheese on top. It was great. Then out came the crab cake sandwich and turkey club. Chris' looked good. Mine looked awesome. I don't think there was an ounce of filler in the crab cake. Huge chunks of crab, bigger than bite size, to my delight filled the sandwich. I had a side of fries and coleslaw as well. The fries were thick cut and had I been hungrier, I would have finished them off. The slaw was nice and light, but I didn't finish that either.

We got to know Damon a little more throughout the meal. He learned we were on a bocce team where he hoped we talked a lot of shit to the other teams. We learned he liked to go deep sea fishing. 

Martin's was wonderful, I can see why it has been around for so long. And for a Wednesday afternoon, there was barely a seat open around 1 pm. Go to Martin's when you are in Georgetown and order the french onion soup.

http://www.martins-tavern.com/

Delicious crab cake sandwich.

Chris' turkey club.

The Harry S. Truman booth.

Chris outside.