Washington, D.C. Part I

I just returned from a conference in Washington, D.C., so of course I have to write about the food experience I had there. Every meal I had was great except for the sandwich I bought for my return flight at Reagan National Airport. I will share my most enjoyable experiences.

I love great coffee and consider myself to be very particular about it. My first mission in every City I visit is to know where I will be getting coffee in the morning. I was happy to discover a place called Filter Coffeehouse & Espresso Bar that was just three blocks from my hotel in DuPont Circle.

Last year I learned about a “Flat White.” Developed in Australia, the drink is similar to having a double cappuccino. In a “Flat White,” the content of coffee is higher and the milk is velvety smooth. I ordered one on my first morning in DC and let’s just say I had it three days in a row. Filter also serves individually prepared dripped coffee.

Another noteworthy experience was a Thai restaurant called the Regent that I chose to have dinner with my colleagues. The Regent was also within walking distance of our hotel. As we walked in, I noticed an authenticity to the restaurant. The decor and furnishings were lovely.

The four of us who have never had a meal together discussed food allergies and likes and dislikes. Based on our discussion, we would not be having pork, but we would be enjoying spicy food.

Here is what we enjoyed:

Tom Yum Goong. Shrimp and mushrooms are cooked in a hot and sour lemon grass soup

Chicken satay. These grilled skewers were complimented with a peanut sauce and cucumber relish

Sea war salad. This salad included shrimp, scallops, and squid.

Drunken noodles with beef. Wide rice noodles are stir fried with sweet basil leaves in a chili and garlic sauce.

Red Curry with chicken. The curry was combined with coconut milk, Thai eggplant and basil leaves

Everything was quite tasty, but my two favorite things were the drunken noodles and the red curry.

I highly recommend the Regent if you are in Washington, D.C.

I had one more great food experience on this trip, but you will have to wait until next week to read about it.