What many of my close friends may or may not know about me is that I love eating. Starbucks soy vanilla chais, popcorn with hotsauce, cookie dough ice cream, Hooters wings- BRING IT! Clearly, this is not the best of habits, seeing as I'm 5'3 and don't remember the last time I saw the hundred-twenty pound weight mark on my scale. Regardless, I love my habit of indulgence and will sacrifice being able to wear white denim for Macadamia nuts any day of the week (As my mother told me tonight after watching the VMAs, "Look, Ang! Beyonce's a little bottom heavy and she's still happy and looks great!"). This weekend in DC didn't exactly help my constant hunger. Sponsored by the Washington Examiner, the Arts on Foot festival took place in Northwest's Penn Quarter, featuring over twenty booths filled with special samplings created by all of DC's finest restaurants. Between $2-$5 per item, restaurants like Zengo, Oya, and Zaytinya showcased samplers of their finest creations, catering the day towards foodies everywhere who don't exactly have the bank account to back up their hobby (AKA me).
Despite the overcast weather and the not-so-friendly healthcare policy protesters (who had NO clue what they were talking about with the majority of them being dressed like Dog the Bounty Hunter), the festival was entertained with live music on two different stages and a wine tasting tent featuring seminars by local sommeliers in the area (with ANDREW STOVER! my fav!) for a mere $10. Sponsored by Wines of Argentina, my restaurant was lucky enough to be invited to participate, so I not only got to participate (which was ehhh, let's be honest) but was able to get my fair share of freebies, as well.
After almost getting a panic attack trying to get through the massive crowds blocking off Seventh Street, I was able to try delicious samplings from Cafe Atlantico, Coco Sala, Rosa Mexicana, 701, Perry's, and many other great eateries. But as we all know with restaurants, especially when they're trying to execute things on a budget, some of these *samplers* got a bit sloppy.
The good? Excellent tuna ceviche burritos from Cafe Atlantico with coconut cream which are served during their Sunday Dim Sum brunch (which I unfortunately experienced the morning after my 21st birthday. Hangovers and citrus-infused Wagyu breakfast sausages do not mix, FYI), tantalizing tomato and mozzarella mezze from Zaytina, and the best chocolate creme from Coco Sala that I could feel going right to my thighs.
The bad? Gazpacho from Poste that was topped off with dijon sorbet (whoever thought it was a good idea to make mustard-flavored ice cream should be stabbed in the eye) and lobster from Clyde's that tasted canned.
The ugly? Me having to go back to work for the night after trying Rasika's chicken tika masala, which was good never the less. I just feel bad for everyone who had to use to employee bathroom after me.
All in all, Arts on Foot was a well-executed event and something that I would now recommend to any Washingtonienne. Just spare other people from the guaranteed food baby that you'll get and keep the belly shirts at home, ladies.
xo,
Angela =)
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