Chopstix to Steaknives: City

Friday, February 18, 2011

Washington Eats 2: The Truly Express at Chinatown Express & a Thai Place

I always try to visit the Chinatown of any place that I go to. I mean I love eating all cuisines and always make it a point to try the local cuisine. I am not one of those who must have my rice regardless. I guess it is just something comforting when in a foreign land.

So I found myself in Washington's Chinatown one evening. It is quite a small place and choices of eateries are quite dismal. My friend, Mili came to the rescue and suggested Chinatown Express which was where I dutifully went.

Think kopi-tiam style setting, it was a huge place actually as the restaurant occupies two rooms. You have two ladies making the dumplings at the entrance and you are greeted by posters posted everywhere of a picture of the chef making his own handmade noodles. Now it would have been crazy if I don't go for the handmade noodles.

I ordered a seafood noodle soup and couldn't resist a portion of Xiao Long Bao as well.

Now, from the point when I placed my order to when both dishes arrived, I swear that it could not have been more than 5 minutes. So if you take out 1 minute for the waiter to walk to the kitchen and hand in my order, the food arrived in less than 4 minutes. Seriously, this is truly the most express of express. Even the whole process of making instant noodles take longer than that.

Xiao Long Bao $5.95

First to arrive were the XLB. Oh no!! You can't make good XLB in that short a time. I knew even just looking at it. This were pre-made and left to be steamed for goodness how long and just waiting for someone to order so that it can be served.

The dough was too thick and dry from oversteaming. I feel like I'm eating cardboard skin. Any soup or broth has long since evaporated, the only tiny saving grace was the meat which were still edible. In the end, I took out all the meat to have with my noodle soup and left the skin out.

Seafood Noodle Soup $6.50

Moving on to the seafood noodle soup. This had the opposite fate. Soft without being floury, with the noodles swimming in a simple light soup base. You know that these are handmade noodles and you can tell that it is fresh. I really enjoyed the noodles.

So if you find yourself in Chinatown Express in Washington, stick to the handmade noodles!

Chinatown Express, 746 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Thai Place is located within the George Washington University vicinity and a mere few minutes walk from Foggy Bottom station. This is the nearest station to the Lincoln Memorial which was where I wanted to go.

Before I start the 6 blocks walk, it was time for some lunch and I chose this student haunt.

Siam Steak - slices of marinated beef with chef's special sauce stir-fried, topped with ginger and scallions $15

The food came out really nicely presented which was a bit of a surprise The chef's special sauce is spicy and the ginger only further heighten the spiciness. I would describe the meal as good and tasty.

Thai Place, 2134 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Foggy Bottom/West End, Washington, DC 20037

Related Post:
Washington Eats: Transport back to the 50s era & beyond

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Washington Eats: Transport back to the 50s era & beyond

While in Washington, I made my way to 2 eateries that hold significance to the people here.

Now most people know that you have to deal with crappy and expensive food when in highly touristy places. Being able to find something decent usually comes up to nil.

If you find yourself in Washington, it will be the rare person who does not make The National Mall as one of their tourist destination. Seriously, the museums are awesome, I'll write up the post soon.

So finding myself watching a video at the Visitors Centre, there was a mention made on how Mitsitam Cafe is one of the best in Washington. Now that pricks my ears, good cafe in tourist place? Definitely a place to have a spot of lunch then.

The cafe is located in the National Museum of the American Indian and serves indigenous cuisines of the Americas. Heck, they even have a book published! Positive sign perhaps?

The cafe is actually operated like what you would find in IKEA. Different stations of which this is split by North. Mid and Southern native cuisine. Select what you want and pay at the cashier at the end.

Maple & Juniper Cedar Plank Salmon $12.75
Wild Rice Salad $3.30

Guava & Tapioca Pudding $2.50

So I ended up selecting the salmon with wild rice salad and who can resist dessert, which is a pudding.

Unfortunately with most hot food that are cooked and prepared beforehand and left on display counters waiting to be served, they no longer taste nice. I would have to say the same thing for my salmon, it has gone all dry. There goes high expectation for a cafe.

The wild rice salad on the other hand, it being a cold dish was fabulous. Sweet, crispy and refreshing, really lovely I can eat a whole plateful of this and more. My pudding was nothing special.

Overall, was feeling a little underwhelmed but considering the choices of food available here (McDonalds and hot dogs), this is a much better option although a more expensive one.

The next place is Ben's Chilli Bowl. It opened in 1958 and have some famous people graced their premises. I saw two names on a list of people who get to eat for free, Bill Cosby and Barack Obama & family.

They are so famous that they even have a gift shop and their own iphone app. Seriously? If they have survive for so long, definitely a place to try.

Stepped into their doors and you are transported back to the 50s era. The decor, the atmosphere and even the music, you can imagine how it was like back then and was a nice change.

Ben’s Famous All Meat Chilli Dog $3.99

I got the chilli dog and cheese fries to go with it. Soft buns with a sausage and topped with chilli sauce, the chilli sauce has a nice kick to it. Is it good, yes? Is it awesome, no.

Cheese Fries $4.30

If you like your fries coated with cheese then this is the one for you. Melted cheese coating every fry, there is no hiding from the cheese. After a few fries, it can get a bit overwhelming. The fries are good; I just couldn't finish all of it.

I say Ben's is not just about the food as you can probably find similar or better ones out there. But you can't beat the 50s vibe, the friendly smiling service, and wallet friendly prices.

Sometimes, you just want something simple instead of all the rich and heavy eating with having to eat out the whole day everyday while on holiday.

And you can come back and tell your friends that you ate at the same place as Barack Obama and Bill Crosby. Oh, and apparently President Sarkozy of France too!

Mitsitam Cafe, 4th St SW At Independence Ave SW, Capitol Hill, Washington, DC 20024
http://www.americanindian.si.edu/subpage.cfm?subpage=visitor&second=dc&third=mitsitam