America’s Best New Restaurants 2016

Momofuku CCDC
Much of the improvement in the DC dining scene can be attributed to the opening of branches of restaurants from elsewhere. And while I try to avoid places that I can find at home, in this case having a Momofuku only a short walk from the convention center was pretty fantastic.

Brisket buns

Momo bap

The Dabney
Once again Bon Appetit’s best new restaurants list has not lead me astray. The influence of Chef Langhorne’s time at McCrady’s is definitely apparent. Such a cozy vibe just perfect for a place with only a wood fire. Everything was wonderful and a repeat visit will certainly be made my next time in DC.

18 month broadbent’s country ham, biscuit & house condiments

Pork rillette, grilled ciabatta, mustard seed, ramps, fennel & herbs

Maryland blue crab, sunchokes, bearnaise & aleppo

Winter squash cooked in the fire, goat feta, walnuts, mustard greens & fresh horseradish

Confit potato salad, broadbent’s bacon, parsley, pickled mustard seed & cured egg yolk

Whistle pig farm pork cabbage wraps – pork loin and shoulder, roasted cauliflower, fermented chili, apple, peanuts, pickles, herbs

Fruit crumble

We loved everything about Morcilla except the noise level. The lighting was not conducive to photography but these dishes were far far better than they may look here. I thought that we would be taking much of the “All of the Meats,” and enormous platter of charcuterie, with us but we finished it all. Absolutely fantastic. As were the gin & tonics. Working my way through the Bon Appetit best new restaurant’s list never disappoints.

Sardinas Picantonas – preserved sardines in hot sauce

Who Cooks for You Farm “Rocky Balboa” Salad – smoked goat cheese, asian pear, toasted pistachio, concord grape vinaigrette

All of the Meats

Churro de Calabaza – roasted pumpkin churro, tomato membrillo, manchego, vadouvan curry

Cordero En Morena – Jamison farm spiced lamb meatballs, sumac yogurt, golden raisin and leek escabeche