We recently tried Della Barba in NE for the first time. My friends have been raving about this place for months, so a neighbor and I decided to try it out. It is in a residential neighborhood on the outskirts of Capitol Hill (not near a metro (rail) stop). We were there just before 1pm on a Saturday and it was empty except for a couple with two (sometimes screaming) kids. When they left, another couple came in with two (sometimes screaming) kids. It seems like families tend to dine here on weekend afternoons.

Della Barba makes four styles of pizza, Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Nonna (Grandma). We tried the Detroit and Chicago. We both loved the Detroit Style — the crust, cheese, and toppings worked well together. We ordered the Chicago as a meat lovers (their bacon is really good) and it was pretty dense and one note as a whole, so if we order the same toppings next time, we will probably add banana peppers for brightness and to change the texture a bit. That said, the next table had a Nonna pie and it looked amazing, so we definitely want to try that pizza style next time we dine there.

-JAY

Terra Gaucha (based in Jacksonville, FL) recently opened its first DC area outpost in the new Twinbrook Quarter development Rockville, MD. The restaurant is a 7000-square-foot indoor venue offering an “immersive Gaúcho-style dining experience featuring the traditional flavors from southern Brazil.” Yes, we are talking rodizio style with various gauchos slicing cuts of meat at your table, a hot food area (Feijoada, rice, scalloped potatoes, etc.), and a cold food bar. The above images capture some of the meal’s highlights.

They did a good job with the cheese bread, cold food bar (lots of great options), capirinhas (my guest enjoyed his lemonade), chicken hearts, and the cuts of beef and lamb (including the brisket and both the beef and lamb picanhas). The desserts (passionfruit mousse and flan) were good as well. I feel like they need to do a little more work on the shrimp and salmon recipes, but they just opened, so have time to perfect those.

The service was excellent, as expected for this type of restaurant. Staff is always ready to answer a question, remove used plates, or bring you chicken hearts (yes, I requested them).
The dancer was entertaining and knew how to work a room.

So, do I recommend Terra Gaucha? Yes, definitely give it a try, and arrive hungry. This was even a great first rodizio experience for my guest who had never tried a rodizio restaurant before.

-JAY

Moxies, a restaurant group with locations in Scottsdale, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Plano, Southlake, Fort Lauderdale, and Boston opened its first DC location at 20th and L NW a few weeks ago. It a good location on a corner downtown. Every staff member we met (Hosts, Manager, and especially, Kelly our waitress) was personable and added to a great experience.

The cocktails were excellent, although I did not personally try the Rosemary
Grapefruit Tonic mocktail pictured above. The “Porn Star Martini” is the “do it yourself” cocktail, since you pour the prosecco shot into it. It felt like Kelly was a little embarrassed every time she had to say, “Porn Star” (the first time I thought I heard “corn smut”), but maybe that isn’t the best name for a cocktail. I did not ask why the cocktail has that particular name, but you can inquire on your visit.

The multilayered Tuna Sushi Stack appetizer (sushi grade tuna stacked with seasoned rice, avocado, mango, soy ginger glaze & spicy mayo + seasoned prawn crackers) was tasty and a fun concept. I’d order that again next visit.

They did a great job with both the steak and mahi mahi. We debated medium and medium well, and wound up ordering medium, with the steak arriving kind of in between those two temperatures (which worked for us). The broccolini that accompanied the steak was handled expertly.

My guest enjoyed the key lime pie. I can’t eat eggs, so there was not a dessert option for me.

This was definitely a nice meal, so I’m happy to welcome Moxies in the area. Check out their Happy Hour or brunch and report back, since we’ve only dined there for dinner.

-JAY

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a FRESHFARM Market Share CSA image. Above is this week’s Family Share. It includes One huge zucchini, two packs of strawberries, two packs of grape tomatoes, four cucumbers, Swiss chard, radishes, and bok choy.

The Family Share sells for $40 per week, while the personal share is $26. They also have a grain share for $10 a week. There are about a half dozen pickup spots including Foggy Bottom, City Center, and Columbia Heights. Their website states that EBT/SNAP customers get a huge discount, so be sure to tell anyone who needs the info.

-JAY

Last night we attended the preview opening of Sushi Gaku in Georgetown where sampled a nice variety of fresh sushi as well as a vibrant and flavorful seaweed salad. The official grand opening is Wednesday, May 21st (tomorrow) at 1338 Wisconsin Avenue NW. They even have a small back patio. Above are images showing some of the highlights from last night.

Chef Yoshi is planning to serve very fermented ancient-style sushi for the upcoming Omakase course but give him some time since it takes at least 2 months to prepare. He is one of the only chefs in the area to hold a fugu (pufferfish) preparation license; fugu must be meticulously prepared in order to be eaten safely. Sushi Gaku’s three-page menu is available for your perusal.

-JAY

Dolcezza is giving a free scoop of gelato per person at the H St NE grand opening celebration this Friday, April 4th 12-7pm at 600 H St. NE.

-JAY

This morning, I noticed a reference to a local pizzeria coming up as number two slice in the USA, which is not the same as their best pizzerias in the USA list. So, a couple of hours later, I checked out Slice and Pie at 14th and Florida Avenue, a small pizzeria with very limited seating.

I tried the Detroit Style with peperoni and honey, BBQ Brisket collaboration with Federalist Pig, and (plain) Cheese. I don’t know if this spot is really number two slice in the country, but it puts out some really good slices. I was surprised at how much I liked the BBQ slice (white garlic base, mozzarella, Federalist Pig Smoked Brisket, caramelized onions, pickled onions, pickled jalapeno, potato, sticky garlic sauce) and will definitely return to try some other slices soon.

Also, not by the slice, but you can order a New England Clam Pie or a variety of Gluten Free options.

The only pizzeria on the best pizzeria in the USA list on the top 50 anywhere near DC is in Baltimore and came in at number 50.

-JAY

Thanks Cassandra Hetherington (Main Streets Cleveland Park Director) for this scoop: “Stop by Coldstone Creamery (3501 Connecticut Avenue NW) on Tuesday February 11th between 5-6pm to meet the new owners Abby and Jingo. Grab a free scoop of ice cream while you’re there too!!”

Now we know where to go for watermelon sorbet with gummy bears this summer. Yes, it’s a thing!

And, thanks to our friend “Sh” for forwarding the message with the Coldstone Creamery intel.

-JAY

We recently attended a media preview at the new Mezeh location on Capitol Hill. It’s a fast casual Mediterranean restaurant where you can order already designed bowls or wraps or build your own meal. I’m rushing this article a bit to let you know about the (today only) grand opening special (scroll down) and am including images (like my steak bowl from that evening). Their zhoug and fried eggplant are stand outs. For a soft drink, I mixed the Mandarin Cardamum and Strawberry Dragon Fruit (don’t judge) which was good.

I snagged some of the spice mixes they use on their proteins and am having fun adding them to dishes I’m making.

Mezeh does catering pickup and delivery, but this location only does pickup.

-JAY

Disclosure: From time to time, we are given free items, meals, or entry to events. Our words are still our own.