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To be brutally honest, DC's food scene sucks.
Yes there are fantastic restaurants in the DMV, a lot are hidden gems, but DC is too chain heavy and the quality isn't Nyc or Philly.
I'm originally from the Philly 'burbs, and spent 6 years in DC before heading west, and you are spot on.
The thing I never liked about DC's food is that it all seems "top down" and corporate. You get the sense that every high end restaurants there is a formula created by a committee: Lets get [INSERT WELL KNOWN CHEF] to do fusion cuisine that combines [INSERT ETHNICITY 1] and [INSERT ETHNICITY 2], and have the interior design done by [INSERT WELL KNOWN DESIGN FIRM]. Its always about the bottom line, and the result is sub par food for sky high prices. Philly on the hand is always a pleasant surprise every time I visit. So many gastropubs with unexpectedly amazing and creative food.
EDIT: I will stand up for the enthic food in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. There's some outstanding Indian, Korean, and Vietnamese restaurants in the far corners of the DMV.
Best Chinese I've had in my life was in New York City. On the other hand, I ordered Mexican food there and I was not impressed, at all. LA takes the cake there.
I'd love to travel around the country, just to eat.
Best Chinese I've had in my life was in New York City. On the other hand, I ordered Mexican food there and I was not impressed, at all. LA takes the cake there.
I'd love to travel around the country, just to eat.
New Yorkers will argue that their Mexican food is as good as LA's. Its adorable.
On top of having amazing Mexican, Korean, Chinese, and thai, LA also has amazing Persian places, especially when it comes to Iranian. Damn, that is my new favorite food.
LA also can't be beat when it comes to burgers at any level.
On top of having amazing Mexican, Korean, Chinese, and thai, LA also has amazing Persian places, especially when it comes to Iranian. Damn, that is my new favorite food.
LA also can't be beat when it comes to burgers at any level.
Agreed. I know Umami is a chain now and its probably not cool to say but damn if their burger isn't the best I've ever had.
Never had Persian food but I will have to try. I'm assuming the spots are in West LA and Westwood?
To be brutally honest, DC's food scene sucks.
Yes there are fantastic restaurants in the DMV, a lot are hidden gems, but DC is too chain heavy and the quality isn't Nyc or Philly.
I wouldn't say DC food scene "sucks", but, yeah, for a metro of 7 million or whatever (or CSA of 9-10 million), and for the great wealth and prosperity in the area, the DC food scene is severely lacking.
Among the major U.S. cities, I would say DC is pound-for-pound, the worst, even though there are a few good ethnic finds and some good high end-dining. You average corner Italian or Chinese or Barbecue joint will generally be mediocre-to-sucky, and will more likely than not be some generic focus-group generated "fast casual concept" chain.
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