Thai X-ing (DC)

My shortest restaurant review ever:

1. Are you in DC?
2. Do you like Thai Food?
3. If yes to both (1) and (2), go to Thai X-ing.

For those who would like a more detailed review:

Behind this salmon pink door is a rowhouse converted to a restaurant.  
That's right.  Chef Taw Vigsittaboot welcomes us to a teeny, speak-easy-esque space where he and his crew serve stellar Thai food at a fixed price, 6 days a week (closed Mondays). 

There are several things you should know before you visit:

• They're only open for dinner (5:30 - 10:00 PM).
• You must make a reservation either online or by phone. If you call, you'll likely have to leave a message. You might call again and leave another message, and another. But don't worry; someone will call you back... eventually.
• You'll be eating the chef's selections. 
• In other words, there is no menu other than some hints here.
• Sunday is vegetarian night. This doesn't mean you have to be vegetarian. Just be aware no whole fish or braised chicken drumsticks will be served. Vegan options may be made if asked in advance.
• If you want to drink alcohol, you must bring your own. Good news: no corkage fee.
• The dishes are pretty spicy, so if you can't handle heat, I'd suggest BYOM(ilk).
• If you have any food allergies to typical Thai food ingredients (i.e. - peanuts, coconut), this place is not for you.

I went on a Sunday night, which meant that the meal was strictly vegetarian.  Although I'm a super non-vegetarian, the food was so good that I didn't even notice the absence of meat or fish! (true story).  Every plate that steadily appeared at our table was not only impressive in presentation (banana leaves do a solid job), but also in taste, with flavors that really packed a punch.  $30/ person for a 9-course meal.  5/5 stars.

Now, onto the food:

Green Papaya Salad -- includes shredded unripe papaya, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, chili, lime -- SPICY!

Tom Yum Soup -- includes mushrooms, cilantro, silken tofu, celery, coconut milk, lemongrass -- LEMONGRASSY

Veggie Spring Rolls

Brown Rice w/ Beans

Pineapple & Tofu Curry -- includes pineapple, tofu, green beans, sour peppers, basil.

Pumpkin Red Curry -- DELICIOUS HOUSE SPECIALTY!

Stir-fried Veggies -- includes carrots, peppers, snap peas, cauliflower, green onion, squash.

Pad See Ew -- includes tofu, bean sprouts, peppers, chili, lime, and lots of peanuts.

Mango Sticky Rice -- includes ripe mango slices, perfectly-cooked sticky rice, topped with berries -- SWEET.

Kind of kitschy, kind of awesome.

Because the restaurant is in a house, the space is cozy and not great for claustrophobes.  But despite the limited space, there's something oddly comforting about dining in a stranger's living room or basement. The ambience may be all over the place, but there's nothing confusing about most diners' final sighs of sheer contentment.

Your taste buds will be having a field day with all the sour, sweet, spicy, and salty combos during this culinary journey.  And if your taste buds are like mine, you'll enjoy every second of it.  If I had to pick my favorite dishes, I'd probably lead you to the hearty and comforting pumpkin curry and the perfectly-paired mango sticky rice.  Just know that by the time your meal ends, you'll be rolling out of the house, stuffed but satisfied. Maybe you'll even have some leftovers for the following day -- just maybe.



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dined on: 3/17/13, 7 PM
cuisine: Thai
location: DC [LeDroit Park]
nearest metro stop: Shaw
hours: Dinner only; 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
websites: { TX | yelp | facebook }
attire: Casual
notes: Make reservations well in advance.  BYOB with no corkage fee!

Graffiato (DC)

Prior to eating at Graffiato, the two-story restaurant in Chinatown DC, I didn't know a thing about Mike Isabella.  I didn't know he won this year's Cochran 555.  I didn't know he used to be the executive chef at José Andrés' Zaytina for three years.  I didn't know he grew up in North Jersey eating food prepared by his Italian-American grandmother.  I didn't know he was on "Top Chef," Season Six or that he was a runner-up on Top Chef All-Stars.  But after a brilliant Italian-inspired meal, I wanted to know everything about Isabella.  Why?  Because his food is really that good.

Outside.

A glimpse of the kitchen area.

Two friends and I were seated upstairs where it was a bit quieter than the downstairs dining area and bar.  I especially liked the different hanging knives and cheeses -- fun!

We ordered ten various small plates from the menu, including dessert. I can honestly say that I enjoyed everything that I ate, but I'll highlight the dishes that really stood out.

Baby beets -- with house ricotta and oranges -- $6

Brussel sprouts -- with pancetta, maple, and yogurt -- $8

Oh my word, the brussel sprouts were heavenly!  The pancetta had the perfect amount of saltiness and crispiness to it, which complimented the sweet, but not heavy maple glaze.  It gave the sprouts a smoky, caramelized flavor.  I could have easily this entire plate alone (but I didn't).

Potato Gnocchi -- with pork neck, whipped ricotta, and fried rosemary -- $11

Tortellini -- with goat cheese, pea puree, and crispy onions

Agnolotti -- stuffed with potato, castelrosso, and blanchetti truffle -- $13

Ricotta Cavatelli -- with lamb ragu, feta, mint, and pistachio -- $12

It's a tough call, but this was probably my favorite pasta dish of the night not because the lamb ragu was hearty, the mint was fresh, or the feta was, well, feta.  Rather, the dish was made by the surprise crunch from the pistachios that are scattered throughout the dish.  Everything comes together well with the al-dente cavatelli noodles.

Risotto -- with blue crab, fennel, and Meyer lemon -- $13

Compressed Asian Pear -- with stracciatella, yuzu, and green peppercorn -- $10

I'm convinced that any dish with stracciatella di burrata is magical.  Thus, this Compressed Asian Pear was nothing short of magical.  Stracciatella, which literally means "torn apart" in Italian, is basically the custardy cheese of burrata before it gets stuffed inside a ball of mozzarella.  It's creamy, buttery, and paired with the tangy yuzu and the sweet Asian pear, I gobbled this up like a hungry child gone mad (as if this is anything new).

Panna Cotta -- brown butter, espresso -- $7

Family Meal Sundae -- salted caramel gelato, fudge, candied pretzels -- $7

I'm not a huge dessert person, but the Family Meal Sundae really sealed the deal (or should I say meal?).  Salted caramel gelato, fudge, candied pretzels?  Yes, yes, yes!  Most people who know me well that I love sweet-salty things.  Add gelato to the mix and I'm in heaven.  And dessert heaven was pretty much where I was while I ate the Family Meal Sundae.  The fudge is really tough to get to both because it's thick and it sits at the bottom of the glass, but it's worth it so do some digging.

As praised above, Chef Isabella sure knows what he's doing with Graffiato.  Much luck to him with his future DC and NJ restaurants!

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dined on: 3/16/13; 7 PM

cuisine: Italian-inspired small plates
location: Chinatown, DC
nearest metro stop: Gallery Place (Chinatown)
websites: { G | yelp | twitter | facebook }
attire: Casual
notes: Make reservations.  Remember, sharing is caring! Next time I will try their pizza.

Founding Farmers (DC)

Last month, I made a highly-anticipated trip to both our nation's capital and to what some people claim should be our nation's capital. Dubbed as my "2013 Food Tour," I traipsed around DC and NYC with great hopes to experience some of the cities' best culinary items. 10 days later, I returned home plumper and with many lessons learned. For one, it doesn't matter if you go to a Michelin-starred restaurant or a hole-in-the-wall, there is great food everywhere -- you just have to seek it out!  Most of the time, your efforts are greatly rewarded by tasty meals and subsequent food comas (I know).

Without further ado, let's start with my "Welcome to the DC!" brunch at Founding Farmers...

Founding Farmers boasts to be one of DC's premier restaurants to offer farm-to-table American dishes that are "'scratch-made' traditional American classics inspired by the heartland." As a supporter of all that, J & I went straight to Foggy Bottom after my red-eye flight to get some "True Food & Drink" in my belly.

Note: We went on a Saturday sans reservation, but we arrived right when the doors opened (9:00 AM), so we had no trouble with being seated promptly.  Unless you too, plan on lining up outside the door before they open, I suggest making reservations.

Cup of French-pressed Intelligentsia coffee.

How cute is this mini milk carton?!

Founding Farmers Breakfast with Bacon -- 2 eggs sunny side-up, applewood smoked bacon, English muffin, and fruit -- $9

BACON! But sadly, not Black Pepper Maple Bacon (see below).

Founding Farmers Breakfast with Sausage -- 2 eggs over easy, chicken apple sausage, grilled buttered ciabatta with leek hash browns -- $9

Chicken Apple Sausage

Both of us went the traditional route with a simple Continental breakfast.  As expected, the meal was solid (good eggs, good protein!), but nothing was terribly memorable. Now, had I known about their Black Pepper Maple Bacon at the time, my breakfast experience would have gone to a whole new level!  Alas, I'm left only to drool to photos such as this:

Black Pepper Maple Bacon - $3 upgrade or $6 side
Photo courtesy of Hungry Trojan

Beignets with raspberry coulis, semi-sweet chocolate, and caramel sauces -- $8

We rightfully ended our meal with Founding Farmer's "Made-to-Order Beignets." Served hot from being deep-fried in piping hot oil, the beignets have a slight crisp on the outer shell and a fluffiness in the inside. Although I haven't had Louisiana's official state donut in Louisiana yet, I think Founding Farmer's version does a good job, especially when eaten fresh.

Overall, Founding Farmers accomplishes what it proclaims it provides -- fresh and hearty comfort foods that come with a reasonable price tag and a casual presentation.  Although I can't say it's my all-time favorite DC establishment, they serve a satisfying breakfast so it's worth checking out!



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cuisine: American
location: Foggy Bottom, DC
nearest metro stop(s): Foggy Bottom and Farragut West
hours: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
websites: { FF | opentable | yelp | twitter | Facebook }
attire: Casual
overall rating: 3.5/5
get: Bacon, a la carte and Beignets

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If you have any questions or comments, contact me at doahshungry@gmail.com