Mission Chinese Food is a study of juxtapositions. The divey bar area versus the dining room, the American-Chinese fusion done so delightfully in dishes like kung pao pastrami and green tea noodles - but somehow you can also get good pizza here. 

After reading so many rave reviews about Santina, I had to gather some girlfriends and head over for a proper ladies brunch. 

Angel of Harlem is aptly named and a welcome addition to "South Harlem."  I thoroughly enjoyed brunch there with my hubby.

I know some are hesitant to attend nice restaurants during restaurant week because they think the restaurant won't provide the best food and service as it would if you ordered off the regular menu.

I'll admit that I boycotted Marcus Samuelsson's first venture in Harlem, Red Rooster, because, despite all his acclaim as a chef and all the great reviews the restaurant had received, I felt like Harlem didn't need another soul food place.  Not even a trendy, fusion-y one.  So, when I saw the sign for Streetbird and discovered this was another Samuelsson spot, I was skeptical, but decided to give it a try because it wasn't just the standard fried chicken, mac and cheese, greens, candied yams, etc.

On a hot DC day, I suggest snagging a table or spot at the bar on the Donovan House rooftop for brunch.  The view of Thomas Circle is lovely and the restaurant area is next to the hotel's pool which appears to be fabulous.

My friends and I were looking for shelter during a storm coming back from hiking up the nearby volcano.  We were fortunate that it didn't rain during the boat ride to and from the caldera, nor during our two hour hike up and down the caldera.  However, by the time we got back to the shores of Santorini, the heavens opened.

Let me start by saying I struggled over whether to even post about this restaurant.  It is tiny - 6 tables - and it is mine and only mine!

I was very excited to try Jose Garces' new restaurant, Rural Society, in the Loews Hotel.  One thing DC really lacks is a plethora of restaurants that serve brunch on Saturday.

There are restaurants and then there are restaurants.  Typically, restaurants that have amazing views have terrible and overpriced food.  However, Jules Verne was a delight both to my eyes and taste buds!