Ripple's Grilled Cheese Bar

Jen and I made plans to meet at Ripple for happy hour, which was great because I'd been dying to try the grilled cheese bar. The hours aren't so friendly to Washington workaholics because you have to get there before 6:30 (or after 10). But if you do, you'll be rewarded with a ooey gooey crispy set up pre-selected combos or you can get all DIY and make your own.

As with all things Ripple, you must start off with one of Josh's custom cocktails. I asked for gin and refreshing. I got a house infused gin with grapefruit soda combo that was perfect to combat the day's heat.

Gin & Grapefruit

I ordered the Krusty Krab grilled cheese which is made with Cowgirl Creamery Mount Tam cheese, Maryland crab and sugar snap peas. Everything in this gorgeous sandwich comes from nearby!

The Krusty Krab:Mount Tam, Maryland Crab and Sugar Snap Peas

We also tried the Lotsa Mozza which is made with proscuitto, mozzarella and arugula.

Lotsa Mozza

Make plans to sneak out of work early and try your hand at making the best grilled cheese combo.

Ripple is located in Cleveland Park at 3417 Connecticut Avenue in Washington, DC.

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First Visit: Brunch at St. Arnold's in Cleveland Park

It's so gorgeous in Cleveland Park today, we just had to get outside for brunch! The plan was to scale the steps and take up residence on the CPBG roofdeck, but on the way I saw the patio doors rolled up at St. Arnold's and got excited that the brunch I'd enjoyed in Dupont Circle had finally hit our hood.

We scored a (basically) outdoor table that still had a view of March Madness behind the bar and settled in. I've been sick, so I stuck with the water and coffee but my Dad gave the bloody mary a thumbs up.

En route, my brother texted me the question you might be thinking, "Is it all mussels or is there brunch stuff?" A: Good God there is brunch stuff.

I had "The Drug Opera"- a grilled ham and Gruyere cheese sandwich topped with a fried egg and bechemel sauce. Yeah, I think my appetite is back.

The Drug Opera

My Mom opted for the Belgian Liege Waffle with fresh berries and whipped cream. [Note: You can also select Nutella which makes everything more awesome.]

Belgian Liege Waffle with Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream

Dad went full on meat and got the Full English Breakfast with eggs, bangers, black and white pudding, grilled tomato, mushrooms and more.

Full English Breakfast

There's a ton more to try, including the Waffle Waterzooi (a chicken stew over waffle... Their take on chicken & waffles) and the Waffle Burger (see below).

St. Arnold's is located at 3433 Connecticut Avenue at Ordway Street NW in Cleveland Park. It's right across the street from the Cleveland Park Metro stop and also right across from the L2 and L4 bus stops. (The patio side entrance is on Ordway, but there is also an entrance on Connecticut to the "Underground" bar.)