The Burger at Dino

Let's be honest Cleveland Parkers, we're wallowing in one of the best burger blocks in the entire District. Nestled between the decadence of Frank Ruta's Palena cheeseburger and Nate Garyante's burger at Ardeo, lies The Dino Burger. And, it's the first one that I had after being away in Europe for a week.

The Dino Burger

One of my favorite thing about Dino in general is their commitment to amazing, locally sourced ingredients. The burger is ten ounces of grass based, grain finished Roseda Farms (from neighboring Maryland) beef. It's served on grilled ciabatta bread with relish and Sriracha mayonaise. When your server asks you if you want North Country Smokehouse bacon, Prairie Breeze American cheddar cheese and caramelized onions, just say yes. If you want to amp it up more, there are mushroom and Gorgonzola options.

The only question is, does it taste better on the patio or at the bar? Either spot will get you a burger and a local craft beer or Menabrea Italian beer for just $15 - all night, every night.

Fathers Day (Month) Special on Burger & Brew at Dino

Dino is located at 3435 Connecticut Avenue NW in Washington, DC - directly across Ordway Street from Cleveland Park Metro stop. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter or sign up for owners Dean & Kay Gold's famous email newsletter. 


Live in Cleveland Park, follow me on Facebook & Twitter for the latest happenings in the 'hood.

First Visit: Bandolero Pop Up at Tacklebox

I'm a huge fan of Chef Mike Isabella's first restaurant, Graffiato. So, when I heard his next was going to be Mexican with a two week Cleveland Park home base, it was done and done.

I went Thursday night to Bandolero (which is in the middle of a trial run in the old Tacklebox space) to try the $65 pre fixe menu. You start out with delicious guacamole and chips PLUS pork rinds - don't flinch, it totally works! Oh, and don't miss Sam's lineup of sweet and spicy margaritas and cocktails at the bar (I loved the jalapeño infused tequila.)

Next, you pick three items from the menu. My favorites ended up being the mahi-mahi tacos, albondigas and the nachos with crispy goat and goat cheese.

Lots of fun options at Bandolero

They were out of my first choice at dessert, tres leches cake, so I settled on the coconut pineapple flan.

There are a few kinks they are working out, but it was a lot of fun being a part of the test opening. The manager came by and engaged us in a serious conversation about what we loved and what we would change.

I'll be back next week to try a few new things. Let me know what you thought and what I should order next!

Bandolero is temporarily located at 3407 Connecticut Avenue in Cleveland Park. It'll move to it's new home in Georgetown shortly, so try it while it's here - and if you can't get a reservation, the Cinco de Mayo party will be open to everyone.

Strawberries & Graham Cracker Crumb Cake at Ripple

Do you ever choose where to eat dinner based on what you want to get for dessert? Ever since I saw Ripple's tweet that they had fresh strawberries in and were serving them with a graham cracker crumb cake, pistachio brittle and mascarpone cream, I knew I'd be visiting ASAP.

Strawberries & Graham Cracker Crumb Cake (photo: Tammy Gordon)

My partner in crime ordered up a peanut butter ice cream sandwich (you can get the same ice cream sandwiches that are for sale at Sugar Magnolia.)

Stop by and check them out while strawberries are in season - it's a sweet bite of spring, even though it's still chilly out!

Ripple is located at 3417 Connecticut Avenue NW (between Macomb and Ordway Streets), just one half block from Cleveland Park metro.

Rabbit Bolognese at Ardeo + Bardeo

Friday night found Caroline and I looking for a chill neighborhood dinner. You know, some place you can wear jeans, not have to wait for a bar seat, get good comfort food and a nice glass of wine. We decided on Ardeo + Bardeo... I just love the renovated bar that makes me feel like I'm in a cozy but chic European city bistro.

Before I even arrived, I wanted (and got) Chef Nate Garyantes's rabbit bolognese, which is hands down one of the best bites in the neighborhood. Have you had it yet?

Rabbit Bolognese at Ardeo + Bardeo (photo: Tammy Gordon)

Caroline decided on the classic Ardeo burger with a salad - and we both had a few glasses of a nice tempranillo. One of the other highlights was when the chef sent out a tasting of lamb charcuterie for us to taste, along with a sous vide pork chop. Definitely stop in and see what's new on the menu. Half of the fun at Ardeo + Bardeo is serving what the chef is experimenting with, especially seasonal ingredients.

Lamb Charcuterie at Ardeo + Bardeo (photo: Tammy Gordon)

Ardeo + Bardeo is located at 3311 Connecticut Avenue NW in between Ordway and Macomb. There is valet parking, but the easiest way to arrive is Metro which is only a half block away. Follow Chef Nate Garyantes on Twitter to stay up on the latest from the kitchen.

Live in Cleveland Park, follow me on Facebook & Twitter for the latest happenings in the 'hood.

Blondies at Sugar Magnolia

What was your favorite neighborhood bite of the weekend?

Me? This decadent almond coconut blondie from Sugar Magnolia (the new bakery at Ripple.)

Almond Coconut Blondie from Sugar Magnolia (photo: Tammy Gordon)

Where to Buy MegaMillions Tix in Cleveland Park...

My Twitter and Facebook feeds are filled with folks talking about their tickets or that they need to buy tickets to the upcoming $500 million MegaMillions lottery. I'm not really big on playing the lottery, but for really high jackpots like this it's fun.

So, if you are looking for a spot to pick one (or ten) up, you'll be happy to know you can get them at Cleveland Park Wine & Liquors, Cleveland Park Exxon and a few other spots within walking distance. (Source: DCLottery.com)

The next drawing is March 30, 2012 at 11:00pm EST.

Sugar Magnolia: New Kid on the Block

Have you tried out the new Sugar Magnolia bakery and takeaway at Ripple?

They are known for their seasonal, homemade ice cream sandwiches, but today I stopped in to pick up a late lunch. They were sold out of the sandwiches with meat or fish, so I tried the veggie which was on fresh bread with cheese, veggies and a black eyed pea hummus. I paired it with the local potato salad.

Veggie Sandwich and Local Potato Salad from Sugar Magnolia (photo: Tammy Gordon)

I'm excited to go back for sweets, especially the bacon sugar pecans! Try it and let me know what you think.

Sugar Magnolia is located at 3417 Connecticut Avenue NW (in between Macomb and Ordway), a half block south of Cleveland Park Metro stop. The bakery is located in the front of local source restaurant, Ripple.

Hot Fudge Cherry Blossom Ice Cream Sundaes at Medium Rare

I started obsessing about Medium Rare's cherry blossom ice cream as soon as they tweeted about it. But it's better than just ice cream- it's hot fudge, whipped cream and even nuts if ya like em!

And it's this week only, so stop by and celebrate. It's a heckuva lot more fun than fighting tourists at the Tidal Basin.

The Early Bird Gets the Donut Holes at Palena

When you think Palena, you typically don't think about "deals." Famous chef and pastry chef, sure. But, if you can crawl out of bed by 10am and make it to the Palena Market on Saturdays and Sundays, you'll be rewarded with five donut holes for just one dollar.

Just. One. Dollar. That's cheaper than Dunkin, kids. And, home made in our hood.

Donut Holes (photo: Tammy Gordon)

Now get your St. Paddy's hangover there stat (yeah, we all saw you out there.) And while you're there, beg them to serve some decent espresso. I can't be the only one dying for decent coffee in this stretch of Cleveland Park.

Miss the donut holes? Fret not - they have freshly baked scones, croissants, monkey bread, lemon donuts and all kinds of tasty baked goods. My donut holes came home with a slice of this Chocolate Meringue Cake:

Chocolate Meringue Cake (photo: Tammy Gordon)

If you aren't lucky enough to live within walking distance of Palena, you can find it at 3529 Connecticut Avenue NW. It's right outside of Cleveland Park metro. Come visit.

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.)