I recently discovered a great casual restaurant in Washington DC that not only has managed to survive the pandemic, but is expanding to new locations. While new to me, Half-Smoke has been in the Shaw neighborhood of DC since 2016. Not only do they have a great selection of meats, but great cocktails and appetizers as well.
The year 2020 has not been good for restaurants. As a consequence of the pandemic, many long standing institutions have been forced to close. Here are some personal favorites that have closed and links to articles that provide tributes both to them and to others.
There's a relatively new ice cream place in the Shaw area of Washington DC that makes ice cream on the spot using liquid Nitrogen: Nicecream. It does not get fresher than this!
CHIKO is a small DC area chain that serves a fusion of Chinese and Korean cuisine. It's a unique flavor blend and the quality of the food is amazing. CHIKO has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants.
Maryland has many great Greek restaurants. Many can be found in Greektown in Baltimore. But you don't have to travel that far from DC to get some. Here are some of my favorites. They can be found in the cities of Silver Spring, College Park, and Beltsville MD.
For over 75 years, when Western New Yorkers go to the beach they get their food at Connors Hot Dog Stand. It is a Buffalo summer tradition.
In the small town of Caledonia, New York -- not far west of Rochester -- I found a classic 50s style diner. With friendly service and fabulous home cooking, Reminisce offers a unique and memorable dining experience.
Situated in a 1950s era gas station in the farmlands of Scaggsville, Md, Pepperjacks Subs serves the best sandwiches and milk shakes around.
15 miles north west of Harrisburg, PA is a classic old-style hamburger drive-in restaurant: The Red Rabbit.
Just outside of Washington DC in the farmlands of Northern Maryland there are some great breweries. With scenic views in an historic setting, Lone Oak Farms Brewing Company is one of them.
