Le Pain Quotidien

This weekend, Emmie Hine was in town! Meme and Emmie joined us for brunch at Le Pain Quotidien and it was yummy.

If you are interested in organic, locally-sourced food and an environmentally conscious cafe…Le Pain Quotidien is for you. They use reclaimed wood for their "communal" tables, energy-efficient lamps, and natural cleaning supplies.

We got a quick update from Julia on the college applications--almost done! She is in good shape for the deadline this Friday.

Recommendations: Definitely get the bread basket so you can sample the great jams and hazelnut spread on the table. The oatmeal, pudding, eggs, and turkey sandwich were all delicious as well, but the bread is the star here.

Restaurant info: www.lepainquotidien.us 

Steven, Julia, Emmie, Meme

Lynnette, Julia, Emmie, Meme

Organic steel-cut oatmeal with berries

Organic steel-cut oatmeal with bananas and pecans

Soft-boiled egg and brown-rice pudding

Roasted turkey and avocado open-faced sandwich

Dessert was at Pinkberry, of course.

Martin's Tavern

This Georgetown, family-owned classic restaurant--open since 1933--is a gem. You can feel the history as soon as you walk in the door. The menu was extensive and everything we ordered was delicious. Our special guest this week was Meme! It was nice to spend time together and share with her all of Julia's updates.

This week, we talked about the looming November 1 deadline. Julia is working on finishing up her Carnegie early decision application, in addition to six other early action applications. Julia also shared Chris's list. He's not applying early decision anywhere, but he has a good list of schools (similar to Julia's, in fact). :)

Steven, Mom, and Julia

Presidents from Truman to George W. Bush have frequented Martin's. Favorite booths are labeled with plaques. 

Petite Crab Cake Appetizer

Rare Bison Burger with Fries.

Grilled Salmon with rice pilaf and broccoli

Seafood Pasta

Ty Cobb Salad

Recommendation: Steven said it was the best bison burger he's ever had.

Restaurant info: 1264 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20007; 202-333-7370; www.martins-tavern.com; info@martinstavern.com

Carnegie Mellon

Carnegie Mellon Sleeping Bag Weekend has to be included on the blog--even though we technically did not eat out together in DC. We will count our lunch together at Carnegie...pasta, marinara and meat sauce, salad, green beans, rolls, and cookies for dessert. Besides talking to each other about the school, the lunch gave us an opportunity to talk to other perspective students, parents, and a current student.

 

The current student (from Silicon Valley) said he loved the school and chose it over Georgia Tech Institute. He pointed out the great recruitment opportunities and hopes to return to California when he graduates. He said that some students can burn out after four years, but it is usually a small number. The best thing he said was that if you are looking for parties, this isn't the school for you. They have a lot of fun, but are serious about their academics and changing the world. Love it.

 

As for Julia and Chris... Julia is going to apply early decision and Chris is undecided. The experience was a bit of a reality check; you met your competition--and there were plenty from the DC metro area (several girls!!). 

Pittsburgh, PA

By far, the two cutest kids attending the event, Chris & Julia.

Bodega: Spanish Tapas & Lounge

Bodega is located smack in the middle of Georgetown; however, at 5:30pm we were seated immediately and our food came quickly. Everything we ordered was delicious. The atmosphere screams Spain and we sat in the bright bay window (otherwise, the rest of the restaurant is quite dark).

Tonight we talked about the college essays. Yay--the common application essay is finished and Julia has her personal statement written. NCSU's earliest deadline is October 15 and she's going to make it, no problem. 

Recommendation: Steven recommends the Spanish Tortilla. Julia and I couldn't pick favorites--it was that good.   

Restaurant Info:

Phone: (202) 333-4733
Fax: (202) 333-4909
E-Mail: info@bodegadc.com
Address: 3116 M St NW
Washington, DC 2007, USA
Web Site: www.bodegadc.com

Brocheta de Pollo al Ajillo con Salsa Picante de Pimiento
(Grilled Chicken Skewer Served With A Spicy Pepper Emulsion Sauce)

Brocheta de Solomillo de Ternera
(Beef Tenderloin Skewer With Red & Green Peppers, Onions, And Cherry Tomatoes) 

Pulpo a la Plancha
(Seared Octopus with Potatoes and Smoked Paprika) 

Salmón con Aceitunas y Alcaparras 
(Salmon With Olives, Capers & Shallots )

Tortilla de Patata con Chorizo y Jamón Serrano
(Spanish Tortilla with Chorizo, Topped with Ham)

Judías Verdes Finas Salteadas con Almendras
(French Green Beans with Almonds) 

Chandelier above our table.

From our table, looking at the bar.