While temperatures fall, our local food scene is heating up. Korean food is hot, in more ways than one. We’ve discovered Momo Chicken & Grill, at 1001 Fourth St. SW, specializing in Korean-style fried wings. On a warm autumn afternoon, Peter and I enjoyed a delicious lunch there. Momo’s atmosphere is cheerful and friendly. The décor features a long, convivial bar with two large TVs overhead, ideal for sports viewing, especially during happy hour. The dining room is divided into sections with comfy banquettes. A mirror makes the space seem larger.
Sipping hot sake, I perused the luncheon menu and decided on Korean chicken wings. Among the best wings I’ve ever tasted, the five pieces were crisply fried, resting on dollops of soy sauce. Accompanying crunchy fries were addictive; I normally eschew fries, but not this time! The generous plate also provides ketchup and a tiny cup of coleslaw. Peter went for the Korean tacos. A marriage of Latin America and Asia, the trio of flour tortillas enveloped plump shrimp dressed with mayo, pickles and pico de gallo. The crustaceans were coated with a gossamer, tempura-like batter. The side of kimchi was spicy but not incendiary.
Besides the signature wings, breasts and drumsticks, Momo also offers dumplings, fried shrimp, pork buns, bibimbap, salads and banh mi sandwiches. Lunch for two with my hot sake came to about $50. Service, provided by Que, was friendly and helpful. Momo is open daily for lunch and dinner. For hours and more information visit www.usmomo.com.
And…
Speaking of Korean, after an appointment in the Navy Yard area, Peter enjoyed a late lunch at Bonchon, 1015 Half St. SE. He sat at the snazzy bar and ordered Korean BBQ fried chicken. Eight strips of succulent white meat were fried to a golden hue and coated with a tangy BBQ sauce. As a side, he ate pickled radishes—all for less than $15. You can also find wings, drumsticks, kimchi, Korean corn dogs, fried rice and more. Bonchon is open daily. For hours and more information visit www.www.bonchon.com.
Nearby…
We’ve revisited an old favorite: Station 4, at 1101 Fourth St. SW. Before attending “Damn Yankees” at nearby Arena stage, we enjoyed brunch at this 14-year-old standby. Among the kitchen’s “new American” creations are wings, smoked Gouda mac-and-cheese, Philly cheesesteak, fried chicken, burgers. Mediterranean offerings include homemade hummus, grilled beef kofta with tzatziki, and chicken kebabs.
From the eggy brunch menu, I went for the popular shakshuka. The yummy dish—a savory stew laced with tomatoes, bell peppers, onion and spices—was capped with an over-easy egg and choice of chicken or shrimp. I chose the latter, a half dozen perfectly cooked crustaceans. Peter selected Chesapeake Benedict: English muffins topped with lump crabmeat, poached eggs and rich Hollandaise sauce. The accompanying home fries were a welcome change from the usual fries. Other options are omelets, pancakes, breakfast burritos and bacon-egg- and-cheese sandwiches. Station 4 is open daily, with weekday happy hours. For more information visit www.station4dc.com.
Coming Soon
Now, these restaurants are arriving soon; some might already be here: Dos Toros Taqueria is due to arrive at 215 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. The latest spinoff of a nationwide chain, Dos Toros (“Two Bulls”), will sling “mission style” burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, salads, nachos, and yes–myriad tacos. For updates visit www.dostoros.com.
On Barracks Row, Civic on Eighth, a coffee and cocktail bar, is coming to 501 Eighth St. SE, the former Ophelia’s Fish House space. Owner is Rhonda Foxx, an area resident and former congressional staffer. You’ll find the chic newcomer next to Chat’s liquor store, which is being spruced up. For Civic updates visit www.salonforthecity.com.
Across the street, Awakening Bar & Grill was set to open in early November at 520 Eighth St. SE, where Extreme Pizza used to be. Operated by Warren Banfield Jr., son Warren Banfield III and Aaron L. Ratliff, the 50-seat restaurant is named after the iconic sculpture “arising” at National Harbor. Awakening’s eclectic menu will showcase DC’s beloved dishes including crispy wings with homemade mumbo sauce, Old Bay shrimp, crab cakes, half smokes, fried green tomatoes, chicken-and-waffles. For hours, menu and other information visit www.awakeningdc.com.
We’re also awaiting Mott’s Market, 233 12th St. SE, in the former Mott’s Corner Store site. Housing a neighborhood grocery for decades, the historic building dates from 1916. Now, local restaurateur/tenant Peyton Sherwood is creating a grocery/deli sandwich shop in the renovated space. For updates visit www.mottsmarket.com.
Food Fight!
Coming up November 6: Capital Food Fight, to be held at the Anthem (District Wharf). Dozens of top restaurants and bars from the DMV will participate, including many from Capitol Hill and nearby. Doors open at 6 p.m. The edible evening will benefit DC Central kitchen, a wonderful organization which combats hunger and poverty. For tickets and more information visit www.capitalfoodfight.org.
Sixty-Five Years!
Congrats to the Monocle Restaurant, 107 D St. NE, for celebrating 65 years serving presidents, senators, other celebs and neighbors. To mark the milestone, on November 6, from 9 p.m. to midnight, the Monocle is hosting a festive evening of cocktails and dancing. Admission is $50 per person in advance and $65 at the door. Proceeds go to MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital. Attire is “1960s chic.” RSVP to: themonocle1960@gmail.com.
And….
As always, La Plaza Mexican Cuisine, 629 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, will be open on Thanksgiving Day, November 27. For menu, hours and reservations visit www.laplazatogo.com.
