Dinner on the Wharf #TBT

During a recent trip to Washington DC, following a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, took a leisurely walk to The Wharf for dinner and drinks. Home to several restaurants and shops, the DC landmark is described as being “built on the vision of creating a place that brings the community together.”

Once near the river, there was a nice view of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial before that final stretch towards the waterfront.

Upon arrival, one is immediately greeted by the Municipal Fish Market.

Established back in 1805, it is the country’s longest serving fish market. The structure has gone through changes and renovations through the years. According to its website: “The Lunch Room and the Oyster Shucking and Fish Cleaning Shed remain as reminders of the Municipal Fish Market’s heyday in the 1920s and 1930s.”

Also spotted along the walk was the Maine Lobsterman.

Completed in 1983, the sculpture by Victor Kahill depicts Maine lobsterman Elroy Johnson placing a peg into a lobster claw.

Following the artist’s death, the piece was given to Maine’s Department of Sea and Shore Fisheries. The statue eventually found its way to Washington DC after then-Senator Edmund Muskie proposed its relocation in 1980.

Walking along the waterfront, we strolled passed various restaurants as potential spots for dinner. Soon enough, after stopping for Happy Hour, it was time to make a decision.

I feel it’s been a while since seeing Smithwick’s at a bar and there was a nearby spot that had it on draught: Kirwan’s on the Wharf.

Years ago, Smithwick’s seemed to be a staple at most bars (obviously, at Irish pubs) but, as of late, can’t say I’ve seen it on many menus.

Dubbed “your Irish home away from home,” the restaurant has three bars, each with its own “feel:” the whiskey bar, gastropub, and patio.

Once equipped with one of my favorite beers, I perused the menu and the calamari immediately caught my eye. At that moment, there was nothing I wanted more than a big platter of fried squid; and why not while on the wharf?

This was a delicious plate of hot and crispy calamari—the cherry peppers and their “boom boom sauce” made it one of the best I’ve had in a while.

Then, the main course: the 12oz. ribeye.

The steak, served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, was tender and juicy—a great end to the evening.

Many of my holidays, at some point, include a steak dinner. Glad I was able to keep up the tradition at Kirwan’s.

First Ethiopian experience

It was my first trip to Washington, DC in several years. Having just come back from living in the Philippines for nearly 10 years, it’s easy to say my last visit to our nation’s capital was over a decade ago. I do, however, recall my previous two visits were for weddings; this would be my first time as a tourist since I was a kid.

This was also my first trip anywhere since returning to the US in November.

There was already an excitement after touching down at Reagan National Airport—it’s always fun visiting a different place (even if you’ve been there before). There’s something about the arrival that makes that walk to baggage claim an exhilarating one.

Before leaving for Washington, my friends and I discussed the idea of trying Ethiopian food while we were there—we were all very enthusiastic.

Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant & Mart, located along 9th Street NW, near the corner of O Street NW, came recommended. Featured as a Michelin Guide recommendation in 2021 and named by Washingtonian Magazine on their “100 Very Best Restaurants” list in 2018, we were looking forward to having our first Ethiopian experience.

Walking up 9^th Street to the restaurant, you have to take the short flight of stairs up to the restaurant.

We were seated right up front, by the window, and once I spotted Ethiopian beer on the menu, had to give it a try.

Habesha, coined as “the authentic, golden beer,” is a light and tasty brew. According to their website, “Habesha stands for gratitude and the celebration of togetherness.” It goes on to say, “It defines the shared pride and culture of all Ethiopians.”

Now, the drinks were the easy part.

When it came to food, it was a bit of a challenge for a first-timer. However, we had the most amazing server who suggested a few items and offered to have our dinner served family style, which turned out to be one of the greatest sampler platters ever.

The large platter first arrived with a colorful array of vegetarian dishes including split peas, collard greens, chickpeas, beets, and other items. In the center was a spicy chicken dish; and all of it was placed on top of a large injera, a spongy flatbread used as a vehicle for all the food (some of us thought they were napkins).

Once that was placed on the table, they then added some of the most delicious grilled beef to the platter.

The smells were intoxicating, the colors were so vibrant, and everything was incredible.

Every bite, depending on what you picked up, had a unique taste; which gave the meal so much depth.

Also, even though they served two plates of injera, we did have to order more!

Chercher provided an amazing introduction to Ethiopian cuisine and I look forward to trying it again.

Capitol Reflection

William Thornton was the original architect of the Capitol and in 1793 was selected as the winner of a design contest. The central rotunda was his idea. His plan, unfortunately, did not pan out due to a lack of funding and the British attack during the War of 1812.

Charles Bulfinch eventually completed the rotunda in 1824.

The Rotunda is 96 feet in diameter and rises 180 feet 3 inches to the canopy.

The pantheon inspired the Capitol's design.

Obelisk

A view of the Washington Monument from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. With the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in foreground, it provides a magnificent reproduction of the monument and a cloud-laden sky.

The monument has been closed indefinitely due to structural damage from an earthquake on August 23, 2011.

America the Beautiful

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!

America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!