Dough

doughDough deserves to have lines out the door. People like to line up for things like doughnuts, but this place is the real deal. The Cafe au Lait doughnut is amazing, amazing, amazing! The filled doughnuts always sell out, if you’re lucky enough to get one, savor it.

Aita

aitaAita was a brunch stop on a recent visit to Brooklyn. It’s a swank little restaurant with chic vintage flair, well-curated, not over adorned. The menu has options for every guest. I chose the montecristo, pretty basic, no minds blown. The dinner menu seems to be their focus, next time I’ll get a pasta dish.

Pequena

pequenaMy love for Pequena began when I moved to Fort Greene. It was just across the street and filled with Mexican tchotchkes, how could I resist? Here’s the deal – not everything is great, the servers can be snarly, and the place can get crowded. However, if you are patient, order a regular margarita and the plantain and black bean quesadilla, you will leave happy. The tostadas are also a win, but don’t bother with the chicken.

Dwelltime

dwelltimeGreat coffee takes time, if you don’t have time, this is not the place for you. Though I’ve never stopped in Dwelltime to clack away on a laptop, it seems like a wonderful place to do so (unless it’s the weekend where they don’t allow laptops at the tables). I recently tried the strawberry jam and rosemary scone. It’s perfection! Don’t share it with anyone, you’ll be sorry.

Washington, D.C.

dcA weekend in D.C. condensed:

Pizza Paradiso – This place is solid. The pizza and the beer list are sure to please!

The Fainting Goat – I wanted to be more excited about this restaurant, food was okay.

Ted’s Bulletin – we went for the homemade pop tarts, I liked the donut better.

Oyamel – super Mexican spot, tasty food and modern decor

Bayou – Louisiana cooking, food was heavy, but overall good. If you like Abita, they have lots!

Batter Bowl Bakery – I got the sunny side egg dish and I left feeling hungry. If I spend $10 at breakfast, I should be full.

DC Brau – drink it!