I’m headed off to Washington DC this weekend for the Crafty Bastards craft show. I’ll be doing a show I’ve never done before, in a city I haven’t been to since I was a teenager! I’m really looking forward to exploring. One of the first things I always do when checking out a new city is compile my list of food things to try cause there is nothing like experiencing a place through it’s food. Of course, I can’t spend my entire day eating (even if I wanted to) so I’ve also put together a list of sites and stores I’m going to try to check out before Crafty Bastards starts on Saturday. Got any recommendations for me?

Eat/Drink:

Rose’s Luxury: One of the top restaurants in DC, voted as the best new restaurant in the country by Bon Appetit last year. Excited to try the lychee salad and maybe some brisket. Pretty much everything sounds yummy and I love the personality that shines through on their website. No reservation policy means there is a strong chance I’ll be waiting for an hour or more…

Ethiopic: Ethiopian food is one of my favs but I almost never eat it so I’m taking this opportunity to hit up Ethiopic while in DC. Voted Top Ethiopian Restaurant in Washington City Paper’s Readers Poll.

DCity Smokehouse: I’m ALWAYS up for BBQ. Excited to try DCity’s brisket and multitude of sides.

Rappahannock Oyster Bar: DC restaurant outlet of family owned sustainable oyster farm Rappahannock (100 years old). I’m excited to try the oysters (obvy) and The Lambs + Clams.

Toki Underground: I love ramen and I love dumplings. Done and done.

Maketto: Part Cambodian and Taiwanese fusion restaurant, part coffee roaster with french influenced pastries, and part retail shop. I’m sold.

Shop:

Crafty Bastards: This craft show is big and been going strong for over 11 years. I’m really excited to check out the other artisans (people come from all across the country). The event is held outside Union Market, Saturday September 26th and Sunday, September 27th from 10 am – 5 pm. Tickets are $5-8 (depending on whether you buy beforehand or at the door). Please stop by and say hi if you’re in the area!

Salt & Sundry: Beautifully curated home goods from blogger Amanda McClements focusing on entertaining, good food and connecting with loved ones. Really excited to check this one out.

Union Market: Historic marketplace that has been around in some form since the late 1800s. The indoor open market features artisan food producers, restaurants and small independent retailers. I’m excited to check out all the local produce, cheese and of course food.

See/Do:

National Mall: Never been, can’t wait to check it out. I plan on cruising the mall using Capital Bikeshare and am looking forward to the Lincoln Memorial and National Monument.

National Gallery of Art: There is nothing like seeing art in person. Excited to see pieces by Lichtenstein, Matisse and Pollock.

Screen on the Green: This is a summer only activity but I still wanted to include it since I plan to head back to DC at some point. Free movie screenings at the National Mall – BYOE (e=everything). Seems like a great way to get a peek into DC culture.

Spy Museum: Because it just sounds cool and it was recommended by two friends.

Smithsonian: I’m hoping to hit up at least one of the many many museum options.