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Tags: Recession Restaurants / Recession-Restaurants-Map / Restaurants / Sandwiches / → All Tags

Bebo Trattoria

Italian-born chef Roberto Donna is one of DC's biggest culinary stars, so when he closed high-end eatery Galileo for renovations, District power-lunchers were more than disappointed. But their pain was NoVa cheapskates' gain, as Donna used his time off to open a more casual take on Galileo: The new-ish Bebo Trattoria in Crystal City, Virginia.

Given the bustling family-style atmosphere and the sub-$10 prices, you’d be forgiven for thinking Bebo Trattoria is just another suburban Olive Garden clone. But look closer and you'll see the salads, sandwiches and homemade pastas here are all dotted with imported Italian delicacies like Belgian lettuce, pepper-cured prosciutto and guanciale (cured pork cheeks). The newest offering is the selection of pizzas, straight from the wood-burning oven and topped with a drizzle of olive oil and sea salt, along with gourmet toppings like Gorgonzola dolce cheese.

But the best deal is the one that grew out of Donna's popular take-out lunch counter service at Galileo. The locally famous pork shoulder panini, topped with provolone and broccoli rabe, are available at lunchtime for just $6.25.

Related Stories:
· Bebo Trattoria [Official Site]
· Something for the Poors at Vidalia [Jaunted]
· Recession Restaurants Map [Jaunted]

[Photo: kthread]

Tags: Good Burgers / Restaurants / Washington D.C. / → All Tags

Best Burger in DC?

After heading out to the country for some delish rib eye last weekend, we ended up back in DC. But even all that steak couldn't sate our taste for beef. That's when Five Guys came to the rescue.

Yes, yes, the operation has gone into franchise mode recently. But it all got started in Arlington, VA. The thing that keeps Five Guys legit is the focus on just doing a few things right: You'll find burgers, fries and little else on the menu.

We went for the cheeseburger, which is actually two beef patties smothered with American cheese. The "fried onion" topping turned out to be little bits of sauteed onion--totally not worth it. A huge bag of fries and a root beer later, we were in a massive burger-induced food coma. In other words: It may be a chain, but damn it's still good.

[Photo: mrmatt]

Related Stories:
· Five Guys [Official Site]
· Jaunted's Good Burger coverage [Jaunted]

Tags: Food / → All Tags

Square Pegs

Pentagon Row in Arlington, VA is known for its upscale restaurants and myriad international cuisines on display. Most of the restaurants there sport some sort of Asian flair, but La Creperie, with its Maghrib-inspried French cuisine attempts difficult feat of chic French dining.

As their name would suggest, La Creperie is known for their crepes, both salty and sweet. Be forewarned: These crepes are not your typical Parisian fare. For one, they have a square shape and lay flat on the plate.

Per our waiter's suggestion, we opted for the Beef Stew. Julia Child might have a bone to pick with our Moroccan friends regarding the French authenticity of le plat--Hungarians might recognize this dish goulash with some Moroccan trappings. For dessert, the banana Crepe drizzled in chocolate syrup looked good, but no Frenchman worth their salt would use Hershey's syrup in a dessert as La Creperie does. Degolas!

[Image via nirakara/Flickr]