Dukem: Washington has the highest concentration of Ethiopians outside of Ethiopia, so you'd be remiss to visit the District without scooping up spicy wats with injera (a spongy pancake-like bread) at Dukem, where $12 will buy you a bellyful of aromatic stews. 1114 U St. NW
Market Lunch: Politicos have long enjoyed lazy Sundays roaming the food stalls of Capitol Hill's Eastern Market. Get there before 11 am and join the massive line of people waiting for "bluebuck" pancakes at the tiny takeout counter of Market Lunch. The blueberry-and-buckwheat pancakes are an excellent hangover cure, as are the fry-ups of bacon, eggs and grits. If your inaugural romps cause you to sleep through breakfast, head over for the equally delicious crab cake or shredded pork sandwiches served at lunchtime. You'll be hard pressed to spend more than $10. 225 7th St. SE
Marvin: Though Marvin is a relative newcomer to the U Street scene, it feels like it's been in the neighborhood for years. Named after native son Marvin Gaye, this sexy bistro and lounge serves a mix of Belgian and soul food, a tribute to the years that the crooner spent across the pond. It's become a U Street fixture and a favorite of Obama's transition team, who often meet here for the famous fried chicken and waffles (a mere $16). On the big day, you'll get to hear funk and soul and see projections of inaugural activities on the wall of the heated upstairs deck. 2007 14th St. NW
Oyamel: Ferran Adrià protégé José Andrés is credited with jump starting DC's culinary scene in 1993 with the opening of his tapas restaurant, Jaleo. Those with $500 to burn can get a taste of his genius (or that of celeb chefs like Alice Waters, Daniel Boulud and Tom Colicchio) on January 19 at one of 12 benefit dinners. The more spendthrift among us can take a break from the cold of the parade route to sample his famous Mexican hot chocolate, which is served with cinnamon, vanilla beans and cloves for $5. 401 7th St. NW
Related Stories:
· Drink for Change at District Chophouse [Jaunted]
· Is Inauguration the New New Year's Eve? [Jaunted]
· Inauguration Travel coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: Ben's Chili Bowl]
