La Tomate Bistro DC

So I assumed this was going to be another over-priced mediocre Italian restaurant in Dupont, but I was actually happily surprised. It was our fall back after Otello's was closed. I had the Pasta al Nero and truly enjoyed the dish. The shrimp was crunchy, the mushrooms flavorful, and the sundried tomatoes brought the dish together. My date had the Saltimbocca and the fish was fresh. Only downside - there were definitely still bones in the fillet. Decent meal, pleasant surprise.

4/5
http://www.latomatebistro.com/

El Pollo Rico Arlington

Really, reallllyyy goooood chicken. Like falling apart, super tender, flavorful, juicy, herb-rubbed roasted chicken for $5. My meal of 1/4 lb chicken, coleslaw, and fries, with a soda was $6. Crazy. It's no surprise that there are avid supporters of El Pollo Rico. The restaurant is definitely worthy of the craze. The dipping sauces are okay, but the chicken does not need it. The coleslaw and fries are nothing to rave about, but not bad. However, it is the chicken that steals the show. Cafeteria style, this is a great place for a tasty, super casual, inexpensive meal. It beats fast food, hands down.

BarBossa NYC

Fabulous. Little neighborhood hole in the wall Brazilian restaurant with reasonably priced food. We waited two hours to be seated, but let me tell you - the food was absolutely worth it. I mean, we were so hungry, anything probably would have tasted good, but this was beyond good. I ordered the pork, black bean stew and it was mouth-watering. Tender pork, flavorful, and huge portion size. We ended the meal with the Guinness chocolate cake recommended by NY Mag and could have died happily. Amazing.

4.75/5
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/BarBossa/

Pipa NYC

My friends and I went to Pipa for a late night tapas dinner and had an amazing time. The tapa selection is very authentic, but the actual execution has a bit of a spin to it. I don't remember everything we ordered, but mini chorizo, wild mushrooms, cheese croquettes, dates, and meatballs were on the table at some point. The tapas were good, not great. The sangria was delicious. Pipa is definitely what you would consider a NYC hot spot - it's hip, it's lively, it's crowded.

4/5
http://www.abchome.com/images/rest/pipa-Dinner.htm

La Ferme Chevy Chase

Went here for Bethesda restaurant week. The service was amazing, the food was wonderful, and the atmosphere was fantastic. The host and waitstaff were all french and did a great job of greeting and explaining their menu options. My friend and I both had the salad to start, I had the salmon for my entree, she had the filet mignon, and we both had the cobbler for dessert. The salad was a bit pungent for me as the bleu cheese topping was quite liberal for the size of the salad. The salmon was tender and flaky and fresh. The cobbler was filled with fruit and not overly sweet. Great, light meal. I wasn't overly full, but I felt satiated. Perfect place for a quiet date in the neighborhood area of Chevy Chase.

4.5/5
http://www.lafermerestaurant.com/