Top Chef in Washington DC

Gotham Foodie

January 31

If you follow my blog, or my social media, then you know for certain how much I love the TV show Top Chef on Bravo Network. It's been years that I have been following the restaurants of prior contestants all over the US. At this point I have visited 80 of their restaurants all over the nation, and I'm hoping to hit 100 this year. It won't be easy, but I'm sure going to try. I just got back from Washington DC, where I had some excellent food at three of their spots. See below what I feasted on!

Succotash Prime

Season 9 of Top Chef was probably one of my favorite seasons, even though if pressed hard, I would say that about every season. Either way, I really liked this one and the contestants that competed on this season. Edward Lee was an early favorite with his cool head and imaginative spirit, and he made it all the way to 5th place. He's been a successful chef and restauranteur since then, I finally hopped on the Amtrak to DC, with reservations for Succotash made. I was super stoked.

I was originally scheduled to visit with my best sidekick, my daughter Sasha, but unfortunately she canceled last minute, so I made the trek alone (which doesn't bother me all that much, I do most of my dining alone, nobody can keep up with me). Succotash is a Southern restaurant, soul food if you will. It is grand and beautiful with high ceilings, round benches in the booths, it's absolutely stunning. It has a feel of upscale dining and down to earth at the same time, and I loved it the minute I walked in.

Now, when I dine at restaurants that involve Top Chef contestants, I prefer to dine with a second person, only because I get to try more food, just because I shamelessly pick on other people's plates. This time I was by myself, so I ordered three small plates plus one side dish, so I could still accomplish that goal. Ok fine, I ordered the side dish, because it was Cheesy Grits with Country Gravy and Sausage, and I HAD to have it. But I started out with two Deviled Eggs, one with Pickled Green Tomato, and one with Bacon Jam. So yummy! Next were Hot Fried Oysters with Bread and Butter Cukes, Salty Lunn Bread and a Dill Ranch Dressing. They had a nice little kick to them, really good, hot and crunchy. Then I was off to try the Chicken and Waffles, which consisted of one thigh and one leg, Bourbon Maple Syrup, Pickled Okra and aged Manchego. Top Notch. The waffle never got soggy, it was absolutely delicious. And don't forget about the grits and gravy. I could only muster a few spoonfuls, I was already so full, but it was to die for.

We, The Pizza

First of all, may I say that the name We The Pizza in DC, right by the US Capitol Building, is probably the best name for a restaurant I have ever seen. I mean, honestly, I can't get better than that. You will have to get a slice from here. No two ways about it. Who owns this joint? Who is responsible for this amazing pizza inside? It's Spike Mendelsohn, probably one of my favorite contestants to this day. He appeared on season 4, where he also came in at 5th place. Such a likable guy, so humble, so genuine. I have had food from his culinary journey before, and I knew this pizza was going to be epic. And It was.

I had to order the pizza to my hotel, because I was already pressed for time, and running late for my tour of the Capitol Building. So, I ordered a Capitol Supreme pie, with mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, red onions, green pepper and oregano. Also I ordered the Margherita Burrata pie with crushed tomato sauce, parmesan, burrata and fresh basil. Of course I had to order some wings. I ordered the wings plain with sauce on the side, and they were oh so crispy, I dogged them on the way to the Capitol Building. The pizza? Well. You're to a New Yorker, our pizza is the best, not to be outdone by any other pizza in any other city. Period. But. These pies were so delicious, they can keep up with a New York pie any day. As a matter of fact, if they were sold here in the Big Apple, I would be a regular customer. 100%. It was that good. And being that I could not eat two pies by myself, I gave the pies to the staff at the hotel I was staying, after having tried the goods, and they loved them as well. Great job.

Good Stuff Eatery

Good Stuff Eatery is also owned by Chef Spike, and it's literally next door to We, The Pizza. It's more of a kind of fast food setting, but don't get it twisted, this is no average fast food. Food here is fresh, and it is made to order. At this point I was on my way to Union Station, ready to head back to New York City. It was 11 am, so Spike's Sunny Side burger (with cheese, egg and a sunny side egg), coupled with a Salted Caramel Shake seemed like a perfect Thursday Brunch on the go. I also ordered a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich with Cajun Fries for my four hour train ride. Yessssssss. So absolutely delicious! I swear, I ate the sandwich and the fries cold, and it was still amazing. Please come to New York, Chef Spike! I love your food, and the rest of New York is already loving your Plnt Burgers.