Washington D.C. Weekend Adventure: Iconic Memorials, Campus Charm, and Neapolitan Pizza Perfection

Every trip to Washington D.C. holds a special place in my heart, and this particular weekend adventure was no exception. What felt like a never-ending journey of discovery was, in fact, the perfect culmination of our D.C. exploration. For those who’ve followed our previous D.C. installments, this marks the grand finale, bringing together unforgettable sights, campus nostalgia, and truly exceptional culinary experiences in the nation’s vibrant capital.

Exploring Foggy Bottom: George Washington University’s Urban Campus

After a serene and reflective visit to the magnificent Jefferson Memorial, our D.C. journey led us to the bustling heart of Foggy Bottom, home to George Washington University (GWU). Our primary objective was to admire the impressive architecture of its law school and health sciences buildings. It’s quite surprising how little time I’ve spent in this particular area of D.C. in the past, given its incredible convenience.

Foggy Bottom truly shines as a prime location for both residents and visitors alike. It boasts a metro stop conveniently located right in the middle, making it incredibly accessible for exploring the city. Furthermore, its proximity to iconic landmarks is undeniable – it’s just under a mile’s walk from the majestic Lincoln Memorial, offering a seamless transition from solemn history to vibrant urban life. As we strolled through the area, I even spotted a charming little cafe called “The Pharmacy” (or so I believe it was named), which instantly caught my eye. Its inviting facade and cozy ambiance have certainly placed it high on my list for a future coffee break or a casual bite to eat, promising a delightful local experience.

Walking through the GWU campus felt like a surreal step back in time, observing undergraduate students going about their day and taking in the sights of the various fraternity and sorority houses. It was a peculiar experience, especially considering I had only graduated the previous May. The contrast between GWU’s vibrant, urban campus and my own undergraduate university couldn’t have been starker. My alma mater was nestled in a town of merely 2,000 people, an hour’s drive away from what felt like “civilization.” The energy, the density, and the sheer volume of activities available within arm’s reach at GWU highlighted the dynamic differences between urban and rural academic environments, each with its unique charm and challenges.

A Sweet Detour in Historic Georgetown: The Cupcake Phenomenon

Following our impromptu self-guided tour of the GWU campus, our exploration took us on a scenic drive through the picturesque and historic streets of Georgetown. This charming neighborhood, famous for its Federalist architecture, upscale boutiques, and vibrant dining scene, always offers a delightful experience. Our destination was none other than the original Georgetown Cupcake bakery, a true institution in the D.C. area and a pioneer in the gourmet cupcake fad.

As expected, the scene was exactly as I remembered – and as legendary as its reputation suggests. The line of eager customers snaked around the building, stretching at least a hundred feet out the door and even onto the next street. It’s a testament to the enduring popularity and delicious offerings of this famous bakery. While I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy their delectable cupcakes on numerous occasions, I’ve always preferred to get mine from their Bethesda location, which typically offers a much more relaxed experience, free from the bustling crowds and lengthy waits that characterize the original shop.

Unwinding and Indulging: A Neapolitan Feast at Two Amy’s Pizza

After soaking in the charm of Georgetown, we made our way back to Erin’s apartment for a much-needed respite. Our feet were tired from a day of extensive walking and sightseeing, so we gladly put them up, refreshed ourselves, and recharged with some snacks. This brief interlude was essential before heading out for what promised to be the highlight of our evening: dinner at my absolute favorite pizza place in the entire city, Two Amy’s.

Two Amy’s is renowned for its dedication to authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, a culinary tradition that is taken incredibly seriously, not just by the restaurant, but by Italian law itself. Their commitment to this heritage is evident in every bite, adhering to strict D.O.C. (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) standards:

In 1998 the Italian government formally recognized Neapolitan pizza as a traditional food worthy of preservation and granted it D.O.C (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) status, which specifies the legally permitted ingredients and methods of preparation necessary to produce authentic Neapolitan Pizza. Only soft-grain flour, fresh yeast, water, and sea salt may be used for the dough, and only Italian plum tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, extra-virgin olive oil and fresh basil or dried oregano may be used for the toppings. Fresh garlic may only be used on the Pizza Marinara. All Neapolitan pizzas must be cooked in a wood-burning oven (Source)

It’s clear that Two Amy’s takes its pizza extremely seriously, a dedication that translates into an unparalleled dining experience. Beyond the classic offerings, they also present an array of incredibly unique and adventurous flavor combinations, many of which we eagerly sampled during our dinner. The anticipation for these pizzas was almost as delicious as the food itself.

The National Cathedral Interlude

While Two Amy’s offers a sublime pizza experience, getting a table can sometimes be a challenge. They operate on a strict no-reservations policy, which often means waiting an hour or even longer, especially for larger parties like ours (we were a group of six). To pass the time productively, we put our name down and embarked on a pleasant two-block walk to the magnificent National Cathedral. Although it was already closed for visitors, its exterior beauty, especially illuminated at night, was simply breathtaking. Its gothic architecture, intricate details, and towering spires create a truly majestic sight against the night sky.

It was a nostalgic moment for me, as I literally attended high school within walking distance of this iconic landmark. Yet, taking the time to leisurely walk around its expansive grounds, admiring its grandeur from a different perspective, felt incredibly special. The peaceful ambiance of the cathedral grounds at night, with the soft glow illuminating its ancient stones, offered a serene contrast to the bustling city, providing a perfect moment of reflection before our much-anticipated dinner.

The Neapolitan Feast Begins

By the time we had completed our delightful stroll around the National Cathedral, it was perfectly timed to check back in with the restaurant. To our pleasant surprise, the wait had only been about 40 minutes – not bad at all for a Saturday night at such a popular spot! Soon enough, we heard our name called, and we were finally seated. Hooray for delicious pizza!

Once the food arrived, I was admittedly too busy savoring every bite to remember to capture many photos. However, rest assured, the pizzas were every bit as incredible as they sound. Two Amy’s crust is legendary – truly to die for. It’s perfectly thin and pliable in the middle, yet boasts a delightful crispness and a soft, airy texture on the outside, a hallmark of expertly made Neapolitan pizza. Coupled with their unwavering commitment to using only the highest quality, fresh ingredients, each pizza is a culinary masterpiece. If only I could replicate such perfection in my own kitchen!

Between the six of us, we managed to quickly (and thoroughly) consume an impressive spread:

• Two generous servings of mixed greens with a light, refreshing dressing of lemon, red wine vinegar, and olive oil – a perfect palate cleanser.

And for the main event, five extraordinary pizzas:

• Etna: A rich and savory combination of eggplant confit, briny olives, capers, aromatic oregano, and a sprinkle of Grana Padano cheese. The eggplant confit sauce was particularly delicious, offering a depth of flavor that stood out.
• Vongole: A unique seafood offering featuring fresh garlic, capers, parsley, a hint of hot pepper, tender cockles, and Grana Padano. This pizza, pictured above on the left, was a revelation. I had never experienced shellfish on pizza before, but the flavors married beautifully. The hot peppers provided a fantastic, subtle spiciness without overpowering the delicate seafood, and the capers added a lovely tang.
• Norcia: A robust choice with classic tomato sauce, savory salami, perfectly grilled peppers, fresh mozzarella, and Grana Padano.
• Margherita Extra: An elevated classic, featuring extra tomato, luxurious mozzarella di bufala, and sweet cherry tomatoes, highlighting the purity of Neapolitan ingredients.
• Two Amy’s: The restaurant’s namesake pizza, a delightful base of tomato and fresh mozzarella, enhanced with a vibrant fresh pesto as an add-on, adding an herbaceous kick.

My personal favorites were undoubtedly the Etna pizza, thanks to its outstanding eggplant confit, and the surprisingly delicious Vongole with cockles. The unique blend of flavors and textures on the Vongole was a true culinary discovery. We certainly left no crumb behind, a clear sign of a truly satisfying meal. I’m already looking forward to my next visit to Two Amy’s!

A Fond Farewell to a Cherished City

The rest of our memorable weekend was filled with a hearty breakfast before bidding farewell to Giovonne and Josh, as we drove them back to the airport. Though undeniably busy, the entire weekend was an absolute blast. It served as a wonderful reminder, once again, of just how much I truly love Washington D.C. From its grand memorials and vibrant university campuses to its charming neighborhoods and exceptional dining scene, D.C. always offers an enriching and enjoyable experience. Until next time!