Exploring Washington D.C.: A Culinary Journey and Iconic Memorials
After a morning spent immersed in the history and grandeur of the Lincoln Memorial, my companions Giovonne and Josh headed their separate ways. For me, the day’s adventures continued with a transition from monumental reflections to an evening of culinary exploration. I rendezvoused with my friend Connor in the vibrant heart of downtown Bethesda, a locale renowned for its diverse dining scene, featuring popular spots like Mussel Bar, the delectable Dolcezza gelato, and the charming Georgetown Cupcake. Our destination for dinner was Jaleo, a highly anticipated stop on our itinerary.
The decision to dine at Jaleo was strategically timed, driven by a gift certificate that was nearing its expiration date. This fortunate circumstance provided the perfect impetus, especially as I was thoroughly exhausted from a full day of walking and sightseeing. The thought of contemplating what to cook for dinner was simply unappealing after such an active day, making the prospect of a prepared meal exceptionally inviting. I’ve made a mental note of this for future reference, as there have been times when I’ve used gift certificates prematurely and later wished I had saved them for a moment of genuine need or convenience like this.
Jaleo is an acclaimed establishment, part of a culinary family that includes other notable Washington D.C. restaurants such as Zaytinya and Cafe Atlantico. It specializes in Spanish tapas, offering a wide array of small plates designed for sharing, alongside a few larger dishes like the classic seafood paella. While I generally hold a preference for Zaytinya, known for its exquisite Greek tapas, embracing a change of pace is always a welcome experience. However, on this particular evening, my dining experience at Jaleo left me somewhat underwhelmed. A few of the dishes, to my disappointment, were excessively salty, served lukewarm – a major culinary pet peeve of mine – and notably on the fattier side.
Despite these minor setbacks, we managed to curate a satisfying meal. Between the two of us, we ordered a selection of six tapas, which proved to be the ideal quantity, providing ample variety without over-ordering. To complement the meal, I enjoyed a delightful glass of Sarrah wine, which was quite tasty and a pleasant addition to the Spanish flavors.
A recurring point of frustration for me with Jaleo and many of its sister restaurants is their infrequent menu changes. This lack of seasonal rotation or new additions often leads me to explore their daily specials menu whenever possible, seeking out novel and exciting dishes beyond the standard offerings.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the delicious (and sometimes disappointing) array of dishes we savored:
- Special of the Day: Sauteed rainbow swiss chard with chanterelle mushrooms – A fresh, earthy start, though a bit undersalted for my taste.
- Vieiras con calabaza y naranjas: Seared scallops with butternut squash purée, orange segments and pumpkin seeds – This dish was a clear standout, a beautiful medley of textures and flavors. The perfectly seared scallops paired wonderfully with the creamy, subtly sweet butternut squash puree, while the bright orange segments and crunchy pumpkin seeds added a delightful contrast.
- Gambas al ajillo: The very, very famous tapa of shrimp sautéed with garlic – A classic for a reason, these garlic shrimp were succulent and aromatic, served sizzling in olive oil, a true delight for any tapas enthusiast.
- Trigueros con romesco: Grilled asparagus with romesco sauce – The grilled asparagus offered a crisp, fresh counterpoint, elevated by the rich and nutty romesco sauce.
- Pimientos del piquillo rellenos de queso: Seared piquillo peppers filled with goat cheese – Another personal favorite, these vibrant piquillo peppers, gently seared and generously stuffed with tangy goat cheese, were an exquisite combination of sweet and savory. You truly can never go wrong with goat cheese.
- Secreto Iberico de Bellota con potatas fritas: Grilled Acorn-fed Iberico skirt steak served with fried potato wedges – This was, unfortunately, the most disappointing item of the evening.
My top picks were unequivocally the scallops, the garlic shrimp, and the delightful stuffed pimiento peppers. The scallops dish, in particular, showcased an impressive balance of flavors – the natural sweetness of the scallops harmonizing with the earthy butternut squash and the bright zest of orange, all subtly enhanced by a tiny hint of balsamic glaze that perfectly cut through the sweetness. This sophisticated combination truly marked a growing appreciation for diverse taste profiles.
The biggest letdown of the meal was undoubtedly the special: the Acorn-fed Iberico skirt steak, imported all the way from Spain. Despite its prestigious origins and the implied quality of its diet (jokingly, even if these *pigs were eating foie gras*), the dish was neither appetizing in flavor nor attractive in presentation. I found it to be incredibly fatty, which was surprising given my understanding that skirt steak is typically considered a leaner cut. I’d welcome a correction if my culinary knowledge on that point is mistaken, but my experience suggested otherwise.
Considering the overall experience, I’m genuinely unsure if I’ll return to Jaleo in the foreseeable future. I often feel that the final bill at Jaleo disproportionately outweighs the “so-so” dining experience, making it feel less than ideal value for money. Fortunately, on this occasion, the gift card mitigated that first sentiment, turning a potentially overpriced meal into a more palatable one.
And now, with our stomachs full (and opinions formed), it was time to shift gears and dive back into the rich tapestry of Washington D.C.’s iconic landmarks!
The following day, Saturday, brought another exciting leg of our D.C. exploration. We were joined by another college roommate of mine, Erin, who, serendipitously, moved to D.C. shortly after graduation – a stroke of luck for me, allowing for more frequent reunions! This time, given the more spread-out nature of our planned destinations, we decided to brave the city traffic and navigate by car, a practical decision that ultimately saved us a great deal of time and walking.
First on our list of must-see attractions was a place of profound national significance:
Arlington National Cemetery
As we approached, I reflected on my past and realized with some surprise that I wasn’t entirely sure if I had ever visited Arlington National Cemetery before. Perhaps in elementary school, on a distant class trip, but the memory was hazy at best. This visit, therefore, felt like a fresh encounter with a truly sacred American site.
It was another absolutely gorgeous day, bathed in the crisp, clear air of autumn. Despite my usual inclination to feel a sense of unease or solemnity in cemeteries, Arlington National Cemetery evoked a profoundly different and unexpected emotion. Instead of being spooked, I found myself enveloped in an overwhelming sense of peace and serenity.
This palpable tranquility was undoubtedly a testament to the impeccable upkeep of the grounds; the entire cemetery is kept meticulously spotless, a powerful display of respect. We also noticed numerous fresh flowers placed by the graves, indicating that many visitors had recently paid their respects, likely in observance of Veteran’s Day. The sight of these tributes, coupled with the serene atmosphere, was deeply moving. I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Arlington National Cemetery for anyone traveling to D.C. in the future, or even for locals who, like me, haven’t yet had the chance to experience its unique blend of history and reverence.
Our exploration led us to Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial, which sits atop a hill offering absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of downtown D.C. and its iconic monuments. From this vantage point, the Washington Monument and the Capitol Building gleamed in the distance, providing a stunning backdrop to the historical estate.
The grounds of Arlington House and the entire cemetery truly were impeccable, a testament to the dedication of those who maintain it. The lingering fall leaves on many of the trees added an extra layer of picturesque beauty, painting the landscape in warm hues of red, orange, and gold, making our visit even more visually stunning.
From Arlington House, we made our way to the solemnly revered Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the adjacent Memorial Amphitheatre. The grandeur of the Amphitheatre’s classical architecture, with its impressive columns and expansive seating, immediately transported me, making me feel as though I had stepped back in time to ancient Greece or Rome, a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Our next destination was The Jefferson Memorial, always one of my favorite monuments in D.C. We were incredibly lucky to snag a parking spot directly along the picturesque Cherry Blossom path, which, even outside of blooming season, offered a lovely, tree-lined approach to the memorial. While some construction was underway along the waterfront, slightly altering the immediate surroundings, the memorial itself remained as beautiful and inspiring as ever, its grand dome and classical architecture shining brightly under the D.C. sky.
During our visit, we encountered a truly unforgettable character: an incredibly bold squirrel! This particular squirrel was remarkably fearless, allowing me to approach within six inches – a truly close encounter without any camera zoom needed. Even more astonishing, it was openly munching on mayonnaise directly from a packet, a sight that was both amusing and bewildering.
We observed several Japanese tourists successfully coaxing squirrels to take food directly from their hands, demonstrating just how accustomed these clever creatures have become to human interaction. Clearly, these squirrels at the Jefferson Memorial have fully figured out how to “work the system,” providing an entertaining side show to the historical reverence of the monument.
Our two-day whirlwind tour of Washington D.C. continued to unfold with a blend of cultural experiences, historical reflection, and even a dash of wildlife entertainment. Stay tuned for the next installment, DC in (2) Days: Part III, where our journey through the nation’s capital reaches its exciting conclusion!