In 2013, Andrés opened the adjoining Barmini, his "culinary cocktail lab," where more than 100 adventuresome cocktail creations adorn the menu. The imaginative cuisine displayed at minibar scored chef José Andrés a 2011 James Beard Outstanding Chef Award. Even with a price tag of $275 for 25 to 30 (mini) courses, it's a steal of a deal. When you do get what is still essentially the reservation of a lifetime (let's be honest here), you'll perch at one of two counters that overlook the kitchen, which The Washington Post critic Tom Sietsema called "suggestive of an operating theater when you factor in the chefs in their whites, bending over dishes manipulated by tweezers, tongs, liquid nitrogen and cloches galore." Expect a "molecular gastronomy" experience filled with culinary hat tricks - think edible rubber duckies, popcorn that smokes in your mouth, and a churro made with veal tendon. But you still need to send them an email a couple of months ahead of time and keep your fingers crossed. The restaurant now accepts reservations on a seasonal basis (in three-month periods), with each season opening one month in advance. They really have tried to make it easier on everyone, but getting into Minibar, where protean chef José Andrés channels Spanish avant-garde cuisine, is still difficult. where college kids, old-timers, and celebrities are all welcome, as long as they're willing to stand in line like everybody else - though the president eats for free. As the U Street Corridor/Shaw neighborhood around it has gentrified, Ben's remains a more-than-50-year-old bastion of down-home D.C. specialty supposedly invented by Ben Ali, the original proprietor, whose sons took over the restaurant after his death) topped with onions, mustard, and a rich, meaty, spicy chili sauce. But those in the know don't just order "dogs," they get the half-smokes, a half-pork, half-beef smoked sausage (a native D.C. The celebrity (and presidential) photos on the wall are clear indications of Ben's Chili Bowl's city landmark status, but the continuous lines out the door are evidence that the restaurant's chili cheese dogs are some of the best in the country. It might irk some Washingtonians to hear, but as bagels and pizza are to New York, so the half-smoke is to the capital - it stands as one of the District's most iconic foods along with the jumbo slice. And of course, the truck serves an aromatic and rich beef pho which fans go crazy over - perfect for those brisk Mid-Atlantic winters. Their tacos also channel the flavors of Vietnam, with filling options that include pork belly, chicken thigh, and mushroom-onion tofu, which are layered on a roti canai (traditional Malaysian flatbread) and are topped with cilantro, pickled carrots, and Sriracha-lime mayo. Their banh mi (a classic Vietnamese sandwich traditionally served on French bread) stands out from the pack thanks to their truffle-garlic aioli and flaky, buttery croissant-sub roll. The truck is beloved by fans because of their reasonably priced yet super-flavorful Vietnamese food. That being said, after taking into account social media following and Yelp reviews, PhoWheels takes the prize - and their menu is legitimately incredible. The densely concentrated area is home to an astonishingly diverse range of food truck options, serving up everything from lasagna and fajitas to lobster and Spam so let's be clear: This was not an easy choice. Washington, D.C., is the political epicenter of the United States, but its food scene is much more appetizing than some of what goes down in the halls of government. Feeling fancy? Go for the wine, as Old Ebbitt won Wine Spectator magazine's "Award of Excellence" for 18 years in a row, from 1998 to 2015. Try the oysters there is an oyster happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. The deep mahogany bar is a sight to behold: A beautiful antique stein collection runs along the top, punctuated by animal head trophies purportedly bagged by Teddy Roosevelt. It's the bar's take on the classic Bloody Mary with the addition of a jumbo shrimp and a glass rimmed with Old Bay seasoning. Old Ebbitt Grill bartenders can make nearly any cocktail, but there are a dozen seasonal cocktails on offer, too, like the signature Bloody Maryland. It's moved several times over the years, but it's currently less than a block from the White House itself. Established in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill has served most of our presidents since then, starting with Ulysses S. Many people visit Washington, D.C., for its history, and so it makes sense that when looking for a drink, one should check out the oldest saloon in the city.
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