Food For Thought

Don’t hike the hill on an empty stomach. Stop in to one of these recommended restaurants during the GAC.

2018 is a year for tough questions: Are credit unions all about their members? Is the branch dead? And many more.

Along those lines, a tough question credit union executives face each February is where to dine in Washington, DC, during CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference. Let the Callahan team help.

Where To Go For A Good Steak

There is no shortage of steak houses in Washington, DC, and for good reason. DC culture revolves around building business relationships, and that’s generally where steak houses come in. If working out as the new steak dinner doesn’t sound appetizing, consider these steak house recommendations. ContentMiddleAd

  • BLT Steak: Located near the Callahan office stop in and say hello BLT has amazing Yorkshire pudding rolls that accompany the steak.
  • Bobby Van’s
  • The Palm: The Palm is a DC staple. The Half & Half side dish is half French fries and half onion ring it has full bi-partisan support.
  • Bourbon Steak House (inside the Four Seasons)
  • Charlie Palmer Steak: Just a hop away from the Senate side of the Capitol, Charlie Palmer’s has a variety of steaks and the jumbo shrimp lives up to the name.
  • Capital Grille

Where To Go For Classic Italian

Italian dinners can be a great option for large parties. Nothing says cooperative spirit like sharing pasta dishes with like-minded credit union lovers.

  • Tortino’s
  • Casa Luca: Conveniently located near the convention center, Casa Luca offers delicious, hand-crafted pasta. Don’t miss Thursday night, which is Big Lasagna Night.
  • Floriana
  • Ghibellina: Looking for amazing pizza and conversation kick-started by pizza scissors? This place is for you. Callahan’s own Erin Reilly, program coordinator, says you’ll want a more ay.

Ghibellina’s famous pizza scissors.

Where To Go For A Quick Hike Bite

Did you know the width of the Capitol building is the same as the height of the Washington monument? That’s the word on the city tours, but Google will neither confirm nor deny.

Regardless, it’s important to know what’s available without walking the length of Potomac. Here are some fast-casual spots on both sides of the dome.

House of Representatives (buildings: Cannon: Longworth, Rayburn; metro stop: Capitol South)

Pro tip: Order ahead at Sweetgreen.

Senate (buildings: Dirksen, Hart, Russell; metro stop: Union Station)

  • Union Pub (American)
  • Shake Shack (Burgers): Stick with the classic items burgers and milkshakes and vote no on the newly added chicken sandwich.
  • The Dubliner (Irish): Offering classic pub fare for lunch and dinner, The Dubliner also doubles as a great happy hour spot.

Where To Go For Happy Hour

Speaking of happy hour, there’s nothing like getting to know like-minded GACers over a cold beverage and hot appetizers. Happy hour is a mainstay for DC residents, and the city knows how to do it right. Grab a friend, or a stranger, and hit up any of these local haunts located near the convention center.

GAC is a fine time for wine. Try a glass at La Jambe.

*Bonus* For the best chance of spotting a Representative or two:

  • Sonoma
  • Hanks on the Hill: Formally titled Hank’s Oyster Bar, Hank’s offers a diverse selection of oysters at happy hour prices from 3 to 7 p.m.

Where To Go For Something New

A Bite Of Belgium

According to Yelp data, The District’s concentration of Belgian restaurants is 1,711% higher than national average. Belly up for a belly full of Belgian at one of these.

  • Brasserie Beck
  • B Too: Want to crush that craving for donuts and waffles at the same time? Order the doffle.
  • St. Arnold’s Mussel Bar: St. Arnold’s has a great happy hour from 3:30 6:30 p.m. when both Mussel pots and draft beers are on sale.

With embassies, the World Bank, and many other internationally focused work places, DC has a large concentration of international restaurants. Washingtonians are known for embracing different cuisines, and many restauranteurs from all over the world have been successful here. For those feeling extra adventurous, consider these:

  • Kith and Kin (African): Kith and Kin is located in DC’s newly constructed Wharf area, located on the water front. The d’cor is upscale modern and the food is an adventurous mix of African, Caribbean, and American.
  • Tiger Fork (Cantonese)
  • Honeysuckle (Nordic): The chef at Honeysuckle is from South Carolina, so the restaurant serves Nordic food with Southern U.S. enhancements. Intrigued yet?

 

February 19, 2018

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