Central Michel Richard

Located in Federal Triangle between 10th and D street Northwest, right in front of the Archives station on the green line, Central Michel Richard is a reminder for Washingtonians, lawyers, politicians, couples, tourists, etc that Washington, DC has a lot more to offer than politics and scandals.

To say that downtown DC has some of the best restaurants would be an exaggeration, there is so much to eat for all different prices in this tiny, populated city.

Central Michel Richard however is one of DC’s best upscale dining locations in Downtown without breaking the bank. It is no wonder it was the winner of the 2008 James Beard Foundation Award for Best New Restaurant.

Headed by the great Michel Richard, Central is just an example of what great staff service, beautiful ambiance, and amazing food can do to a diner—pure joy.

Many diners have mixed feelings on Central but one point did stand out: their fried chicken platter.

But before I tell you about this fried chicken controversy (looks like politicians and chicken share something in common) let me tell you about their amazing gougeres.

Ever since my trip to Brazil a couple years ago I’ve loved pao de quiejo. The buttery cheesy warm goodness that goes into your mouth are enough to bring a smile to your face but its actual bread not just cheese.

That’s why I love the cheese puffs here at Central. Its not just fried cheese rolled up into a ball like mozzarella sticks or bread sprinkled with cheese it’s an actual mix between cheese and bread.

Since everything is mixed together it allows the little puffs of delight to have a chewy but firm texture making each bite harder and harder to control until oh no, they’re gone.

I’m not exactly sure what type of cheese is used but it does make for a smooth not too strong cheesy experience.

As many would say going to Central and not ordering the delicious bites of joy is just not the Central experience you should have.

Ok so the fried chicken controversy: paying over $20 for fried chicken when you can find fried chicken all around DC for under $5? (Granted, it may not be the BEST chicken but at the end of the day, its chicken right?)

To Centrals credit their chicken is indeed one of the best dishes they offer. And I would honestly prefer to pay for their chicken instead of having 4-5 different chicken pieces from the ghettos of DC and not enjoying it.

It’s not fried chicken drenched in a million calories of cooking oil; it’s flaky, buttery, tender goodness. With its skin being so flaky and thin, along with its tender, juicy inside texture, you’ll be sure to fall in love with fried chicken and not think twice about ordering fried chicken at an upscale restaurant.

Perhaps my favorite part of this dish is their delicious buttery mashed potatoes. They are just the best things whipped up in Central’s kitchen (ok not best but one of the best).

Now call me crazy but while everyone is raging over their fried chicken and burgers I am a lover of their mashed potatoes.

Perhaps because its my favorite side and not everyone can get it right, I do wish that their portions were larger, especially because the chicken portion is very large.

I honestly suggest visiting Central at least once in your life. Not only will you become addicted to their delicious cheese puffs but also the beautifully decorated restaurant will definitely make you happy you chose this place for your cheesy cravings.

Cheers to Michel Richard!

The Counter

Where to start, where to start. Maybe by saying that there is something about The Counter that always has me asking this question.

I’m not a huge fan of burgers or American chicken sandwiches but The Counter by far has the best chicken sandwiches in NYC.

Located in the middle of Times Square, The Counter makes for an ideal first date or guys or girls night out or even family time. The concept of the store is to offer over 300,000 different combinations; their idea is to let the customers make their sandwich/burger to their liking. How sweet 🙂

The Counter not only offers amazing food but it’s also an experience. The ability to build your own burger gives the guests the liberty of choosing what they want without substituting too much and completely changing an order.

When you first walk in you’re greeted by a waitress who sits you down and at the table your menus are pieces of paper on a clipboard to check off your tummy’s desire of choices along with a more traditional laminated one page menu that offers starters, sandwiches, bun less burgers, kids menu and their signature burger combinations.

I’ve done both options during my visits to The Counter and I must say both times have been a joy.

The first time I visited I was overwhelmed by the different options so I just ordered a signature grilled chicken sandwich from the menu and was in LOVE. A 1/3lb chicken patty topped with Gruyere, Organic Mixed Greens, Scallions, Tomatoes & Honey Mustard on rustic ciabatta bread. Oh man, best chicken sandwich ever.

Or so I thought until I had to go again and this time make my own and I must say, I have pretty good taste in toppings.

I started off with a 1/3lb grilled chicken patty and sharp provolone cheese. For my four toppings I chose hard boiled eggs, scallions, organic greens and tomatoes as well as a premium topping of avocados for $1.50 more. Finally I topped it off with honey mustard sauce all on the rustic ciabatta.

Ah, my mouth is watering just thinking about this. For about $16 I managed to have a big tasty sandwich, soft drink and shared an order of onion rings and fries with my friend since it’s a large amount. What a satisfying meal, my goodness.

Unfortunately I’m not always able to finish my burger if I get fries and haven’t gotten the chance to try their deserts but hopefully one day I can challenge my stomach to not eat so much before desert.

Although it is quite hard to resist taking one more bite of your delicious creation.

The Counter has definitely become one of my favorite places for sandwiches or turkey burgers. And knowing that the chance of someone else having the same exact meal as me in only one in over 300,000 makes it just that much better!

April is National Grilled Cheese Month so if you like Grilled Cheese stopping by should be on your monthly things to do list! Enjoy.