Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Matchbox DC: Vintage Pizza Bistro

I love Tuesdays. Weird right? Well, I don't work on Tuesdays. During the school year I stock it full of three hour classes, but in the summer, it's the day I get everything done that I would like to do in other moments but lose the chance.

Yesterday was no exception. I've made a new friend! How exciting is that, right? He's a musician who lives in my area and we met and hit it off and now we best friends forever. Actually, yesterday we had a conversation about airing your personal life on the Internet but c'mon, I'm a blogger! Plus I'm promoting him, so it's all good.

Anyway, yesterday we took an impromptu trip into D.C. because we're both sick of the burbs. I loveeee DC Not only is it the nation's capitol (woo hoo, America!) but it's also a diverse metropolis filled with different ethnic areas, fabulous restaurants and free museums. You can't beat that. Now, as much as I say I love DC, I don't often get into the city. When Chris suggested it though, I was all for it.

Our first of two stops was the Spy Museum, which is awesome and perfect if you have little kids or immature adults like myself. It's a good mix of informative and interactive so it hits the spot for most people. If I were an activities blogger I'd tell you all about that but I know you're way more interested in the FOOD.


So, the Spy Museum is conveniently located next to Chinatown, which alongside Chinese food (of which is plentiful) has tons of other cuisine to offer. Chris suggested Matchbox DC, which is a vintage pizza bistro in a little brick building that used to be a Chinese grocery store. It was totally worth the 30 minute wait. Although you could order something fancy on the menu like their salmon or pork chops, Chris and I went in the opposite direction and ordered something (as Lauren would say) humble and perfect.

To start, we got mini burgers. Not your average plate, right? Now, I'm not a huge fan of fried onion, but I had a few bites of these crunchy little straws and they were pretty good. The hand-pattied certified Angus beef burgers were served on toasted brioche with mozzarella and pickles. They were tiny but so satisfying that I stopped at one. Plus, we all know I love little versions of big food!
Then, then we got the pizza. There were so many choices. I had a hard time choosing from the Veggie (cremini mushrooms / spanish onions / roasted poblano peppers / roasted garlic / mozzarella / fresh herbs / fingerling potato crisps) the Q Special (grilled marinated chicken / portabella mushrooms / roasted red peppers / zesty tomato sauce / mozzarella) and several others. We came to the decision to get two and swap. I got the Serrano Spanish Ham & Pecorino Romano (roasted garlic / ricotta / buffalo mozzarella / oven-dried tomato) and Chris got the Chicken Pesto (grilled marinated chicken / house-made pesto sauce / mozzarella). Mine was good (and something I randomly chose because I wanted something different) but Chris' was great. The pesto was so flavorful and perfectly complemented the chicken and mozz. Mmm Mmm Mmm...he even shared his leftovers with me so I get it for dinner tonight!
                            

We must have looked like a charming young couple or something, because compliments of the chef we were served mini cinnamon donuts with chocolate and caramel sauce. The caramel one was better, and we all know how much I love chocolate.

The food was truly wonderful. The only complaint I have was that one of the servers walked by me several times and made some borderl ine inappropriate comments. He also called me Sugar. How charming! Chris said he'd beat him up but it's better not to cause a scene, right?

Anyway, next time you're in DC and looking for a great bite, check out Matchbox, located on H Street in Chinatown!

Ciao!



16 comments:

Christina said...

omg that looks so yum! dude was calling you sugar? ick!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the review of this restaurant. I have relatives in the DC area so next time we're up there, I'll have to drag them to Matchbox DC.

Lauren said...

food looks fantastic! I love eating in D.C. such good food! Now, as far as the "sugar" comment...maybe he was hoping for a better tip- newbie mistake, I'm thinkin' or just outta touch with reality. From what I can tell you weren't eating in a saloon. He almost ended up with a black-eye instead of a raise.

Just Food Snobs said...

Great post, being originally from the east coast I love D.C. and the food, as far as the sugar comment I know being from the east coast we do not take kindly to "sugar" but here in Texas it is very common!

s said...

When I lived in DC I..

1. Loved the Spy Museum. Acting like a kid in your 20's is fun sometimes.

2. Loved those sliders. SO DAMN GOOD.

3. Loved Matchbox Pepperoni Pizza. Their Pepperoni was soo good and spicy. Gah.

Monet said...

I love DC...and I wish I lived closer. The pizza looks so so good. I am such a sucker for anything with melted cheese

The Housewife said...

Everything looks so good..especially the cinnamon doughnuts! :) I can't believe the creep called you sugar...ugh!

Autumn @Good Eats Girl said...

Everything looks so yummy! What a fun day!

Rick said...

Um I wanna go there. Just for the doughnuts.

Megan D said...

Thank you for your sweet comment!! Any friend of oatmeal is a friend of mine. =P
And I love mini versions of "big" food too! One time I got a teeny cone with a teeny scoop of gelato on it. Of course I wanted about thirty more, but that's not the point!

The Cilantropist said...

Holy cow look at that tower of fried onions! :D I think your dinner and whole day sound awesome, and day where you dont have to work is great. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

This pizza does look delicious! What a great day with a new friend. I was in DC for the first time back in February for a wedding, but didn't get to see much of it. I'm dying to go back...especially since it isn't winter there anymore! :)

Drick said...

sugar....that is so lame, right........of course, at my age, I've slipped and called out 'honey'...

Mackenzie said...

I loved the Spy Musuem too!! I live about 60 minutes away (with no traffic, like THAT ever happens)from DC. I'll have to check out Matchbox next time I'm in DC.

Magic of Spice said...

Sugar...how funny and how not! Food looks fun though, and a very descriptive review you have here:) And I will check out your new friend too...

Cannellette said...

Hold on - yes I am here for the food and it all sounded lovely, but a SPY MUSEUM? You have to tell me more!