Bon Appe TEMPT!
by Mel Golden
January 26, 2018
January 26, 2018
Good Eats in the MD, DC & VA Area
Here at Mel Golden Homes, we enjoy and appreciate ethnic cuisines. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good burger, but there’s something about the mix of flavors that aren’t from this land that entice me.
Being open and willing to try new things is, in my opinion, one of the most important things in life. Experiencing different cultures and cuisines excites the senses and stimulates the mind.
Trying new cuisines is something that I’ve always enjoyed and when I can, I like taking friends and family to enjoy those places with me. I especially enjoy giving clients great restaurant referrals because I want them to try all the wonderful places I’ve been.
Recently I have been enjoying Indian and Turkish cuisine above the rest. While the ingredients used in many dishes are similar, the flavors that are imparted by those ingredients are totally different. Fascinating, right? How remarkable that a simple ingredient like red lentils can be used so differently and equally pack a powerful and flavorful punch.
Nothing beats home cooked food but not all of us are lucky enough to know someone of Indian or Turkish background to feed us when we’re hungry.
There are so many amazing places to choose from that it’s difficult to narrow it down to just a couple. I’ve compiled a short list of amazing Indian and Turkish restaurants in the Metro area that I suggest everyone, and I mean everyone, give a try. They vary in price but one thing they all have in common is that they are vegetarian-friendly. And if you know someone of Indian or Turkish descent, you know how important that is.
Indian Restaurants in MD, DC & VA Area
Woodlands Restaurant
8046 New Hampshire Avenue
Langley Park, MD 20783
301-434-4202
Curry Leaf
13919 Baltimore Ave.
Laurel, MD 20707
301-497-2017
Rasika
633 D St, NW
Washington, DC 20004
202-637-1222
The Bombay Club
815 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20006
202-659-3727
Rasa
1247 First St SE
Washington, DC 20003
202-804-5678
Indigo
243 K St NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-544-4777
Curry Mantra
9984 Main Street
Fairfax, VA 22031
703-218-8128 or 703-218-8129
Namaste
1504 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
571-970-0615
Turkish Restaurants in MD, DC & VA Area
Rudy’s Mediterranean Bar & Grill
7185 Columbia Gateway Dr. D
Columbia, MD 21046
410-290-2004
Aye Meze Lounge
6 N East St.
Frederick, MD 21701
240-651-5155
Agora
1527 17th St NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-332-6767
Meze Restaurant
2437 18 St NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-797-0017
Ottoman Taverna
425 I Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-847-0395
Ezme
2016 P St NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-223-4304
Anatolian Bistro
13029 Worldgate Dr.
Herndon, VA 20170
703-481-8080
Kazan
6813 Redmond Dr.
McLean, VA 22101
703-734-1960
Most but not all of these restaurants have the option to make reservations online, however your best bet would be to call the restaurants directly.
Check out their menus online to get an idea of what you may want to try.
This way there is less time between when you sit and order to when the platters arrive at your table, allowing you to literally stuff your face until you can’t move.
Do not, I repeat, do not skip dessert. Indian and Turkish desserts/sweets are very different, and both are extremely tasty.
You’ll need extra napkins. ;-)
Make a decision to try a new restaurant every couple of weeks if you can, or every month at the least. I promise you, you won’t regret it.
