Nom, nom, nom.

While we love our new neighborhood, but I am pretty sure my waistline does NOT. It is so tempting to eat out more often, between the huge variety and convenience of it all...we literally have to walk two blocks to be in close proximity to some really fantastic restaurants and bars.
We tried our first BYOB at Dmitri's, a quaint Greek restaurant that offers full portions as well as tapas-like portions. I tried baba ghanoush for the first time, and we tried a delicious tomato and mozzarella salad. Like most places in NoLibs, the service left a lot to be desired, but it would be a great place to bring a group of people and share different plates on the cheap. LOVE BYOB!

With the exception of Adam's Morgan, I can't think of anywhere in Northern Virginia where you can go into a restaurant and get a single slice of amazing pizza...enter Rustica. Of course you can get an entire pizza there, but when they offer toppings like brussel sprouts, steak, asparagus, and broccoli rabe (just to name a few) why settle for a boring plain pie? We've found a few unusual and filling slices where just one will do. It's quick, easy, and cheap. And tasty! Nom nom.

Another interesting NoLibs spot is PYT, a burger-joint-turned-club-at-night that always seems busy. We've been in a few times and have sampled some of their hearty burgers, but were most satisfied with the "adult milkshakes" they offer. The one we tried and loved? The Butterfinger, with vanilla ice cream, Van Gogh's dutch caramel vodka, peanut butter and crushed Butterfingers. This came with high recommendation from our waiter, who was delightfully honest and told us which ones to avoid- a trait we appreciated :) It's fun and funky, and a great place to go for a burger, sandwich, or sliders.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Rita's, if not for my personal preference but for Michael's (and seemingly every other Philadelphian). Of course, the main attraction to this place is the water ice and gelatis, but I myself am really digging their frozen custard. The only problem I have with Rita's is that I am drawn to it after a full meal, thinking I want something sweet and immediately regretting my decision for custard, which is always too large a serving- regardless of what size I order. Must. Order. On. Empty. Stomach.

So far, we have gravitated towards Liberties for happy hour specials and such. It's a very laid back bar with friendly bartenders and amazing food. And who can turn down $2 drafts? They do weekly Quizzo games, which we took advantage of a few weeks back. Much to our chagrin, Team Toole did NOT win- we have some stiff competition. However, I did manage to make the bar laugh by shouting out (albeit impulsively) the answer "The worse one!" to the question asking which Hasselback brother is Elizabeth married to?? I was pretty proud of myself :) We've affectionately nicknamed this place MacLaren's, for those HIMYM fans out there, although we have yet to meet our Barney and Robin (because really, who needs Ted? He's the weakest link, if we are being honest with each other).

Yeah, definitely don't need a Ted.