 Tate and Zoe at Dōgon DC One of the great pleasures of full time travel is being able to visit with our son, Tate, and his partner, Zoe, for extended periods of time each year as we pass through their city. It was Nashville for a few years after they graduated from Vanderbilt which was always a great time with new restaurants to try, but recently they relocated to Arlington, Virginia just across the Potomac River from DC. We were there for over a week and got to check out some truly great restaurants. I should note that both Tate and Zoe love to cook and experiment with new recipes and family meals while visiting were also notable. DAS in Georgetown  Das Ethiopian restaurant sits inside a classic Georgetown townhouse, with décor that leans toward “soothing colors and lush fabrics.” The vibe is polished yet welcoming — a white-tablecloth setting and attentive service contribute to a refined but not overly formal dining experience. Das strikes a rare balance: it delivers authentic, boldly spiced Ethiopian fare in an elegant, polished Georgetown setting — yet never loses the warmth, communal feel, and hands-on joy that make Ethiopian dining special. For vegetarians, meat-eaters, and curious first-timers alike, Das is one of Washington DC’s most thoughtful and inviting introductions to Ethiopian cuisine.  Melanie and me at Dōgon DC  Interior shot from the Yellow website Yellow Union Market YELLOW brings a bright, modern Levantine-inspired café vibe to Union Market: its 3,500-square-foot former warehouse space mixes industrial loft-style architecture with a casual, friendly feel. By day it feels like a welcoming spot for coffee, pastries and pita sandwiches; by evening it shifts into a more robust “All the Kebabs” mode — with charcoal-grilled meats and veggies, pita, mezze and a lively, social energy. The service is generally efficient and the mood relaxed: many reviews note quick food service even during busy times,  Pho 75 Arlington, VA If you’re after authentic, satisfying pho — rich broth, generous portions, quick service, and classic Vietnamese simplicity — Pho 75 delivers. It doesn’t try to be fancy or fashionable. Rather, it commits to doing one thing (or a few things) well: giving you a clean, hearty bowl of pho that hits the spot. For a casual lunch or late-night pho craving in Arlington, Pho 75 is reliable and a beloved go-to spot. Just come expecting straightforward, unfussy eating — but trust that the soup will meet expectations.  Your Only Friend
Shortly after arriving in DC, Tate and Zoe took me out for dinner at Your Only Friend in Washington, DC. It was Friday night and the special was a fish sandwich which I dutifully ordered and enjoyed. Your Only Friend is a delightfully unpretentious — but carefully considered — spot. It’s the kind of place where sandwich nostalgia meets culinary playfulness: big, flavorful sandwiches, playful cocktails, welcoming ambiance, and enough character to make it feel like a hidden gem worth revisiting. If you care more about bold flavor, creativity, and casual comfort than about formality or fine dining, Your Only Friend is one of D.C.’s most fun and satisfying sandwich-bar experiences. Recommended.
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