Just when you thought February was almost over you’re reminded of the fact that 2016 is a leap year (!). I had a math teacher in high school who was born on February 29th. So this weekend I will drink my mimosa in ode to her and her cool birthday. Maybe you have a friend who was also born on February 29th, or maybe you just want to go out for brunch because the weather is going to be pretty nice, that’s cool too.
Because Compass Rose is meant to showcase food from all over the globe its brunch menu has dishes from NINE different countries. So you can order the Full Irish Breakfast, the Thai Jok, Israeli Shakshuka, Indian Bhel Puri Chaat, or a Korean Noku Bindaetteok without leaving DC. They have non-ethnic side dishes like bread, chips, fruit, and bacon if you’re experiencing minor culture shock.
Lapis is an authentic Afghan family owned restaurant. The brunch menu has more classic options like Eggs Benedict and Smoked Slamon Benedict but they also have an entire section called “Afghan Delights” which includes dishes like the Kabul Frittata (eggs, leeks, cilantro, and potatoes), Pakowra (crispy gram battered vegetables served with chutney and yogurt), and Shore-Nakhot (chick pea and potato salad in a cilantro dressing). The cocktail options range from classic Mimosas and Bloody Marys to the Marco Polo and Bloody Lapis. Basically if you’ve never been to an Afghan restaurant this is a good time to go. NOW. GO NOW.
Red, White and Basil’s brunch menu has a lot of Italian dishes like Meatball, Caprese, Carbonara, and Vegetable Paninis for $11 (not all in one panini, separate paninis). Let’s all say panini one more time. You can also take on the challenge of building your own omelet also for $11 and bask in the sophisticated Italian design of Red, White and Basil.
Satellite Room serves breakfast all day but their brunch menu is offered from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the weekends. Basically the brunch menu is playing hard to get, and if you like the chase then it’s worth the visit. Ordering a Croque Monsieur always makes you feel more sophisticated than you are while the French Toast might transport you back to the days of childhood bliss. Grab a drink (options include the Jerkface Bloody Mary and the Endless Wu-Tangmosa) and make your friend take a picture of you in front of the bar’s cool lit up sign.
The Pig’s brunch menu doesn’t have any Eggs Benedict dishes on it. Is that a deal breaker? It might be a change of pace if you’ve out-brunched yourself this winter. You can opt for the Piggy Breakfast, Pork Hash, Pork Bolognese, or just a waffle. There are also non-pork sides (salads) that you can order to balance out all of the meat you’re eating and maybe to make yourself feel better about what you’re doing to your body. But it’s brunch! You can worry about being healthy later.
