As I have been dutifully completing #2 on my spring to-do list, I have been taking [mental] notes on a couple of local brunch spots in town.  Here are my favorites so far:

The Argonaut: Bottomless mimosas for $9.  The eggs benedict with smoked salmon was terrific the first time I ordered it, but overcooked the second time.  Needless to say, overcooked eggs benedict is not as pleasant an experience as perfectly cooked eggs benedict.  Although a little more expensive, the fish tacos are the best thing on the menu.  The fish is flaky and delicious, the cabbage-cilantro slaw is crisp and light, and let’s not forget the delicious rémoulade.  The guac is an additional dollar or so, but it’s well worth it.

Sixth Engine: The short rib hash.  How can you go wrong with braised beef, a twice-baked potato, poached eggs, and hollandaise?  Although not on the “brunch” menu, you can still order the cheeseburger off of the lunch menu during brunch.  Teddy swears it’s the best burger you’ll get in D.C., and I’m definitely with him on this one.  Big, juicy, made with house ground beef, topped with their own no.6 sauce, and served on a sesame bun, this is clearly a winner.  Sixth Engine also has amazing cocktails.  Try the Finocchietto Rosso, made with local Greenhat gin, muddled strawberries, fennel liqueur and lime juice, yum.

Belga Café: There is no reason to get anything but a mussel pot at Belga, ever.  Usually my favorite to eat at home is mussels “mariniere”, with white wine, shallots, and garlic.  This time though, Teddy convinced me to try the mussels “truffels en prei”, with leeks, truffles, spicy sausage, cream, red onions, and herbs.  Best decision I made all week.  And all mussel pots come with Belgian frites and mayo.  Bingo.

Teddy and I were not alone in our Belga Café brunch adventure.  My mom and sister, Natalie, joined as well, which gave me an excellent opportunity to be a paparazzo for the morning.  It was an absolutely gorgeous spring day and I had couple pretty good looking subjects to test my photography skills on.  So, why not?  Thanks to Teddy for giving me a few more pointers and also for taking a few guest shots!