Where I’m Eating: Restaurant Nora
I love dining outside of my carnivore circle often jumping at the opportunity to dine with vegetarians, vegans and the like. The main reason is that I get to learn about the other options our there should I decide to convert my carnivorous lifestyle. I had the opportunity to explore high-end vegetarian dining options for a recent dining celebration where the guest of honor was a vegetarian. The first restaurant that came to mind was Restaurant Nora, which is a place I had never been before this visit but I was aware of the critics stance on the organic restaurant.
Restaurant Nora seasonal risotto
Though I am well aware that organic does not equal vegetarian, it somehow rings a bell of “vegetarian friendly” everytime I hear the word. Restaurant Nora did not disappoint with a vegetarian menu that would make the most carnivorous diner convert for the night. Chef Nora Pouillon opened Restaurant Nora’s doors in 1979 with organic produce as the staple for dishes found at the restaurant. She has not steered away from the original concept with a menu that constantly evolves with the seasons.
On my visit, I decided on the tasting menu which changes seasonally so I will highlight some of the mainstays. The risotto is a must-try at Nora where the creamy rice base is paired with seasonal produce such as beets and spinach. For those that fancy tarts and desserts, Nora features both with flavors and consistency reminiscent of times spent at home baking. I appreciate the concept and the legacy of Restaurant Nora. Longevity in Dupont Circle means you are doing something right and with 34 years under her belt, Chef Nora proves she has it absolutely right.
Category: restaurant reviews, Washington D.C.
About the Author (Author Profile)
Johnna French is a Harlem NY native with deep roots in Panama, Washington, DC and North Carolina. All four places have heavily influenced her life and the foods she loves today. After graduating Howard University School of Law and beginning her life as a young professional in the city she was led to start Johnna Knows Good Food in November 2007 to keep family, friends and colleagues updated on where to go and what to eat while dining in the nation’s capitol. French, who still practices law, leads a team of three writers to cover the ever expanding Washington, DC food scene. French has been featured in print and television, appearing in Washingtonian Magazine and is a regular contributor to various local TV affiliates including WUSA 9, FOX 5 DC and WJLA (ABC Affiliate) News Channel 8. During the 2016-2017 football season, Johnna aired on Comcast Sports Mid-Atlantic (CSN) show, Redskins Life, as the weekly tailgate host. Johnna is currently a regular contributor to the FOX Baltimore Weekend morning show.Subscribe
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