Where I’m Eating: New Town
New Town Kitchen & Bar now occupies the space where I spent plenty of my 20-year-old nights, the old Tabaq. Though the décor does not force you to forget what used to be in this space, the food will certainly do the trick. New Town brings in contemporary American culture removing the Mediterranean flavors that Tabaq was known for in its cuisine. I cannot complain, I like this new take on the food in this space. Recently I visited and can give you a quick rundown of things that you should order when you are at the U St. destination. Deets:
New Town Kitchen & Bar Shrimp, Mussels & Grits
- The Shrimp & Grits: If you had Georgia Browns grits before they changed the recipe (*the last time I visited, the grits were extremely runny), then you remember how thick and creamy they were in the old recipe. New Town’s chef, Howsoon Cham, began his tenure at Georgia Brown’s and this recipe is an example of what made it such a popular dish. Served with Mussels, chorizo sausage and lobster sauce, it should not be ordered to share. Get your own.
- The time and attention to detail is evident in the root beer braised short ribs, which fall off the bone to touch. Served with Marshmallow topped sweet potatoes and spinach, this is for your steak and potatoes man.
- I am not an “order fish in a restaurant kind of girl” because most times, to be honest, it does not taste fresh. New Town’s rockfish was served with the freshness that I want when I live this close to Maryland (*FYI: rockfish is the official state fish).
- The Bourbon-Apple Cider Cured Pork Tenderloin deserves a mention because of the cassoulet spring beans that accompany it. A reminder that beans can be good for the soul.
- Last but not least, the berbere spice rubbed lamb chops made the list because this is not common on the DC restaurant menu outside of the Ethiopian restaurant scene. Berbere spice?? Love that Chef Howsoon pays homage to a staple in the District with this standout dish.
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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