Last Saturday morning on a visit to DC, I had breakfast on a terrace of a restaurant seated right under a tree. It was the third meal since we arrived… and the third was a charm! Low humidity, sunshine streaming through the enormous trees, Frank Sinatra playing in the background, and a lot of birds chirping trying to keep up with Frankie. Such a pretty morning!

I was at Robert’s Restaurant at the Omni Shoreham—where local ingredients create modern comfort food—and they completely lived up to their objective. Every now and then-y, I get an Eggs Benny, and this time on the road was no different. It was gluten-free, light and delicious.

My small lunch the day before and dinner at Bourbon Steak in Georgetown paled in comparison. They rated high, but inspired low. I was extremely happy that Robert’s Restaurant was beyond lovely. Thank you Robert!

It was only my second time in DC, and both visits were unexpectedly beautiful. The bridges and majestic statues appear straight in front of you upon your arrival and as you exit out of the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. There’s a fantastic trail along the magnificent Potomac River full of bikers and runners, and you instantly feel the fitness electricity. A young couple was getting engaged as we drove past the park next to the airport—he on one knee in a long-sleeve white button down, and she with hands over her face in a black shift dress. It happened in a flash with the traffic slowing just enough for me to witness their not-so-private, special moment.

Though I LOVE the museums, I think “busy” and “tourists” when someone mentions a trip to DC. Instead I got blooming gardens, large towering trees, and many birds—right from the start. My 3 mile walk was wonderful, and the Calvert and Connecticut Ave. bridges we crossed were super pedestrian friendly. For a late evening dinner I went to the Marquee Bar and Lounge in our hotel, The Omni Shoreham. It was my safe place for dining this trip. Gluten free friendly and easy, and also super nice! We had Texas Greyhounds made with gluten-free Tito’s and grapefruit juice, and a smoky, blue cheese burger with an egg over-easy, and the sweetest waitress yet. She was from Ethiopia and delighted us with her kindness and story of how she came to the U.S.

It was only a quick weekend trip for a conference, but I’m definitely excited to return. Way to go to DC! Thanks for having us! Definitely a full week next visit. 🙂