The History of Washington D.C.'s Dining Scene

Washington, D.C. is finally getting its due as a dining destination. Didn't hurt that Michelin has bestowed its imprimatur. One of the most significant venues, though not a Michelin restaurant, is the Sweet Home Cafe in the Smithsonian's Museum of African American History and Culture. Albert Lucas, Restaurant Associates Supervising Chef Mid-Atlantic region, spent several years prior to the opening of the cafe researching the culinary contributions of African Americans. We were honored to have him join one of our Flavor Forays in Charleston where he had some fruitful conversations with Gullah chef BJ Dennis about that culture. Lucas is co-author of the just published Sweet Home Cafe cookbook, a must read for anyone interested in American food history.

You can order your own copy of the Sweet Home Cafe Cookbook here.

The History of Washington D.C.'s Dining Scene

Steak and potatoes gives way to caramelized scallops with toasted farro. "Where are you going to eat?" That's a question typically asked when a traveler is headed to New York, San Francisco or New Orleans. But Washington, D.C.? Not until now. So why now?