A long weekend in Washington brought lots of sight-seeing, shopping, museums and of course, eating. Although there were many good meals, none matched our experience at Founding Farmers. Located just 3 blocks from the White House, Founding Farmers is the first certified Green restaurant in Washington, DC. They promote sustainable agriculture and are owned by genuine American Family Farmers. From the recycled materials used for their menus to the composting in the kitchen… eco-friendliness is found throughout their operation. And everything is made from scratch, including the butter and ketchup!
“The Founding Farmers name represents a combination of ideas: it is a celebration of the land and the American family farmer; it is a nod to the founding fathers of our country, many of whom owned and farmed land that surrounds Washington, D.C.; and it is a place where true, sustainably-farmed, grown, and harvested American foods are brought to our guests.” (From http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com)
Homemade soda for the kids, made from fresh oranges & grapefruits and microbrew beers for the adults – deciding on what to eat was a challenge. We started with deviled eggs, perfectly salty and delicious. Flatbread with figs, mascarpone and prosciutto and bacon lollipops! Bacon skewered and glazed in cinnamon brown sugar – yes! Crazy good! Like we needed more food… Plank smoked salmon with maple syrup-apricot glaze, homemade macaroni & cheese with gouda, gruyere & peas and southern fried chicken with waffles. They have seasonal sides that you can match to your meal. Carmelized cauliflower with artichokes, barley salad with roasted vegetables, asparagus with shallot vinaigrette, who can choose? I could keep going… all the food barely fit on the table. Kind of embarrassing, but oh so good! And as if we weren’t full enough, mile high carrot cake, warm homemade cookies, seasonal cobbler with cranberries and pears & a decadent bananas foster milkshake (for my husband). Whew! We probably should have skipped the cab ride to the hotel and opted for the long walk back.
You can pull up their website to read about their impressive Green mission and see their menu. I hear they have a fabulous brunch on Sundays too.
When you find yourself in DC, Founding Farmers is a must! I should mention that the service was fantastic. Affordable American comfort food at it’s best, they were awarded Best of DC 2011 – Best American Restaurant. Zagat gives it a 21 for food. Reservations are recommended.
1924 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
(202)822.8783
4plates2table 