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As per tradition, Eater asked a group of restaurant critics, journalists, bloggers, and friends of the site to weigh in on the year in food. Here are the eateries they keep in their back pockets.
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Tom Sietsema, Washington Post restaurant critic: “Places I’d go more often if I wasn’t chasing after the new, new, new: Himitsu, Tiger Fork, Espita Mezcaleria.”
Lori Gardner, Been There, Eaten That: “Rose’s Luxury, Osteria Morini, Tail Up Goat, Hazel.”
David Hagedorn, Arlington Magazine/Bethesda Magazine dining columnist: “Buck’s Fishing and Camping, Doi Moi, Mintwood Place, Convivial, Centrolina, All-Purpose.”
Rina Rapuano, Zagat DC/freelance food writer: “Bantam King, Himitsu, Taqueria Habanero, Blue Duck Tavern, Buttercream Bakeshop.”
Don Rockwell, DC Dining: “The most important restaurant in Washington, D.C. history: 2 Amys.”
Jessica Sidman, Washingtonian food editor: “You know what's great that no one talks much about anymore? Ray's the Steaks. I am not much of a fan of steakhouses, but I dig this place because it's so unpretentious. You can get a full steak dinner for two AND a bottle of wine for less than $100, and it's just as good, if not better, than the expense account joints downtown. Oh, and the key lime pie.”
Tim Carman, Washington Post food writer: “You know, Taylor Gourmet has opened so many locations in recent years, it’s easy to think the sandwich chain has jumped the shark. But the company has a culinary director, Jacob Hunter, co-founder of Dirty South Deli, who produces a terrific seasonal menu. I try to eat my way through it every quarter.”
Stefanie Gans, Northern Virginia Magazine restaurant critic and dining editor: “I’d love to eat more regularly at B Side, Padaek, Peter Chang and Afghan Bistro.”
Nevin Martell, DC Modern Luxury dining editor: “The Dorjee Momo and Tortilladora pop-ups inside Shop Made in DC, Little Sesame, Inferno [Pizzeria Napoletana] (if you haven't been, you're missing out on the best Neapolitan pizza in the DMV), Bantam King, Smoked & Stacked, Buttercream Bakeshop, the Source (Russell Smith is KILLING it), Taco Bamba, and A&J dim sum in Rockville, Maryland.”
Laura Hayes, Washington City Paper food editor: “Centrolina, Sushi Taro, Iron Gate, Baan Thai, Izakaya Seki, Estadio.”