Cute Baby Vegetables are Sprouting Up at These D.C. Restaurants

It's one way to salute spring

by Lani Furbank Apr 27, 2016, 3:30pm EDT

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Sablefish with baby fennel at 1789

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by Lani Furbank Apr 27, 2016, 3:30pm EDT

Come April, residents of the mid-Atlantic region have grown weary of the endless stream of root vegetables, cabbage, and winter squash that fills stews and soups during the cold months. The return of more accommodating temperatures means fresh spring vegetables are finally ready to relieve their hearty winter comrades.

But before the days of plump heirloom tomatoes and huge leafy greens, restaurants are embracing the short season for baby vegetables. A symbol of new growth, these miniature veggies pack a flavorful punch in a tiny package and are almost too adorable to eat. Almost.

They come in all varieties, including everything from baby artichokes to miniature asparagus. Find them as garnishes, fillings, or served simply on their own. Whether they’re served raw to highlight their freshness or roasted to bring out their natural sweetness, baby vegetables are sprouting up on menus across the city.

Here are 12 spots that are saluting spring by showcasing the first bounty of the season:

1789 Restaurant

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The sablefish ($40) at 1789 is coated in everything bagel spice and accompanied by dill cream, a rye crisp, pickled red pearl onions, trout caviar, and bulbs of baby fennel.

1226 36th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

(202) 965-1789

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Blue Duck Tavern

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To welcome the new season, Blue Duck has a goat milk ricotta gnudi ($22) that comes with an assortment of baby spring vegetables, including fiddlehead ferns, green and white asparagus, green garlic, and spring onion.

1201 24th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20037

(202) 419-6755

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BOURBON STEAK DC

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Michael Mina’s lobster pot pie ($74) is packed with wild mushrooms, baby carrots, peewee potatoes, and pearl onions. It's all coated in brandied lobster cream.

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20007

(202) 944-2026

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BRABO Restaurant by Robert Wiedmaier

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Brabo serves a beef chuck short rib that’s braised in red wine and paired with a baby vegetable ragout and espresso jus.

1600 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 894-3440

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City Tap House

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During brunch, tender baby kale takes the place of spinach in the roasted vegetable quiche ($14). The quiche is also filled with sweet corn, oven-dried tomatoes, and goat cheese. Roasted potatoes are served on the side.

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901 9th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20536

(202) 644-9433

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Commissary

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Find grilled baby artichokes ($10) on the small plates menu at Commissary. They're topped with a citrus gremolata and roasted garlic aioli.

1443 P St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

(202) 299-0018

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Kinship

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At Eric Ziebold's new hot spot, diners can find duck confit ravioli ($28), which is stuffed with duck breast, baby beets, and a date emulsion.

1015 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 737-7700

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Momofuku CCDC

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Momofuku’s beef noodle soup ($18) is made with brisket and the quintessential Asian green: baby bok choy.

1090 I St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 602-1832

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Pennsylvania 6 DC

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Tender Tokyo turnips taste like a cross between a radish and a turnip. These slightly spicy baby roots accompany the monkfish osso buco ($28) at Pennsylvania 6. The dish also includes maitake mushrooms, carrots, and a truffle jus.