It’s Saturday morning, 68 degrees with clear blue skies and a light breeze, the first truly gorgeous day of spring and I’m stuck in traffic. Inching our way through D.C.’s notoriously snarled beltway traffic we arrive at our destination 45 minutes late after a 4.5 hour drive. What could prompt me and my friend Katie (of Domestiphobia fame and the only person crazy enough to join me) to drive 8 hours round trip on an absolutely beautiful spring day?
Spanish food, that’s what.
The lure of paella and sangria are strong but that’s not the only reason we journeyed this far. When fellow blogger Jessica van Dop Dejesus of The Dining Traveler invited me to the #DCTravelBlogger brunch at Chef Jose Andres’ Jaleo Crystal City in Arlington,VA I jumped at the chance. Eating and talking travel, two things I do very,very well.
Rushing in Katie and I took our spots at the end of the table where we were soon presented with glasses of cava and sangria (I personally think I should be greeted this way all the time) . A few quick introductions were made before our table mates pointed at a green drop perched on a silver spoon. “You need to try that-it’s a liquid olive!”. A liquid what? I brought the spoon to my mouth, where a gentle pressure resulted in a burst of briny, olive-y goodness. Unfortunately we missed the molecular gastronomy demonstration that resulted in this tasty morsel but more good things were in store.
A selection of Iberico ham, charred asparagus with romesco and fried baby shrimp topped with an organic egg immediately brought me back to my time wandering the labyrinthine streets of Seville-the scent of orange blossoms heavy in the air; days spent searching for ceramics and sampling tapas, nights spent searching for flamenco and sampling sangria. Vegetable paella prepared table-side was delicious, with savory caramelized notes that only a seasoned paella pan can provide (truth be told, the carnivore in me was missing the spicy kick that chorizo brings to the paella party). Our meal was then capped off with a decadent sweet-soaked Spanish toast accented with caramelized bananas and rum whipped cream.
Aside from being plied with delicious food and drink at every turn, the best part of the experience was meeting and talking food and travel with a number of D.C. area travel bloggers. This was a group that wouldn’t judge me for enduring a 4.5 hour drive through D.C. traffic for some Spanish food. I was especially excited to finally meet Jessica (aka The Dining Traveler) in person. We immediately bonded as only female-military-veterans-turned-travel-bloggers can.
With my desire for Spanish food temporarily sated, I figured it would be a shame to drive all this way to D.C. during peak cherry blossom season and not to head across the Potomac. If you plan on visiting Washington D.C. consider staying in Arlington as hotel prices are considerably cheaper (a night at a Ritz-Carlton can be had for under $200 per night compared to the $500+ per night in Georgetown) and you are a quick metro ride to anywhere in the city.
Washington D.C. is definitely at its prettiest in the in the springtime. The season’s first pale green buds signal life has returned after this past winter’s wrath while delicate pink and white blossoms soften the capital’s classic architecture.
Having only a few hours to wander the National Mall was our best bet for getting in a few sights.
First stop-1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
It was hard for me to believe that Katie had never visited the White House since it’s a constant for me on nearly every visit. Aside from the world changing decisions going on inside, it’s a fabulous place to people watch. Tourists angling for the perfect spot for a White House selfie, legions of gray suited government workers doing their daily D.C. hustle and an ever changing roster of political activists protesting outside provide the perfect snapshot of daily life in downtown Washington. Katie, on the other hand, was making plans for moving in. Domestiphobia for president 2024?
A leisurely stroll through the National Mall took us past the buildings and monuments that grace the change in your pocket. Wanting to get the iconic shot of the Jefferson Memorial we meandered towards the Tidal Basin only to find that everyone else had the very same idea.It wasn’t just crowded, we were well past that. There was literally a sea of people lining the banks of the Potomac and spilling over the steps of the Jefferson Memorial. We settled on taking pictures of each other instead (we’re pretty photogenic, don’t you think?) and battled the crowds to get back toward the metro. A chance glimpse by Katie revealed the perfect shot of the Washington Memorial, the tranquility of the image belies the packed masses that fall just below the frame.
Slightly smug with the satisfaction of our photographic success it was time to head back to Arlington for a quick bite to eat before hitting the road for home. Four hours later, I pulled into my driveway bleary-eyed and exhausted as the clock struck midnight. So, was dealing with D.C.’s notorious traffic worth it?
Yeah,it was definitely worth it.
Here’s how a few of my fellow bloggers experienced the #DCTravelBloggers brunch at Jaleo
Tanj from A Travelogue says
Anywhere in the world, I think cherry blossoms are beautiful! 🙂 I just recently saw it in Japan.
http://www.brockandtanj.com
Brianna says
I would love to see the cherry blossoms in Japan!
Kelly says
¡Buen provecho! Looks amazing! I love Jose Andres and Spanish food…and cherry blossoms. Thanks for sharing. 🙂 ¡Salud!
Brianna says
Muchas Gracias!
Hannah says
LOVE those cherry blossoms!
Katie @ Domestiphobia says
Let’s go back. I want more paella and this time I’ll wear better shoes. 😉
Brianna says
You don’t have to twist my arm to go back to DC!
zof says
You’ve made me so hungry. I’ve never been particularly fond of Spanish food, but this looks so yummy.
Brianna says
that just means more Spanish food for me!
Tamara says
I’d travel for food too but the cherry blossom festival makes it a no brainer. I’ve always wanted to be in DC when they are in bloom. I’m sure you guys had a fun road trip together and the food looks fabulous. We just had the most amazing tapas in Healdsburg CA and now I can’t get it out of my mind. I either want to go back to Spain or back to CA. Arlington is a little closer 🙂
Brianna says
There is never a bad reason to go back to Spain or Healdsburg. Dang it, now I’ve got tapas on the brain too!
Mary says
Love this post and I would also got I great lengths for an awesome sangria. Throw in some cherry blossoms and you’ve got a home run!
Brianna says
I am highly motivated by sangria lol.
Fairlie says
That food looks amazing – I love Spanish! We were in Washington DC last year just a few days before peak week – and already the blossom was amazing. Looking at your photos brought back lots of memories of it.
Joe Ankenbauer says
I love DC in the spring! The cherry blossoms make any trip worth it! Plus all that delicious looking good; you’ve got an epic trip on your hands!
Brianna says
It was a long but entirely satisfying day 🙂
Jenna says
Looks like a fantastic meal–definitely worth the drive! 🙂 The cherry blossoms look beautiful, too. Glad you got to head over and check them out! We just saw some in Tokyo and there were so pretty!!
Brianna says
I would love to see the cherry blossoms in Tokyo!
Jennifer says
looks like a fantastic day! You are a trooper to endure the traffic though…I could see how it would be well worth the effort.
Brianna says
It was definitely worth the effort. On a normal Saturday morning the majority of that 4.5 hours I spent on the road would have been spent sitting in front of the computer in my PJs lol.
Mags says
Wow! I haven’t been to DC since my 8th grade field trip, but I have to say the lure of Spanish food might get me there too. Thanks for sharing (now I’m hungry!)
Brianna says
DC is such a fun town with a lot of vibrant nieghborhhods and nightlife, you should definitely try to visit again.
Melody Pittman says
Great post! Of course I had been drooling over those food pics for days now. Hi Katie! I loved the picture of the two of you, very nice. Bri, that is how I knew we were meant to be friends because I, too, would drive many hours for a yummy meal. 😉 Glad you enjoyed your day. May you be blessed with many more.
Brianna says
Melody, we are definitely kindred spirits. I would love to go down and explore Panama with you 🙂
The Adventure Ahead says
Those food images look well worth the trip! I am a sucker for cherry blossoms as well – nothing says spring quite like them! Thanks for sharing!
Brianna says
The food was much,much better in person 😉
Sabastian says
Your description of the liquid olive made my mouth water. I never knew such a thing existed, but now I must try it.
Brianna says
Better eating through molecular gastronomy.
Jill says
Sangria and cherry blossoms? Eight hours round-trip in a day is really long but from the photos I’d say it looks definitely worth it.
Brianna says
Totally 100% worth it.
Kate says
Its so great meeting with travel bloggers. Put some food and sangria in the mix and you’ve got a pretty perfect day! The cherry blossoms look beautiful, your photos are fantastic. Thanks for sharing
Brianna says
Thanks Kate, it was a really fun day :).
Laura Lynch says
I used to live in DC and went to Jose Andres’ restaurants frequently (you have to try Minibar next time – amazing!). Your lunch looks delicious. And the cherry blossoms are always a good bonus.
Brianna says
Minibar is high on my list to try 🙂
Alli says
Yes, I bet it definitely was worth it! The cherry blossoms are in bloom here in Toronto, but not for long! They are just so stunning!
Milosz Zak says
After watching House of Cards – I’m going to avoid DC’s metro. Also – there’s a particularly frightening level in Fallout which focuses on those very stations. On another note – I am super jealous of all the fantastic delicacies you’ve shared with us thus far. Thank you!
Robson Cadore says
I would drive even 10 hours for a good paella and Jamon!
Cant wait for next week. Gonna attend TBEX in Spain.
Hope to meet fellow travel bloggers and will deffo eat a lot!
Safe travels!
Brianna says
Nothing like eating paella in Spain. I’m sure you’ll have a blast at TBEX!
Francesca @onegrloneworld says
I would love to do a meet up like this – especially one where I am greeted with cava and sangria!! I love your photos, I want to visit DC in spring!
Kathryn Burrington says
Looks so delicious those first few photos had me licking the computer screen (almost!). Love all the blossoms too – well worth the trip.
Brianna says
I certainly thought so, it was a really fun day 🙂
Anda says
I love Washington DC at any time of year, but spring is absolutely unique there. Like you, I also crave the good food they have there. As for Sangria, after visiting Madrid I learned to make my own. I don’t want to brag about it, but the one I make is the best that I ever tried anywhere (I put all the good stuff in it).
Brianna says
I make a pretty mean paella myself- got to have the chorizo!
Jessica @ The Dining Traveler says
that is such a great recap of the #DCTravelBlogger meetup! Flattered that you and Katie drove all the way from Virginia Beach to spend the afternoon with us. Also happy that it was such a beautiful day in DC that day to take gorgeous pictures of the cherry blossoms. Hope you continue to join us.
Brianna says
Thanks for putting on such an awesome event, I’ll definitely be back up to join you guys again 🙂
Francesca (@WorkMomTravels) says
What an enjoyable read! I love DC but I’ve yet to visit during cherry blossom season. And don’t even get me started on paella! I’ve had a love affair with the dish since childhood. I’d say this DC trip was well worth it, too 🙂
Brianna says
Thanks Francesca, it was definitely a fun day trip.
Cara says
Brianna,
Thanks so much for the great post! It was wonderful to meet you, and I’m so glad you had fun! Hope to see you up around Arlington again soon!
Cara
Brianna says
Hi Cara, it was great meeting you as well! Looking forward to returning to Arlington and the DC area 🙂
Andi says
I would have totally drive 8 hours for that meal. The paella looks so interesting! I have not had that variety before. And I remember how beautiful the cherry blossoms are in DC this time of year, its been awhile, but they are gorgeous!
Brianna says
Andi, I know you would have loved rocking out in the car with Katie and I before feasting on some paella.
Sean says
That Spanish food looks absolutely incredible, and that’s saying something, since I’ve been gorging myself on food in Spain for the last week! I’ll need to check it out next visit to DC.
Brianna says
Spain is one of my favorite countries, love the laid back vibe and tasty food. Have fun!
Tim says
DC, spring time, cherry blossoms, and food and drink sounds like an awesome combination in a gorgeous city.
Brianna says
I couldn’t have said it better myself Tim.
Anna says
Wow, you made me so hungry with your fab photos and descriptions of all that food. I loved the blossom in Washington too – I had no idea it looked like that in the spring how pretty.
Brianna says
I’m ready to head back up to DC for seconds (of both the food and the cherry blossoms).
Lexi says
Your photos are beautiful and that food is making me hungry!
Brianna says
Thanks Lexi, I think I may go back for seconds!
Chanel | Cultural Xplorer says
Oh my goodness, I drooled while typing this – that food looks amazing and I keep telling myself I need to get down to DC for the cherry blossoms!
Madaline says
I almost cried over my keyboard at the delish food! Living in Italy I never get to eat Mexican food. Ever. It’s pure crap here. How I miss DC and all the options (I’m from Richmond just a few hours South!)
Brianna says
I love DC( and Richmond too), Virginia has so many great options.
TravelGretl says
Looks delicious, and happily wonderful 😀
Brianna says
It was, all of it!
Elena says
I didn’t know Spanish food was so popular in the States. Looks lovely though!
Brianna says
I wish it were more popular, its one of my favorite cuisines!
Corinne says
I can so totally relate to this post. My favorite things in the world are worth searching for! Love it!