Eating DC: Pound the Hill

Pound the Hill

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- Written by ClotureGirl

I’m always looking for new and interesting places. From local coffee shops, to lunch and dinner spots I’m always trying to find the hidden spots nobody knows about in DC. I recently stumbled upon eastern market’s Pound the Hill.

Inside Pound the Hill

Pound is an intimate, New York-esque gem that will quickly become your favorite place on Capitol Hill – think Café Lalo in You’ve Got Mail. Conveniently located on Pennsylvania Ave. SE, just a block from the metro, and close enough for Hill staffers to hit up at lunch or for a mid-day coffee break.

The Pound menus feature unique twists on your average noshings. Their coffee is organic, fair trade and delicious. I recommend trying the Nutella Latte! And while you’re at it, order the Italian Elvis – a croissant with Nutella and bananas. Maybe it’s my sweet tooth calling, but this could not sound any better. The breakfast menu also includes fruits, smoothies and any type of croissant your little heart desires.

But Pound isn’t just for coffee drinkers. Nay! They’ve expanded their menu to include lunch and dinner. I went for dinner on a Tuesday – just missing the great happy hour specials – you really can’t beat $4 appetizers and beer or $5 wine! I was pleasantly surprised by the attentive and inviting staff. The exposed brick, dim lighting and unique décor made for a warm evening ambiance. Perfect for a cozy dinner date (think third date) or just a place to grab a few drinks with your girl friend after work without the large crowd. Here are the highlights from my dinner:

Wine: Sarapo Natalia Pinot Noir

I ‘m a red wine gal and this one did not disappoint. It was dark with a spicy cranberry undertone. Perfect start to a crisp fall night, after a long day at work.

Appetizer: Apple Walnut Salad

Wine soaked walnuts (yes please), hallourni cheese and sliced apples on a bed of spinach topped with a fantastic warm bacon dressing. The combination was a unique blend that will satisfy any bacon-lover. It also can be prepared as a vegetarian option sans bacon.

Alternative: Duck-fat tator tots

They’re covered in garlic and parmesan with a horseradish BBQ dipping sauce. They looked and smelled to die for!

Main course: Honey Fried Chicken

A spin on fried chicken that would make my southern grandmamma proud. The chicken was juicy, the batter crispy, and it was all topped in a wasabi honey glaze that had just the right amount of sweet and spice. Mashed potatoes and bacon-braised kale were great compliments. I’ve never been a kale fan but something about the slight smoky bacon flavor (have I mentioned that I love bacon?) and a little extra spice kick were just yummy.

Alternative: Slow-Roasted Short Rib

Someone at the next table over ordered the short rib and I immediately got food envy when it paraded by me. You could smell the garlic and saffron deliciousness – I’m definitely ordering next time.

Dessert: Dark Chocolate, Bacon, Toffee Chip Cookie

By now my bacon obsession is public, so it shouldn’t surprise you that I picked this. And I know what you’re thinking – who eats bacon and chocolate together? It sounds strange, but the combination is just the right balance so that no flavor is overwhelming, culminating in a delicious little cookie with a shot of vanilla infused milk to top it off. You won’t regret ordering this – and neither will your sweetie. So go ahead and share.

Alternative: Warm Autumn Spice Doughnuts

Since it’s finally starting to feel like fall, it is the perfect time to indulge in all the goodness that is fall flavor – like these little doughnuts topped with a cinnamon-ginger caramel dipping sauce.

Happy dining y’all!

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