Founding Farmers DC American eatery dishing Chic comfort cuisine
Founding Farmers DC has a covered outdoor patio with individual streetside stalls for an outdoor bistro feel and some uncovered open air tables right on Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown DC.
Join them at Founding Farmers DC
A full-service restaurant and bar majority owned by American family farmers. Their menus feature American-inspired food & drink made from scratch with thoughtfully sourced ingredients from farmers they know and trust.
Urban DC farmhouse
In their urban DC farmhouse, guests can gather around their handcrafted community farm dining tables or enjoy more intimate seating arrangements, including the popular silo-shaped booths.
Founding Farmers DC restaurant showcases original artwork, including a large flying Pegasus from artist Darla Jackson and our lamb mascot (who changes outfits with the seasons) by Noella Cotnam.
LEED Gold Certified design helps continue to operate as a 3 Star Certified Green Restaurant®, which exemplifies their devotion to aesthetic beauty and sustainability.
Guests are invited to make a reservation.
Located just three blocks west of the White House in the heart of Washington, DC on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Find out why they are the most booked restaurant in the nation on OpenTable.
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Foodie Destination Dining: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Redefines Global Gastronomy
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Redefines Global Gastronomy as a Destination Dining
In recent years, Vietnam has become recognized as one of the must visit, premiere dining destinations on the planet.
From bustling street food markets, where the aroma of sizzling meats, zesty herbs and fragrant spices fills the air, to the abundance of premiere fine dining restaurants showcasing local Vietnamese flavors infused into classic European recipes, Vietnam promises its international visitors an unparalleled East meets West culinary adventure.
In 2016, Anthony Bourdain taught former President Barack Obama the art of the noodle slurp, while throwing back some local Vietnamese beers, and feasting on piping hot bowls of Bún Chả at a local Hanoian restaurant.
In a recent interview, Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsey named Vietnam his top food destination in the world. The Michelin Guide recently awarded three of Vietnam’s leading restaurants their coveted stars for the 2023 season.
To say the country is achieving sensational, and well earned, praise on the global culinary stage is an understatement, and with post-Covid international tourism sharply on the rise, we thought we’d to share our top 5 picks for some of the best dining destinations within Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City.
SUBLIME SUSHI
Noriboi
Noriboi has reimagined traditional Japanese cuisine with their artistic, and highly inspired, modernist approach to their fine dining menus.
Evoking a one-of-a-kind, and simply astonishing, multi-sensory gastronomic experience, their expert team of Japanese trained Master Sushi Chefs, each a Vietnamese native, apply molecular gastronomy to craft and underscore each dish, producing sublime artistic presentations, unsurpassed by even the best restaurants in Tokyo.
Utilizing only the very finest seafood, Wagyu Beef and even rice, imported daily from Japan, and paired with regional Vietnamese and specialty ingredients, each plate is an utter triumph of taste, texture and artistic presentation.
In addition to their daily Omakase and a la carte menu offerings, Noriboi is also known for their exclusive dining events, which upon announcement on their social media outlets becomes the hottest reservation in town, sold-out within hours of their postings.
10-course Summer Truffle Omakase
They recently presented a 10-course Summer Truffle Omakase, where each dish was highlighted by the earthy and distinctive flavor of freshly shaved imported European truffles, and a Kegani Omakase, with the highly coveted Kegani Hairy Crabs, a seasonal Japanese delicacy, as the focus ingredient.
If you wish to experience truly outstanding Japanese food during your trip to Saigon, Noriboi cannot be missed.
35 Ngo Quang Huy Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
All-Day Dining Divine
LUCA
LUCA – Eatery & Bar Lounge is a fantastic all-day dining eatery, offering its guests a bountiful array of local Vietnamese and Western dishes to choose from, satisfying even the most discerning and astute culinary palate.
It’s a favorite restaurant destination for neighborhood locals and visiting tourists alike, craving an inventive and sophisticated array of dishes, served at any time of the day. With menus designed by their talented Executive Chef An, for breakfast or Brunch, the fluffy Soufflé Pancakes, decadent Luxe Lobster Benedict and their Phở Bò Luca, an elevated spin on the Vietnamese classic, are spectacular. And for the coffee lover, try their Vietnamese Salted Egg Coffee, a staple beverage from Hanoi- rich, creamy, salty and sweet.
For lunch, the Summer Peaches and Kale Salad is crisp, refreshing, and the perfect choice for a hot Saigon summer’s day, as is the Scallop Carpaccio with raw sweet Hokkaido Scallops, gently kissed with a drizzle of Yuzu sauce for a touch of acid.
For Happy Hour, indulge in a platter of the freshest Miyagi Oysters, perfect to pair with a late afternoon glass or two of Rosé. And for dinner, a hardy Australian Rib Eye Steak should do the trick, served with Chef’s signature Steak Sauce. At any time of the day when visiting Saigon, Luca is a great choice to experience a chic dining atmosphere and truly wonderful food.
49 Xuan Thuy Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
American Comfort Food Infused with Vietnamese Flavors
OKRA Foodbar
Chicago, Illinois born Chef-Owner Jamie Celaya developed his menu to showcase the incredible bounty of regional produce, products, and seasonings available in Vietnam.
Described as
“International Izakaya, third culture cuisine”
which to the laymen doesn’t make sense until you experience it, Okra offers “Subtle” small plates of vegetable forward comfort food, meant for sharing, and a selection of larger portioned “Sufficient” mains for a healthy appetite.
Located in Thao Dien, in District two, this intimate and contemporary eatery with a laid back and unpretentious vibe serves up simply delicious food and craft cocktails, with warm and friendly service.
Must try dishes at Okra include their spin on Street Corn, with Cilantro, Parmesan, Chili, Brown Bourbon Butter and Pork Floss, Grilled Broccolini with Truffle Crème Fraiche & Sa Tế Chili Oil, Land & Sea-Viche, a Sea Bass Crudo with Braised Pigs Ear, Chili, Lime and Bánh Tráng, and their signature Charred Okra with Preserved Lemon-Tomato Jam, Curry Yogurt, Burnt Pomelo and Sarsaparilla-za Atar.
And to wash it all down, a chilled glass of Mùa Craft Sake on draft, also proudly brewed in Vietnam.
10 Thao Dien Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Contemporary Vietnamese Cuisine & Cocktails
The Triệu Institute
The concept of pairing craft cocktails with food is a gastronomic trend which has gained tremendous popularity in recent years in Vietnam, and no dining destination has perfected this principle better than The Triệu Institute.
They serve inventive contemporary Vietnamese dishes containing all the aromatics found within the gins of their namesake craft gin brand Lady Triệu, and their food and bespoke beverages blend in perfect harmony, allowing each patron to eat and drink simultaneously the bold, and singular flavors which Vietnam has become so famous for.
A popular pairing include the Cured Kingfish, pickled with a housemade Hibiscus Vinegar which takes eight to ten weeks to complete, infusing sweet, sour, and floral notes deep within the fish, and a Flower General cocktail, containing Dalat Flowerbomb Gin, Wasabi, Jasmine Syrup and Seaweed Foam; it’s a perfected combination.
10 Mac Thi Buoi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnamese Cuisine Portraying a Story
Nén Light Restaurant
Deeply committed to producing preeminent modern Vietnamese cuisine which pays homage to their country’s rich and vibrant heritage, Nén Light’s team of outstanding culinary artists developed their restaurant’s concept of Conscious Vietnamese Cuisine (Ẩm Thực Nhìn) to showcase their knowledge, appreciation and deep respect for their native roots and beloved culture.
Serving wildly creative, 6-9 course storytelling tasting menus, they showcase hyper-local Vietnamese ingredients discovered on foraging trips throughout Central Vietnam, and guide each guest though a unique and unparalleled culinary journey which engages all five senses.
Along with a Sake pairing, expertly curated by their in-house Sake Sommelier, and a “Conversation Pairing”, allowing servers to share the story behind the evolution of each plate, a visit to Nén Light Restaurant will guarantee a singular and unrivaled immersive Vietnamese dining experience.
122/2 Tran Dinh Xu, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
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Moscato d’Asti Winemakers Launch #AstiVibe Summer at NYC Lunch
Moscato d’Asti Brings Perfect Summer Flavors to Midtown Manhattan Lunch
A perfect welcome to the season as Summer truly begins.
On June 19, Consorzio Asti DOCG and Marina Nedic from I.E.E.M. hosted a masterclass and Moscato d’Asti DOCG tasting at Midtown Manhattan’s Il Gattopardo Ristorante
Cha McCoy led the discussion with: Giacomo Pondini, Director of the Consorzio Asti DOCG and representatives from the wineries: Luigi Coppa of Coppa, Stefano Chiarlo of Michele Chiarlo, Marco Dogliotti of La Caudrina, Gianpiero Scavino of Vignaioli Santo, Stefano Ceretto of Ceretto and Andrea Costa of Marenco.
Sommelier, Public Speaker, and Beverage Programmer Cha McCoy led the discussion with a panel of experts, including: Giacomo Pondini, Director of the Consorzio Asti DOCG and representatives from the wineries: Luigi Coppa of Coppa, Stefano Chiarlo of Michele Chiarlo, Marco Dogliotti of La Caudrina, Gianpiero Scavino of Vignaioli Santo, Stefano Ceretto of Ceretto and Andrea Costa of Marenco.
Consorzio Asti DOCG History and Importance
The Consorzio Asti DOCG was founded in 1932 for the protection, enhancement and promotion of their wines. Based on their efforts, Asti received the DOC in 1967 and the DOCG in 1993.
There are 6,800 producers with over 9,900 hectares of vineyards. Production reached 60 million bottles of Asti Spumante and 42 million of Moscato d’Asti, under the leadership of the Consorzio. Over 90% of the production is exported. Moscato D’Asti and Asti Spumante share the same DOCG.
Moscato d’Asti DOCG comes from Moscato Bianco (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains) strain of grapes. One of the oldest known varieties of wine grapes and grows in the Piedmont regions of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, a zone located between Italy’d Ligurian Coast and the Alps.
Moscato d’Asti is only slightly sparkling (called frizzante) and low in alcohol (5% ABV). It is vintage dated and suggested to be drank by the vintage date.
How Moscato d’Asti is produced
The technique for Moscato d’Asti has become known as the “Asti Method”. The fermentation of the grape juice is stopped earlier so that sweet wines do not lose their character and retain high sugar content. The method does not include secondary fermentation.
Moscato d’Asti is a wine that is can be enjoyed on its own or paired with desserts and appetizers from seafood to nuts and cheeses.
Tasting Incredible Moscato D’Asti
Today we were fortunate to taste through several examples of incredible Moscato D’Asti. With each on, aroma, tastes, and food pairing inspire your palette.
Moscato D’Asti “Moncalvina” 2022 Coppo
Moscato D’Asti “Moncalvina” 2022 Coppo
Moscato D’Asti “Moncalvina” 2022 Coppo. The vineyards are in Canelli. The wine is made from 100% Moscato Bianco di Canelli. The soil is calcareous marl and the vineyard is at 250 meters above sea level.
Straw colored with subtle green reflections. On the nose, floral notes along with peach and pear. Fresh, elegant and aromatic on the palate with a light fizziness. A great pairing for cakes, cookies, fruit based desserts.
Moscato D’ Asti “Nivole” DOCG 2022 Michele Chiarlo
Moscato D’ Asti “Nivole” DOCG 2022 Michele Chiarlo
Moscato D’ Asti “Nivole” DOCG 2022 Michele Chiarlo The vineyards are in the historical area most suited for Moscato Bianco. The soil is of sedimentary marine origin, white and sandy.
Brilliant straw yellow in the glass. Elegant, tropical fruit aromas with peach and apricot. Fine bubbles and a crisp finish. Excellent pairing with fresh pastries, add some strawberries and peaches.
Moscato D’Asti “La Caudrina” 2022
Moscato D’Asti “La Caudrina” 2022
Moscato D’Asti “La Caudrina” 2022 Azienda Agricola Caudrina The vineyards are located in Castiglione Tinella at 280 meters. The soil is marl-limestone and the exposure is south/southwest. Harvest is by hand.
The nose reveals notes of lemon, candied mandarin and subtle white fruit. The palate has a supple almost velvety mouthfeel. But a slight acidity provides balance with minerality. Candied white peach, white flower, orange blossom. Pair it with flaky desserts like tarts and strudels.
Moscato d”Asti “Vignaioli” Di Santo Stefano” 2022
Moscato d”Asti “Vignaioli” Di Santo Stefano” 2022
Moscato d”Asti “Vignaioli” Di Santo Stefano” 2022 Ceretto The vineyards are in Santo Stefano, Belbo, and Calosso at 300 – 350 meters above sea level. The soil is whitish loose marl composed of clay, sand and silt.
Straw-yellow. Vibrantly fruity nose which is aromatic and persistent as though it’s playfully tapping you on your chest to pay attention to it.. Beautifully balanced mouth with jasmine and honeysuckle, low alcohol, acidity, crisp freshness. Pair it with a flaky crusted pie or tart.
Moscato D’Asti “Scrapona” 2022
Moscato D’Asti “Scrapona” 2022
Moscato D’Asti “Scrapona” 2022 Marenco Vini. The vineyards are in Bagnari Valley and Strevi at 320 meters above sea level and the soil is calcareous marl. Grapes are manually selected and harvested at the beginning of September.
Intense straw yellow color. Delicate stone fruit nose with subtle balsamic hints on your second approach. The sweet, slightly viscous. Touches of almond on the finish. Pair it with nuts and soft cheeses like brie.
An incredibly afternoon of discovery and tastes thanks to: Consorzio Asti DOCG, Marina Nedic from I.E.E.M., Cha McCoy, Giacomo Pondini, Il Gattopardo.
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Thompson Washington D.C. brings Style, Sophistication and Gorgeous River Views
Thompson Washington D.C. brings Style, Sophistication and Gorgeous River Views
A collection of weathered wood, glass, and dark grey brick rising from the historic Washington Navy Yard, Thompson Washington D.C. stands at the intersection of nautical history and industrial sophistication.
Bike along the Anacostia River Trail, explore a nearby Smithsonian Museum or two, and stroll along the National Mall. Then, cap off the evening at their signature on-site restaurant.
Rooms + Suites at The Thompson Washington D.C.
You’ll discover subtle nods to the neighborhood’s nautical roots among the eclectic, mixed-media interiors within their 208 rooms and 17 suites.Curving tables evoke a ship’s cabin while rigid symmetrical lines frame the windows overlooking the river or ballpark.Settle in with a book beneath the soft glow from industrial sconces framing the bed or, select a modern suite — many with parlors and balconies for reveling in Washington, D.C. days and nights.Thompson Washington DC Suite
Sweeping views through floor-to-ceiling windows frame this expansive midcentury modern suite. Revel in the energy of the Navy Yard from your private balcony while inside, enjoy the king bed outfitted in crisp white linens, the separate living room and the dining table with seating for four.
Thompson Suite Ballpark View
Step inside this 805-square-foot suite and take in sweeping views of D.C.’s professional baseball team’s national ballpark through the floor-to-ceiling windows; the suite offers one king bed, a separate living room, a balcony, and guest bathroom.
1 King Balcony
Enjoy the breeze from the walkout balcony of this spacious retreat. Take in the energy of the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, then head inside, where a king bed, separate work area, hardwood floors, and large industrial windows make this a stylish escape.
Culinary Experiences at The Thompson Washington D.C.
The Thompson Bar Room
Open daily for lite bites and libations.
Rooftop at The Thompson
Featuring floor to ceiling windows and outdoor seasonal space, join us at Rooftop at the Thompson for 360-degree cool views and sunset hues.
Nestled alongside the Anacostia River, the all-season social anchor of the Navy Yard is the go-to bar for year-round waterfront vibes, after-work bevvies, private events and gatherings.
Surveyor at The Thompson
Newly opened!
Surveyor is a true-American-inspired supper house, drawing inspiration from traditional American dishes and classic spirit-forward cocktails.
