Your roommate forgot the pay the gas bill again and now you’re sitting next to the space heater with a parka on. The outlook is grim, my friend. Why be left out in the cold when you can have something warm and tasty to fill your belly? All work and no play makes Jack a hungry boy. Snuggle up in front of The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown’s wood burning fireplace while noshing on complimentary hot chocolate and s’mores with melted Valrhona chocolate and homemade marshmallows sandwiched between two slices of French baguette bread. Served every evening from 5:30-6:30 pm in the hotel lobby. 3100 South Street NW, Washington, DC. 202.912.4100
If tongue-numbing pain followed by excessive sweating and inflammation is your thing, Guajillo challenges you to take on El Cachudo, filled with four types of meat, rice, beans, cheese and a deadly voodoo salsa. Finish it and it’s free. 1727 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA. 703.807.0840
Put some ‘Tussin on it. Long known as a panacea, pho at Pho 75 cures the common cold, hangovers, bitter winter nights and even cabin fever. Tender slices of steak, brisket, meatballs, or my favorite—soft tendons, swim around soft rice noodles in a deep, flavorful beef broth. 1721 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA. 703.525.7355
Growing up, my family spent many cold nights enjoying a communal pot filled with simmering broth in which to cook food. Think of it as Asian fondue. It really is quite fun and interactive. Uncle Liu’s Hot Pot serves up a real Chinese experience with cook-it-yourself meats, seafood and vegetables. 2972 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA. 703.560.6868.
Mary was born and raised in New York City where her family owned restaurants. Instead of eating dirt on the playground, she ate duck blood, beef tripe and pork belly. She cut her teeth at The Mandarin Oriental and The Ritz-Carlton hotels, working with Barbra Streisand, Vanessa Williams, Michael Stipe, LeVar Burton, Jane Krakowski and others. Mary founded Girl Meets Food in 2009 as a cover for her debilitating addiction to fried chicken and was named Washington Post’s “Favorite Local Foodie.” After 13 years in hospitality, she started freelance writing for USA Today, The Washington Post, Eater, Washington City Paper, and more. Today, she provides digital marketing for hospitality clients as a content creator who’s contently creating content.