Do the French know how to enjoy life. On the occasions when I want to indulge in French cuisine in a fun, casual setting, I go to Bistrot du Coin in Dupont Circle. Their cheery canary yellow space feels like a bit of Paris, and bustles with energy and sophistication.My favorite dish is the escargot à la bourguignonne ($8.95). It’s an appetizer that makes a great light meal. Served in a special escargot dish, each plump, oversized snail is nestled in a juicy pocket of garlic butter. There’s enough butter left over to sop up with fresh, crusty French bread. Try the la traditionelle mouclade des charentes ($8.95/$18.95) if you like mussels. You get a whole pot of them steamed in a curry cream sauce. The broth is so light and flavorful, I’d drink from the pot if it was socially acceptable.
Photo via Coolinary Inc.
Bistrot du Coin
1738 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.234.6969
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.