801 RESTAURANT & BAR
801 FLORIDA AVE NW, WASHINGTON D.C., 20001
http://www.801DC.com
There are a few reasons why brunch is my favorite meal:
- Anything with an egg on it can be considered a “brunch” dish. e.g. burgers, pizza, etc.
- Mid-day drinking is approved
- It usually kicks off the day on a bright and positive note
So, when I was invited to try out the brunch menu at the new 801 Restaurant & Bar in D.C., I was more than excited.
Located in the hopping Shaw neighborhood of D.C., 801 Restaurant is making it’s mark in the area’s competitive restaurant scene. Arriving at about noon, it was already packed with lively diners enjoying their Sunday afternoon buzz. As we waited for our table, I overheard a few groups praising the menu items as well as the bottomless mimosa options and confirming 801’s quick reputation as the new gem in town.
801 Restaurant has two floors of dining space, a rooftop bar, and three additional bars. The atmosphere is laid back and chic, with fresh flowers adorning each table as well as around the restaurant. Being from New York, it reminded me of sitting in a little cafe in Astoria, Queens, so I love 801 Restaurant even more for the nostalgia it gave me of back home. Service was also attentive, and everyone from the wait staff to the managers was busy making sure diners had a comfortable and welcoming experience.
To kick off our brunch, our waiter Mel (so wonderful) served us our bottomless mimosa bar. It consisted of a bottle of Prosecco and four juices: grapefruit, strawberry, blood peach and orange. The bottles of Prosecco and the juices were refilled upon request; THIS is how you do brunch my friends!
Next, we were served five dishes from 801 Restaurant’s Chef Javie’s arsenal. Chef Javie expressed that these were his top five dishes on the menu, and so we were ever so grateful to experience them.
HEALTHY STARTER
Greek yogurt topped with mixed berries, apples, and their homemade pistachio granola. The pistachio granola was a pleasant addition and added a delicious sweet & savory flavor.
AVOCADO BREAKFAST TOAST
Fresh avocado over toasted multi-grain bread with a sunny-side up egg and a green side salad. I have to admit I’ve been trying to avoid the “avo-toast” craze but today became a believer. I 100% believe that “love” was the secret ingredient.
BAILEY’S FRENCH TOAST
French bread dipped in their special Bailey’s batter and topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. The French bread was a pleasant surprise, and it had the perfect balance of sweetness. Hands down my favorite dish of the day. The portion was also very generous!
CALIFORNIA BENEDICT
Avocado, poached egg and tomato on an English Muffin topped with Hollandaise. I appreciated their decision to do an Eggs Benedict sans the meat. It contained all of the same flavors but felt a lot lighter and clean.
Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in… – The Godfather
Just when we thought we were done, Chef Javie hit us with the game-changer:
THE 801 BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS
A hash containing bacon, sausage, ham, and cheddar cheese, topped with a sunny-side up egg and avocado, over a salsa verde. LAWD! This dish definitely came in as a tie for my favorite dish. Reading the description on the menu, I wasn’t expecting it to be a hash of all of the meats, so I was pleasantly surprised. The salsa verde gave it a perfect little kick as well. It is absolutely the “champion” of their brunch menu.
All of the items served on 801 Restaurant’s menu are classic brunch staples with distinct little touches of their own that make them stand out amongst their brunch competitors. Prices are also reasonable ranging from $8 – $16 an entrée. Right now, brunch is only served on Sundays from 11-4p.m. but will kick off on Saturdays as well beginning Labor Day weekend.
Overall, 801 Restaurant & Bar has proven to be a standout addition to D.C. and the Shaw neighborhood. I can’t wait to go back and finish out the summer on their rooftop!
