Who Says DC Bagels Can't Be Delicious??

I’ve heard the comparison for many a year: You can’t find a real bagel in DC. There are many imitators, many emulators, many that try so hard, but in the end, you’ll never find a bagel quite as good as you can get in NY. Well I’m here now to let the naysayers know, I have found that bagel!
Bullfrog Bagel is a tiny little operation in Northeast DC, right on the bustling, back on the rise, H Street. Those around them are already aware of the aroma of fresh baked daily bagels. Hand rolled, boiled and baked every morning, Bullfrog is worth every penny you’ll likely spend. You won’t be able to help but spend a penny or two, as you’ll want everything they have to offer!
Now I’m not a huge bagel fan. Never have been. Bagels are ok when they’re around. I eat them when available, especially when available for free. Like on my job, we have a Bagel Thursday. And who in their right mind is going to pass up free breakfast every week? Certainly not me! So this Bagel Thursday, we went with this fresh new bagel place on H Street. And boy was it worth it! As I said, I’m not a huge bagel fan, but I could eat these bagels all he day long! They look so fresh, smell so delicious, taste so amazingly delicious! And I’ve always felt like the right cream cheese makes the bagel. And at Bullfrog, their shmears are just as good as their bagels! A perfect compliment! Fresh and handmade, you can see real chunks of whatever flavor you’re having: salmon n the smoked salmon flavor, veggies in the veggie flavor, walnuts in the honey walnut! Big hearty chunks that you can’t miss. Mouthfuls of delicious flavors making your entire morning worth it.
Now I haven’t had the sandwiches yet, but I hear that they are just as good as the regular bagels. I can’t honestly imagine them being anything short of amazing, as it seems to me that Bullfrog is all about the fresh.
So, I conclude with this: If you’re looking for a high quality bagel, and have been disappointed time and time again, it’s time to visit the Bullfrog!
Have you ever been??? Comment below and tell me what YOU think!! Any other yummy bagels around to try?? Can’t wait to hear from you!
~~Lo aka justagirl

Brunch at Lavagna

Brunch with Mom is always great! Our usual locale is Banana Café. A yummy little place on M Street in SW DC. (Review for another post) But today my sister said, “Let’s try something different.”  And Mom said “Let’s try Lavagna!” She had me at bottomless mimosas!
Ristorante Italiano Lavagna, also located on M Street, SW, among an array of cultural delights. Lavangna’s brunch menu had me captivated with delicious treats like Marscapone Pancakes, Goat Cheese Omelets, and Italian Sausage Gravy. I was at a loss for what to decide! My first choice was the Marscapone Pancakes. It’s very hard for me to say no to anything involving marscapone, and these featured marscapone made with honey nutella!! WHAT?? I NEED!!! However, this trip I was pretty hungry and wanted something savory to go with my sweet. I decided to try something else this go round and indulge in the pancakes another day. Today I would try the Smoked Salmon Omelet! Citrus cured salmon, smoked gouda, spinach, capers (yet another thing I can’t say no to), with house made potatoes tossed in garlic oil and parmesan. They failed to mention that the omelet would be drizzled over with an aioli sauce, but I am absolutely not complaining!! The caramelized onions inside of the omelet were also a pleasant surprise! But sweet and perfectly caramelized they were the perfect addition to this amazing concoction! You get a healthy portion, I wasn’t able to finish it! The salmon was moist and flavorful, but a little cold. This may have been a purposeful, I’m afraid I’m not sure, but it wasn’t enough to make me complain or send it back and it was definitely fully cooked. This could be just the way it is meant to be served. The spinach still fresh and fairly crisp, proving Lavagna’s claim to fresh made meals, made from scratch. Overall, I was very pleased! Mom and sis both had eggs any style, and I took the liberty of sampling from both of their plates. Sis had scrambled eggs made with goat cheese, creamy, light and burst in your mouth flavor! Mom had some Italian sausage patties that I had to try! They looked like sliders, thick and hearty! Unfortunately, they tasted a bit more like burgers than sausage, but I could definitely taste the seasoning in the meat that I’m sure many would love. The highlight, I must say, was the focaccia toast! I was sad not to have any on my own plate, I think it should come with every meal! Lightly toasted and full of flavor these triangles came with honey butter that was to die for!! It took everything in us not to take it home, even once the toast was gone. There were little cups of jam as well, but unfortunately, we didn’t even notice it until the check was coming. Next time!
All in all, Lavagna was a great choice!! An enjoyable meal, pretty good service, and focaccia toast!! Made me happy! I will absolutely be back!

#justagirl