Last minute D.C. Memorial Day eat & drink ideas

PHOTO: DC Brau El Hefe Speaks! at Lost & Found (c) Sery Kim

If you find yourself on this Memorial Day holiday without a BBQ, picnic or beach calling your name, then find yourself at one of these D.C. foodie favorites for some great Memorial Day offerings.

Big Bear Café, 1700 1st Street, NW – Head over to the newest, hippest, gentrifying D.C. neighborhood Bloomingdale for a sandwich at long-time favorite Big Bear Café. Try the Portabella Melt ($9), which comes with piquillo peppers, goat cheese, arugula pesto and sprouts, or the Falafel Wrap. Also, definitely have a cup’o’joe. http://www.bigbearcafe-dc.com/

Lost & Found, 1240 9th St. NW – Another area undergoing rapid gentrification is the stretch of Shaw to Mt. Vernon//Convention Center. Happy hour Monday is from 4 pm to 7 pm but it’s easy to grab a great glass of beer for $8 throughout the day. I love the DC Brau El Hefe Speaks ($8 for a 16 oz. draft). Brewed in a traditional German-style, it is fermented and hopped with German Tettnang hops. Coolest thing on the menu though is the ability to buy Doritos, Twinkies and Sweedish Fish as a snack ($2)! http://www.lostandfounddc.com/

Ambar, 523 8th Street SW – Capitol Hill favorite Ambar is offering a priced fixed brunch menu ($39) of unlimited small plates and free-flowing cocktails. Try the Ham & Cheese or Roasted Mushroom Crepes. http://www.richardsandoval.com/ambar

Meridian Pint, 3400 11th Street, NW – The only reason I go to Columbia Heights is to eat (and drink) at Meridian Pint. I’m still trying to get over the fact the beer fries are gone from the menu, but I would still kill for the Nachos ($11) or the Wings Buffalo Style ($11). Of course, an excellent selection of craft beer! http://meridianpint.com/

El Centro D.F., 1218 Wisconsin Avenue, NW – Check out the other El Centro in Georgetown with its great outdoor space upstairs. They also have bottomless brunch ($35). Bacon, Egg and Cheese Tacos served with Chihuahua cheese and scallions is what you want. http://www.richardsandoval.com/elcentrogtown

Toro Toro, 1300 I Street, NW – If you have to be at work today in D.C. (sorry so sorry), then hit up central D.C. favorite Toro Toro. Try out the “Rodizio Experience,” with choices that include Picanha Steak, Chorizo Sausage, Achiote Chicken or Chef’s Daily Selection. As for me, I prefer the Mexican-Chocolate Waffles with Nutella and bananas. http://www.richardsandoval.com/torotorodc

GBD, 1323 Connecticut Ave, NW – There is never a good (or bad) reason to enjoy fried chicken. Head over to GBD. Try and snag one of the two outdoor picnic benches and enjoy a major list of fried chicken: http://www.gbdchickendoughnuts.com/documents/Food121614.pdf. They close at 2 pm on Mondays so HURRY OVER THERE!