169912 Tue Mar 16 11:25:49 -0800 2004 11 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 910105 My team at work is going to do a "day trip" out to see the cherry blossoms. We would like to do lunch and then walk around the monuments and just enjoy ourselves. I've been racking my brain (and this website) trying to think of places for lunch near there. i know there are very slim pickings, but there has to be something. Only restriction is that there has to be vegetarian entrees at this restaurant, and I've been told that they would prefer no chains (so I am a bit limited, as you can see). And since this is only an afternoon outing, we can't really go anywhere else besides the Mall. The only one I can think of down there is Les Halles - has anyone been there for lunch? Do they have vegetarian entrees? I'm tapped out of ideas - and would definitely appreciate any suggestions. Thanks! Tue Mar 16 11:25:49 -0800 2004 0 Workingwoman 1 910107 A short trip up the hill, or to Cap South metro and again, to the top of the hill will give you many choices. My pick of all of them would be Thai Roma, which definitely has veg. options. There is also indian, a taverna and american, but take a rec and don't do the mexican which is good but non memorable. Tue Mar 16 11:37:07 -0800 2004 910105 0 Dennis S 2 910111 The best view of the cherry blossoms would be at the Tidal Basin, a bit out of the way from the Hill. It's probably a 10-15 minute walk from Breadline to there. Tue Mar 16 12:32:44 -0800 2004 910107 0 Lori D 1 910113 What about Red Sage? Tue Mar 16 12:56:13 -0800 2004 910105 0 Pixie 1 910114 Also, since you will be walking around the mall, what about the Penn Quarter or Chinatown areas? There are a number of places in Penn Quarter, including Zaytinya and Jaleo, with veggie options (I'm a veggie, so I can confirm this.) Another place is Poste, although I haven't tried it. I wouldn't recommend Zola for vegetarians. Chinatown has multiple options. You can walk to these areas from the Mall or take Metro - Gallery Place metro stop. Another place if you want to stay on the Mall is the cafe/cafeteria in the basement of the National Gallery or the restaurant in the National Gallery, both of which are quite good. Also, there's the cafe in the National Gallery sculpture garden, which has similar food to the National Gallery, although with more limited selection. Tue Mar 16 13:02:06 -0800 2004 910105 0 Pixie 1 910120 In the spirit of the "sakura", wouldn't Japanese food be apropos? Surely there's a good place nearby. Tue Mar 16 14:19:50 -0800 2004 910105 0 MSPD 1 910121 Have you looked into lunch at the Smithsonian castle building? If memory serves, Eve Zibart reviewed it in the Post Weekend section, but I'm not savvy enough to be able to provide a link. It's supposed to be quite good, and the atmosphere is extraordinary. Tue Mar 16 14:21:47 -0800 2004 910105 0 EHB 2 910187 I think they're now Sunday Brunch only. Wed Mar 17 21:05:01 -0800 2004 910121 0 Daniel K 1 910122 Where do you work and how are you getting there? How much walking can you do? I would recommend doing as most do and get carryout (sushi ordered ahead?) or bring food and have a picnic under the trees. Otherwise, depending on which direction you are walking from there's Teaism, Cafe Atlantico, Jaleo, Breadline, Cosi, Loeb's, the National Gallery restaurants, the Natural History Museum, the Waterfront... Tue Mar 16 14:31:15 -0800 2004 910105 0 mouse 1 910126 Maybe call ahead for a sushi feast to picnic on--there's quite serviceable if not extraordinary sushi available at the place in the food court below the Reagan Building, very metro accessible. They have good fresh lemonade too. Or if you want to spend a little more and have a sit down, Ceiba is right down the street! YUM! Tue Mar 16 15:38:14 -0800 2004 910105 0 Amy B. 1 910128 I think Zaytinya on 9th street would fit the bill. Its perfect (actually preferable) for a large group and they have lots and lots of vegetarian mezzes that everyone should enjoy in addition to several lamb selections that should not be missed. It's a bit of a walk from the Tidal Basin but you could take the metro up to Gallery Place. Do take your time ordering so that all the food doesn't end up on the table at one time. Another excellent group option that would give both veggies and carnivors good choices is Jaleo at 7th and E for tapas and pitchers of sangria. Tue Mar 16 16:09:32 -0800 2004 910105 0 Ellen 1 910139 The Breadline is a good choice and is close enough to walk to the tidal basin. If you plan to eat there, then get there before 11:59 am - tables fill up quick after that. You could also assemble a picnic at Breadline to take with you - if you only picnic once a year, then have it under the cherry trees! Don't skip the wine (great choices - practically wholesale) or desserts. Tue Mar 16 19:18:59 -0800 2004 910105 0 Rosco