As winter tightens its frigid grip, we’re seeking ways to keep warm, nourish our minds, spirits and yes—our tummies. Here’s something to feed all four: After several months of delay, Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St., welcomes guests to its sprightly café, Quill & Crumb. The café is part of Folger’s almost five-year, $80.5 million renovation and expansion. The Folger houses the world’s largest collection of the Bard’s works.
On a frigid weekday, Peter and I explored the new café. After navigating the winding entrance, we found ourselves in the Folger’s beautifully transformed Great Hall. Sparce winter sun streamed through the newly brightened windows. Seated at the last available table, we scanned the brief menu and placed our orders at the counter: deviled eggs, sweet potato and bacon soup, ham and asparagus quiche, glass of red wine and hot tea. A server promptly ferried our food to our table.
The three curry-scented deviled eggs were artistically festooned with edible flowers. The bacon provided an agreeable crunch to the nicely balanced sweet/savory soup. My mini quiche could have used more filling, but the generous side salad added a welcome splash of healthy greens. Unfortunately, eating utensils were plastic.
Among other menu options are warm artichoke dip, marinated olives, and a “personal picnic” with local cheeses and honey, fresh berries, nuts and hazelnut lavash. You will also find pastries, coffee, tea, house-made lemonade, beer, wine, cider, and “seasonal” cocktails.
Created by Constellation Culinary Group, the café’s menu is reportedly inspired by the Folger’s collection. (Constellation also services numerous restaurants at nationwide cultural institutions including Merriweather Café at Hillwood Estate, New York’s Carnegie Hall and Stir Restaurant at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.)
Since Quill & Crumb is open to the public, no timed entry es or event tickets are necessary. Café hours are the same as the rest of the Folger Shakespeare Library; for more information, please visit www.folger.edu/quillandcrumb.org.
If you like the quirky moniker—we do—you should note that Quill & Crumb was the top vote-getter in a crowdsourced project to name the café. Out of 1,750 suggestions, Folger staff narrowed the list to five finalists for the public’s vote. Quill & Crumb won.
New on H
Late last year, Taqueria Los Perez arrived at 1344 H St.NE. The casual Mexican eatery slings flautas, tacos, burritos, quesadillas and sizzling fajitas, made from traditional recipes, we’re told. The shoebox-size newcomer is an outpost of a Maryland-based enterprise, with locations in Baltimore, Laurel and Riverdale. For hours and more information visit www.taquerialosperez.com.
Nearby, here’s another cozy, winter idea: We’ve recently revisited Queen Vic, the British-themed neighborhood pub at 1206 H St. NE. We were ing friends there for brunch while catching the Commanders game. Besides being accessible—our friend who uses a wheelchair had no problems navigating the front door ramp—the ambience was quite festive. Things got even livelier when we befriended some Brits at the next table who were loudly cheering for their soccer team. Only two TVs were tuned to American football; the rest showed soccer.
To really ward off winter chills, the thing to order at Queen Vic is shepherd’s pie. The well-seasoned layers of ground lamb and mashed potatoes were crowned with lots of gooey melted cheese. A healthy spring touch was the crisp green salad with little tomatoes, grapes and sliced strawberries.
Other choices are a hearty English breakfast with fried egg, rasher of bacon, pork banger (sausage), baked beans, mushrooms and a baked tomato. Fish-and-chips is another option; the accompanying mushy (mashed) peas taste better than the name suggests. And there’s a traditional Sunday beef (or lamb) roast with roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and gravy.
The gregarious bartender happily added tomato juice (fetching and opening a fresh can) to my overly spicy Bloody Mary. For Queen Vic hours and more information visit www.thequeenvicdc.com
Fond of fondue…
Latin style. This past December, my Red Hat (ladies group) enjoyed a festive, holiday lunch at Paraiso Taqueria, the wonderful authentic Mexican restaurant at 1101 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. As the weather was bitterly cold, I needed something to warm me up. After scanning the lineup of tacos, nachos, ceviche, quesadillas and more, I settled on a botana (starter): Queso Fundido. Presented in a cast iron pot, the piping hot dish is Oaxaca’s answer to Swiss fondue. Priced at just $15, the hearty concoction of melted Mexican cheeses and peppers is laced with choice of veggies or chorizo; I chose the latter. The tongue-tingling appetizer comes with a basket of warm tortillas. Paraiso Taqueria is open daily; for more information visit www.paraisotaqueria.com.
Market Watch
We’ve discovered La Cabrita’s, a moderately-priced stand at Eastern Market’s weekend farmers row. Most sandwiches—big enough to feed two—are $18. We’ve ordered the Italian sausage—served on a sub roll, smothered with onions and bell peppers. The smoky, thinly sliced turkey is nestled in a bun. Escorted by potato chips, both sandwiches were delicious. Other options include roast beef and chicken sandwiches, and shrimp salad. You’ll find La Cabrita’s there most weekends and Tuesdays.
We’ve also visited Harmonious Kitchen, which hawks bento boxes, rice balls and other Japanese delicacies. Founder/chef Takako Taniwaki and her assistant usually set up shop outdoors in front of Rumsey Aquatic Center, but in bad weather you might find them in the Eastern Market North Hall. We’ve sampled a salmon-filled rice ball, light but satisfying. Served in a compostable tray, the bento box highlights mackerel, salmon, chicken or tofu. The crispy-skinned mackerel was delicious. Bento sides include rice, veggies, tiny Japanese omelet and pickled condiments.
You’ll find Harmonious Kitchen at Eastern Market most weekends. For more information visit www.harmoniouskitchen.com.
