Hello once again! Have you ever heard of, or seen the movie An Endless Summer I/II? It’s a surfing flick, and talks about the search of the perfect wave, the quest for the passion within each of us that drives us to reach and accomplish our goals–well, what I have for you here is a surefire way to tap into your passion without getting hammered by a mammoth 35-foot wave–the passions that burn from your taste buds, that is!

Without further ado, here is the patented Ocuto guide of places that you could whet your appetite at in the District over the summer…buen provecho!

I’ve developed a rating system. Instead of the dollar symbol “$” I’m using the letter “O”. The more O’s there are, the higher the bill will be.

If you’re looking for that fresh morning filling before heading into the office, I’d suggest one of two places in Capitol Hill:

Bagels & Baguettes, at 236 Massachusetts Ave NE–if you know where Schneider’s Spirits is, it’s directly across the street to the right, under an inviting royal blue awning. This small locale is known for its variety of bagels, and I’d recommend the Everything Bagel with a good dollop of cream cheese, a sliced tomato, capers and the ubiquitous bagel accessory–LOX! Very reasonably priced–an (O).

The second option I’d offer is Pete’s Diner & Carryout, tucked in between a row of shoppes at 212 2nd Street SE, just steps from the Senate Office Buildings. Want to grab a glimpse of your state congressperson? Chances are you might get lucky here over a weekday breakfast! I had the sausage & egg combo…TASTY! And the service is fast, too! Very reasonably priced–an (O).

(I also happen to love Tryst (O-OO) and the Diner (O-OO) as well as Jolt N’ Bolt (O) in Adams Morgan–for me, it’s a great weekend respite from the hustle & bustle of the work week)

If you’re looking for that yummy weekender lunch, but want to hit your taste buds with an international flavor, might I suggest either Jaleo (OO-OOO) or La Tasca (OO-OOO)? Both are tapas-style restaurants, which means that you will have a variety of small hot, cold or seasonal plates (great for communal meals) including vegetables, meat, poultry and/or seafood in any combination. A caveat, though–the per-plate pricing can add up at the end, so indulge yourself, but don’t break the bank! At Jaleo, I had the Ensaladilla Rusa, which is a cold tapa, spanish potatoes and tuna–don’t forget the lemon–that adds a tang to the dish! I also enjoyed the Morcilla ‘Bar La Esquina’ which is a hot tapa, blood sausage with a zesty garlic sauce. For you garlic lovers out there, this is a MUST! And don’t forget the Gambas al Ajillo, classic buttered garlic shrimp–quite the delicacy!

When I dined at La Tasca, I had the Aceitunas Mixtas, which is a mixture of marinated olives, peppers, onion and lemon, a good introduction to the rest of the meal…I followed up with Rape al Pimenton, grilled monkfish with a paprika/olive oil seasoning–the paprika added that extra tasty bang that I thought complemented the dish well!

(Yes, I had a bit more at both places, but I chose the ones that I enjoyed the most–if you check them out, I’ll encourage you to sample some of these plates!)

Wow, aren’t you hungry by now? OR perhaps thirsty? Why not stop by Café Berlin (OO) or Tunnicliff’s Tavern (OO) or or (Eastern Market) for that nice, cold Hefeweizen? Cafe Berlin serves theirs truly German-style…a whopper of a stein (albeit sans the lid)! So I’d suggest taking the metro and not driving! Both spots are great for outdoor seating and people-watching, especially in the afternoon/early evening.

If it’s a classy mixed drink or liquored delicacy you crave (I happen to enjoy Maker’s Mark Manhattans), I’d point you in the direction of Bourbon (OO-OOO) at 2321 18th Street NW in Adams Morgan–the link will point you to its Wisconsin Ave location. This is a classy joint, new to the area (6 months, a year?) and I loved their décor–contemporary european meets modern urban. Their Maker’s Manhattan is simply palatable…and STRONG.

I’d also go with a District favorite, Lauriol Plaza (O-OO-OOO depending on what you order) sandwiched between Adams Morgan and DuPont Circle. They’re known for their Tex-Mex and margaritas–@ the rooftop bar, take a seat & order a swirl (combination of 2 different flavors) if you like! They have Pacifico beer, which is my favorite summer beer, but not too easy to find around these parts…

Hungry already?! Again? OK! Try out one of their yummy enchilada plates, OR hit this popular hangout for a sunday brunch (huevos entomados!! scrambled eggs with tomatoes, peppers, onions, side of rice/beans & tortillas)–As they say, when in Rome…

Ahora esta tiempo por mi comida favorito–la ceña! (Trans: and now it’s time for my favorite meal–the dinner!)

Oh, where to begin? Let’s visit Japan! Georgetown’s Benihana (O-OOO) location is my favorite, along with my fiancée–this is where I proposed :) If you go early, between 4p and 7p, you’re sure to save a lot of O’s! I love their Triple Delight, which is chicken, shrimp and steak–served hibachi style, which makes for awesome dinnerside entertainment. The chefs have a sense of humor and always make me laugh with their animatics. Also, you can go nuts if you love sushi–they have an all-you-can-eat deal for around $20 per person. Naturally, sample their sake–it’s hot rice wine with a kick. Yum!

Now, join me as I take in the sights of Moroccan delicacy at Marrakesh (OOO) on New York Avenue NW. Back in college, my fraternity had its annual ball here, and I remember enjoying the belly-dancing display, dancing, and oh yes–the food! It’s entirely utensil-free, meaning you eat with your hands. You truly feel as if you’re in Morocco because of all the plush and COLORFUL pillows, the intricate rugwork, hookahs, giving you a feel of the staples of Moroccan culture. They also make you feel as if you’re having dinner with an authentic Moroccan family! Be sure you’ve blocked out a lot of time–and unbuckle your belts! Marrakesh serves its dinner over 6 courses, starting with a three-salad platter (dig into the eggplant–SO GOOD), then a savory pie (the menu says it includes confectioner’s sugar…mmm!), and over the next 3 courses, you have choices between chicken, beef, vegetables, I loved the beef shish kebabs and spicy chicken in cumin sauce. Then, for dessert, lighter fare–fresh fruits to top it all off. How’s this sound?? :)

How about Italian? Banducci’s Restaurant (O-OO) has an awesome lasagna–and their house red has a dry, smoky flavor which I love with lasagna. Next time I think I’ll take a stab at the shrimp scampi…

I can’t talk about Italian without mentioning Luigi’s (OO)–if it’s gnocchi you like, this is the place, without a doubt! It’s a small eatery, and the service takes a bit, but when dinner arrives…mmm! I love antipasti (appetizers) so I always have cheese, ham, salami, prosciutto roll-ups drizzled with olive oil…other times I’ve also gone with bruschetta..depending on how hungry I am! I simply adore Ossobucco, which is a deeply marinated veal shank, usually in a red wine sauce, served over your choice of pasta (I go with angel-hair) and vegetables…not all of the restaurants in DC have Ossobucco, so be sure to check out the menu and try it if you happen to be in the area. OH, OH–also, mussels marinere…mmm. In a zesty, creamy lemon sauce, enjoy sautéed mussels for a light dinner…or as an antipasti caldi (hot appetizer) :)

If you want to get your groove going, Heaven & Hell in Adams Morgan is a good place for large groups. There’s dance floors upstairs, a lounge downstairs, cool light effects, great music beats, which more than makes up for the $5 cover charge, so dance the night away!

Or, hit up The Ugly Mug (O-OO) in Capitol Hill, Halo (OO) at 1435 P, NW (SMOKE-FREE!!), a trendy bar for a yummy Mojito, enjoy taking in the cool tunnel-like design & lighting–most of all, appreciate the fact you can wear the same clothes again without having to wash or dry-clean them due to the “smoking-in-a-bar-leftover-scent”…try Madam’s Organ (O-OO) on for size–their slogan is “Sorry We’re OPEN!” they have a live band, good intimate atmosphere in the rear with candles/tables, in Adams Morgan.

To top the night off (for those of you who aren’t too carb- or calorie conscious) grab a slice of Jumbo Pizza (a 1/2 O) for the taxi/metro ride home!

Also, by no means is this an all-inclusive guide–it’s just a mention of some of the places I’ve found to be enjoyable–I’m leaving a LOT more out, but this can help pave the way for a good time in DC! Feel free to comment, add more, suggest ideas!

Most of all–buen provecho, bon appétit, mangiare (all mean the same–GOOD EATS!) & enjoy!