good indian food and my future
Family, friends, teachers, and even strangers always ask the simple but awkward question: where do you want to live when you’re older? Usually there’s an awkward pause, (ummm), but I always knew my answer was good old Chicago. “Really? With all of the violence? Don’t you wanna get out?” That’s what non - Chicago natives would say. Others would think it's noble. I for one just love the city of Chicago and find that everything I would need is right here.
All of that changed in September of 2021. A plane from my beloved Chicago landed me next to the Potomac. The uber driver from the airport was basically a tour guide bus driver, carrying us past the Capitol, alongside the National Mall, and through the colonial - looking streets of Georgetown. This uber driver changed what I saw in my future like he was in possession of a crystal ball.
For the three days I was in Washington D.C, I saw everything I needed to see to place it above Chicago where I had lived for 14 years (and counting). I thought seeing the White House was the coolest thing in the world, noticing that it’s surprisingly smaller than one would think. I saw a changing of the guards at Arlington Cemetery, and I was incredibly impressed given the fact that I can’t stay till for longer than five seconds. My absolute favorite and most memorable part of the trip was the day I spent in Georgetown. I saw my future living in a cozy and painted townhouse, grabbing the Sun City from Call Your Mother every sunday with the kids. Taking strolls to the White House, going on runs to the Washington Monument, my dream future was set.
At the end of the long weekend, the weather became mixed and our flight was delayed. I sat that morning at breakfast, hoping our flight would be canceled so I could spend an extra day in D.C. It wasn’t until about three weeks ago I knew I would be going back to my number one place.
Arriving in D.C for the second time felt like arriving home after two years abroad. It was like I never left. Everything was as I remembered it: long traffic lights, roadblocks for politicians, and lines for less-than-average cupcakes. At home, these annoyances make me mad and increasingly impatient. In D.C, I see that these things add to the culture which makes me love the district more than any other place.
I spent the weekend trying to relive my first trip. I walked down crowded Wisconsin Avenue, went to the White House and serenaded the president with my passionate rendition of Hamilton, and ate memorable food.
On my first trip, I had visited all the famous, yet delicious spots, like Baked in Wired (which had long lines but not mid cupcakes), Call Your Mother, and Old Ebbitt. This time, I visited Georgetown Cupcakes, (which were the mid ones I mentioned earlier), and this Indian restaurant called Rasika.
Rasika was absolutely delicious, and had a great scene. For someone like me, who loves spicy food but hates spice, this restaurant was perfect, because never in my life have I eaten so much spicy food without grabbing milk from the fridge.
We started with Cauliflower Bezule, which were fried cauliflower bites seasoned with spices. This was the most memorable dish of the night, having intense flavor and of course, cauliflower being my favorite vegetable.
For dinner we ordered many mains: Chicken Tikka Masala, Truffle Naan, Dal Makhani, and the delightfully surprising, amazing Chicken Biryani. You may be asking, why was it surprising? Well, I usually find that Biryani is boring, but this one was surely the opposite. The dish was served with a piece of naan cooked over it, which the server cut to reveal the rice dish inside. It was surely the best Indian chicken dish I have ever had.
Top left: Chicken Tikka Masala Top Right: Goan Shrimp Curry
Bottom Left: Dal Makhani Bottom Right: Side Sauce
I’ve added to the map of my future after this trip: Sunday strolls through Georgetown University, overpriced yet somewhat-authentic gelato from Pitango, and Saturday dinners at Rasika. If all goes to plan, I’ll be looking at a lifetime full of great history and even greater food.
