Commencement weekend involves a whirlwind of activities that inevitably include at least one big family dinner and a few other lighter meals out on the town. Unfortunately, the most famous and expensive restaurants have all been booked up for Friday and Saturday night since December, but that won't preclude a reservation-less family from enjoying a nice meal. There are plenty of other places around our nation's capitol to satisfy almost any palate.
Lauriol Plaza, located at 1835 18th St., NW in Adams Morgan, is a popular destination for GW students who want something better than Au Bon Pain but cheaper than Kinkead's for a nice dinner out. It's a hot spot for first dates, birthdays and the last day of exams. The fajitas are served sizzling and scrumptious and all the other meals aren't too shabby either - you'll find yourself sticking your fork across the table onto Aunt Betty's plate. But what Lauriol is best known for are the frozen margaritas. Regular, strawberry or swirled, they are refreshing, vibrant and will calm any pre-graduation jitters. Lauriol doesn't take reservations, so you know they won't be booked for the weekend. But be prepared to wait on the front patio with your salt-rimmed drink for a while because on Saturday night, the place is packed as tight as their chimichanga.
If it's Asian food that you're looking for, Café Asia (1720 I St., NW near Farragut West) is the place to be. If the graduate wants pad Thai, the little sister wants yaki soba and Mom and Dad want sushi, the menu will be a perfect fit. The selection is also vegetarian friendly- almost all of the main entrees are designed with a choice of vegetables, chicken, beef or shrimp. The eclectic menu is unique but what really separates this restaurant from other D.C. dining centers is the decor. Along the entrance wall are square, neon light panels that constantly shift colors. The chairs are modern and sleek and the lighting is dim against the white walls and metal surfaces. Café Asia also has an exotic drink menu including a 'Strawberry Shortcake' drink. Unfortunately, the exotic drinks all costs around $10 so you might want to stick with a creamy Thai iced tea.
Lauriol Plaza, located at 1835 18th St., NW in Adams Morgan, is a popular destination for GW students who want something better than Au Bon Pain but cheaper than Kinkead's for a nice dinner out. It's a hot spot for first dates, birthdays and the last day of exams. The fajitas are served sizzling and scrumptious and all the other meals aren't too shabby either - you'll find yourself sticking your fork across the table onto Aunt Betty's plate. But what Lauriol is best known for are the frozen margaritas. Regular, strawberry or swirled, they are refreshing, vibrant and will calm any pre-graduation jitters. Lauriol doesn't take reservations, so you know they won't be booked for the weekend. But be prepared to wait on the front patio with your salt-rimmed drink for a while because on Saturday night, the place is packed as tight as their chimichanga.
If it's Asian food that you're looking for, Café Asia (1720 I St., NW near Farragut West) is the place to be. If the graduate wants pad Thai, the little sister wants yaki soba and Mom and Dad want sushi, the menu will be a perfect fit. The selection is also vegetarian friendly- almost all of the main entrees are designed with a choice of vegetables, chicken, beef or shrimp. The eclectic menu is unique but what really separates this restaurant from other D.C. dining centers is the decor. Along the entrance wall are square, neon light panels that constantly shift colors. The chairs are modern and sleek and the lighting is dim against the white walls and metal surfaces. Café Asia also has an exotic drink menu including a 'Strawberry Shortcake' drink. Unfortunately, the exotic drinks all costs around $10 so you might want to stick with a creamy Thai iced tea.
