Columbia Heights

Ed. Note: A long time ago I too admitted my love for Ruby Tuesday. I’m glad to have some company.

There is a Columbia Heights delicacy that’s located at the corner of 14th and Monroe. No it’s not a torta, huevos rancheros, or anything off the fresh fruit stand around that area. It’s “Mayonnaise Broccoli.” Or at least that’s what I call it. Its broccoli, soaked in mayonnaise, and mixed with shredded cheese and bacon. In other words, it’s amazing. Where can you find this – and other delicious offerings? At the Ruby Tuesday salad bar, the severely underrated and underappreciated food fare – that I can attest is rather tasty.

Yes I said it. I am a big fan of the Ruby Tuesday salad bar. I write about food and review restaurants for publications, check the DC food blogs on a daily basis, reference the Washington Post food critic by his first name (and I’ve never met Tom), and follow the DC restaurant scene as if it’s celebrity gossip. And still I’m not afraid to profess my love for the inexpensive, immediately gratifying, and tasty salad bar from Ruby Tuesday. I call all PoP readers to give it at least one try before you judge.

Why? Besides for having all of your necessary vegetables, Ruby Tuesday’s salad bar also has some creative additions. Not only does it feature the adored Mayonnaise Broccoli, there’s also slightly-goopy-but-very-edible Potato Salad and some pickled veggie concoction that isn’t bad. Secondly, it’s instant food. A very good plus for anyone who’s braved the Columbia Heights crowded lunch and dinner scene on the weekends. The service at Ruby Tuesday is always nice, efficient, never pushy, and doesn’t furrow their brow when I ask for a 6th refill on my diet coke. Personally I think good weekend brunch/lunch service is hard to find in the area.

And lastly – there are 65 things you can put on your salad. SIXTY FIVE. Paving the way for some incredible salad creativity. My favorite? Not exactly what the doctor ordered. Spinach salad with chickpeas, carrots, too much blue cheese, even more bacon, drowned in honey mustard dressing and topped with enough croutons to make a loaf of bread. And of course a separate plate for the Mayonnaise Broccoli.

So don’t knock it till you try it. Next time the there’s a wait at The Heights or Tonic, give Ruby a try. Who’s with me?

“Dear PoP,

I wanted to suggest a dumpy little restaurant that I enjoy as it seems that you have been previewing a fair amount of them lately. I really like El Reconcito Deportivo, a little Mexican/Salvadorian hole-in-the-wall on 11th Street right next to Bloombars. I live nearby and try to stop in there a few times a month. There are a few women who work there, and although I don’t know their names, there is a little bit older woman who works there midday and now that she knows me she treats me like gold, even letting me sample different items on the menu and even sneaking me little samples of other patron’s meals! I assume the food is akin to having somebody whipping up something in a Hispanic household…I would much rather have their tacos and burritos than hitting up one of the chain joints and the other things I have had (steak and eggs, breaded chicken, seafood soup) were also tasty. When talking with the owner, I was a little surprised when she told me when the restaurant had been opened for 11 years and…they live on 11th street just a block south of the restaurant so they are definitely a local business!”

I had written a small post back in Aug. 2007 but I’m curious to know if there are other fans out there? I really enjoy the atmosphere. They are definitely part of what makes that stretch of 11th Street great. So who digs the food? Any items you particularly recommend?

Seriously this is insane. I could kinda see in the window from across the street and it still looked like there was tons of work to do. What’s the over under on opening in 2009 versus 2010?