Mexican Food is Always the Answer

Today for lunch, I went to a Mexican restaurant next door to my parent’s apartment building with my mom and dad. The restaurant is called Pepito and it is located in Arlington, VA. When we first sat down, we were a little worried because about 85% of the menu is drinks. Of course, there is nothing wrong with a great drink menu, but we were there to try the food, so we were in fact concerned.

The waiter settled our nerves when he came over and began to explain almost every item on the menu to us. He was extremely kind and patient as we asked question after question and still needed time to look the menu over again before actually ordering.

We started off with chips and guacamole. The guacamole was out of this world delicious. My parents and I are extremely picky with our chips and guac seeing as how we spend a week each year in Mexico with the best chips and guac in the world (we think). Luckily, this guacamole did not disappoint. My dad and I tried the guacamole at the same time and as soon as we realized how good it was, we both looked at each other wide-eyed and said “oh my, this is amazing.” I feel as though that truly explains how great it was.

For lunch, I got two chicken tacos. The chicken was shredded and had a light sauce mixed into it that was slightly spicy, but not too overwhelming. There was also a slice of avocado and shredded radishes on the taco. I was not expecting anything too crazy because I am not the biggest taco fan, but I was really impressed. The taco was full of flavor and I enjoyed every bite. I would highly suggest them to anyone who goes to Pepita.

Pepita is a great new Mexican spot that definitely needs to be checked out if you are in the DC area. It is a great lunch spot, but makes an even better evening spot to go sip on drinks and have a small meal to go along with the alcohol you will be consuming. Whenever I walk past at night, it is always packed. I know I will definitely be heading back there to take advantage of the other 85% of the menu that I missed out on at lunch time today. I hope you choose to not miss out as well.

Half a Chicken, Please!

If you are traveling to Berlin, Henne is a restaurant that you cannot miss out on. The menu consists of half a chicken and a choice of either potato salad or coleslaw (which is really sauerkraut). The chicken is fried, but not breaded. This means that the chicken still has its skin on it, but they cook it in a fryer. It might sound unhealthy, but it really does not seem too oily when you start to eat it. Between the potato salad and the sauerkraut, I preferred the potato salad. It was quite creamy, but it was absolutely delicious.

This restaurant may come across as boring since the menu is so minimal, but it is a meal you need to have…if you like chicken. Going into the meal, I was not too excited seeing as how I have chicken nearly every night for dinner when I am at home, but it was not to be believed. That is how delicious it was!

Most of the restaurant seating is outdoors on an enclosed patio. Enclosed meaning it is closed off from the street; there is no roof. The tables would be comparable with long elegant picnic-like tables. If you are with a small group (~1-4 people), do not be surprised when you are seated right next to another group. Although you are close to other groups, it does not feel invasive since the entire restaurant’s seating is like that.

Henne is more than 100 years old, which makes it a historic restaurant. It is really cool to think that the original people who owned the restaurant lived an entire life before you or even your parents were alive. It is well known throughout Berlin and after eating the food, I understand why. They also have a great selection of beers and other alcoholic beverages.

My last piece of advice with this restaurant is to call ahead and make a reservation. You do not want to get there to be told they do not have any seats available for you. This restaurant is not one that you should risk missing out on. Their website is www.henne-berlin.de . Take a look at it and keep it in mind if you are heading to Berlin anytime in the future. It is definitely a must while you are in the amazing city of Berlin!