BAKERS & BARISTAS

For most, traveling to Europe from the U.S., and back in one day isn't realistic. If you fall under the "most" category, I have great news for you; you can enjoy a genuine taste of Europe right in Washington D.C. Bakers and Baristas derives its flavors and inspiration from Vienna coffee houses. This corner cafe in Penn Quarter was named D.C.'s number one must-try bakery by Zagat. From the locally sourced coffee and espresso, to the pastries created by a noted pastry chef, Bakers and Baristas surely did not disappoint. 

Inside the glass case next to the counter are selective options that highlight some of Austria's most celebrated flavors; specialty danishes, Viennese cookies and specialty desserts, brioche, and sandwiches made on house made bread...need I say more? To make my decision on what to get harder, the mouthwatering sweets that are featured on the menu were developed by the well regarded pastry chef of The Blue Duck Tavern, Naomi Gallego. 

Given my sweet tooth and love of fresh summer fruit, I chose a raspberry tart. The tart had a buttery crust that was filled with cream and topped with perfect raspberries that balanced the sweet, creamy bottom. I loved everything about this tart and fulfilled my mid-day sugar fix.

To drink I tried the einspänner, which derives from 19th century Vienna, and translates to "one horse carriage" in English. The drink is simply a double shot of espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream. The espresso shots give a blunt flavor, with a little creaminess from the whipped cream. If you love sugary coffee drinks, then this is not for you. However if you love bold, dark roast coffee, then this might be something to try if you're in the mood for a small caffeinated treat. 

My "travel companion", Jessica, whom I had spend the day with sight seeing in Washington, D.C., tried a melange. The melange is a typical Viennese coffee specialty, that is made with a small espresso, steamed milk and milk froth. This drink much reminded me of a latte and had a less robust flavor than the einspänner. 

To eat Jessica tried the butterkuchen, which means butter cake in English. Unlike most American cakes, the butterkuchen had a light, airy dough that melted in your mouth when you took a bite (it was delicious), sweet cream filled the cake and was topped with crunchy, toasted almonds. 

I love trying new places, and the craze for this place was definitely justified due to the espresso, pastries, and special ambiance. However, the only thing that was a little off-putting was the music. During my time there the cafe was playing 'Fergalicious' by Fergie and 'Pump It' by the Black Eyed Peas. The music felt forced and didn't suit the young man reading on the steps in front of me (pictured below) or the woman at a table on her computer to my right. Aside from the change in Pandora or Spotify playlist, this place successfully brought me to and from Europe within one day. 

~XOXO Katherine

TRYST

Located in the heart of Adams Morgan, in downtown Washington D.C., lies a one-of-a-kind café called Tryst that boasts the tagline “no corporate coffee, no matching silverware”. As a first time customer, I was in awe how the unique individuals that filled the room shaped and inspired the shop. Anyone and everyone is welcome to come and go as they please; take your coffee and pastry to-go or stay for an hour…or ten (yes they really do have regulars that come to work there all day.)

For the customers that choose to stay and enjoy the relaxing ambiance, they may sit anywhere they like and a waitress will serve them. The seating options range from high-tops next to the floor length window to antique, recycled couches and chairs. Since no couches or chairs were open, I sat at a wooden booth and table set along the far wall.

The menu contains classic brunch essentials, lunch bites, dessert and even specialty hand crafted cocktails. Starting at 10AM Tryst is a fully functioning bar, which means if you really are compelled to order a beer or cocktail with your breakfast, you may do so (no judgement).

To drink I ordered an iced Mexican coffee, per recommendation from my waitress. For those who aren’t familiar, Mexican coffee is coffee that is brewed with chocolate, cinnamon and vanilla (aka deliciousness). The other "summer treat" drink that was featured on the menu was a Thai iced tea, which sounded equally as appetizing.

During the summer I’m rarely in the mood for a heavy breakfast, so I opted for a fruit and granola parfait. Some other notable eats from the menu were: jalepeno corn bread waffle, strawberry and brie crostini, classic cheese board, and standard sandwiches and salads. Tryst has been one of my favorite places that I’ve visited in D.C., so far. Grab brunch before work or a few drinks after a long day of touring the monuments, regardless Tryst is a must see with its comforting atmosphere and delicious eats.

~ XOXO Katherine