The Nordstrom of Lowcountry Cuisine

I have sat down to write this blog post about six times. At first I couldn't figure out why I was having so much trouble writing about Eatonville. Had I lost my blog touch? Was my brain so turned off from my two week vacation out from behind a computer I could no longer write witty posts about fried chicken and sweet tea?

Then it dawned on me (as I opened the Blogger window for what feels like the millionth time): Eatonville is just plain good. I have no dramatic story about how hard it was to get a table (Pizzera Paradiso in DuPont Circle, I am talking about you...) or how overpriced it was. I've never dined there after a really significant happening, and (as far as I know) it is not one of Obama's favorites so it was never on my radar for that reason.



It is, however, conveniently located close to my friends Jill and Amir S.'s apartment so it serves as one of our go to places when we're looking for a place to meet for dinner. It is also fun, pretty (the decor is supposed to look like a front porch), and really very delicious. It doesn't take itself too seriously and I've never had a problem getting a reservation. The prices are reasonable and the service is dependable. I also really love lowcountry cuisine and have never met a restaurant serving fried chicken and greens that I didn't enjoy. Lastly, the tables at Eatonville are not too close together (a problem at several DC establishments including Kramer's). Overall, I feel like Eatonville is just a user friendly dining experience. Sort of like the Nordstrom of lowcountry cuisine.

If you know me in real life, you know that usually I am pretty quick to decide if I like something (err, someone) or not. This skill comes in very handy most of the time, but occasionally does not serve me very well. So, when I tell you I was prepared to dislike Eatonville but have now decided it is one of my favorite U Street dining establishments, you should appreciate how significant that statement is.

I was hesitant to try Eatonville as it is owned by the same people that own Busboys and Poets and I don't love it there.* Before I walked into the calming dining room at 14th and T and spotted the fried chicken on the menu, I assumed that Eatonville would be plagued by the same mediocre food as Busboys. But it is not. And after my first meal there my opinion was quickly changed...

My last visit to Eatonville was for brunch. I was with several friends, a few from out of town, so I decided to e-mail them after our meal and ask for some thoughts on the experience.

In the words of fellow blogger and future lawyer/social worker, Tovah P....

W and CP: What did you eat?
Tov: I had the Mac n Cheese side dish and the yellow beet salad.
W and CP: What did you think of what you ordered?
The Mac n Cheese was delicious and filling and was the right amount of food to go with the salad. It could have benefited from a little smokey-ness though. The beet salad was good, although it had more lettuce than I expected --I thought it would be more beet-y.
W and CP: What was your favorite non-food related aspect of our experience?
I really liked the mason jar glasses.

According to travel writing Brooklyn resident Carolyn G....

W and CP: What did you eat?
Car: Texas Toast.
W and CP: What did you think of what you ordered?
Car: I liked it but it didn't blow my mind. It was just french toast with berry compote (I don't know if it was a compote but something of that nature) on top.
W and CP: If you could change anything about your dish, what would you change?
Car: I don't think I'd change anything about my dish, I just think I would order something different. For example, I tried Tovah's mac 'n cheese which was incredible. I should have ordered the eggs benny which was my other choice if I was going to go with savory instead of sweet. Or your fried chicken looked pretty great. Next time, I guess.
W and CP: What was your favorite non-food related aspect of our experience?
Car: All of the natural light.

And finally, in the words of Ohioan turned New Yorker and my new friend Nick H...

W and CP: What did you eat?

Nickster: I had the Fish and Grits (Catfish with jalapeno-cheddar grits, collard greens and tomato butter...I looked it up, my memory isn't that good) and an Arnold Palmer in a mason jar.

W and CP: What did you think of what you ordered?
Nickster: I was quite pleased with my selection. The fish was light and fluffy which was good considering the time of the day. I wasn't looking for anything heavy before noon while the grits had more of a hearty substance that really reminded me of the "breakfast" part of "brunch." I was expecting more heat from the jalapenos but they were very understated. I didn't know that the sauce on my plate was technically a "tomato butter" but it was good at highlighting both the fish and the grits.

W and CP: If you could change anything about your dish, what would you change?
In a perfect world, I'd probably have more fish and less grits but that isn't their fault, it just has to do with my insatiable hunger (or me just being greedy) and the grits would've had more flavor. But once again, they can't exactly be blamed for this because I traditionally eat my food far spicier than most.

W and CP: What was your favorite non-food related aspect of our experience?
Nickster: For my favorite part not associated with my meal, I'd have to say it was the table on the "porch" complete with rocking chairs...quaint...ridiculous...and exactly what I wanted to see at 11 am for some unknown reason (I do think that it'd be important to note the late opening time).

Nick also noted this about Eatonville, "It seemed to have a nice, bright, eclectic atmosphere and the space itself was quite large. I thought the waiter was helpful but I assume that happens when you sit down to eat with four lovely ladies because my service never tends to be that good." (Ha! I had to include that part because it is just too hilarious.)

Unlike my usual posts that just feature my opinions and very little information on what anyone else thought of an eatery, you now have a very well rounded picture of the Eatonville experience. If you choose to dine there, make sure to try the sweet tea (as Nick mentioned, it will be served in a Mason Jar which obviously makes it taste better) and the fried chicken (which comes with the most lemony and delicious greens). See you on the fake out front porch!

*Don't scold me for this in the comments section, I know many people really like Busboys but I find the food mediocre and always have trouble when restaurants serve food that requires a knife and fork yet seat you at an "alternative" ottoman and coffee table set-up. Don't get me wrong, Busboys is a good option for a coffee or after work drink, and I have actually worked with their very friendly staff when researching spaces for a private events....but I try to suggest somewhere else when the option to dine there presents itself.