District Dining Review: Toki Underground

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DC is full of swanky, trendy restaurants. The types of restaurants that charge $15 for a cocktail and make you feel as if you should be honored to be allowed through the doors to dine in their fine establishment, even after waiting hours to get in. Yes, there is no shortage of such places to dine in our fine city. Yet, everyone once in awhile, a fantastic restaurant on the other side of the spectrum opens its doors. Delicious food, great service, reasonable prices and some good old fashioned character are the staples of Toki Underground, H street’s Taiwanese-style ramen shop. The only thing Toki has in common with those swanky joints is the wait – and that is because the entire place only seats 30-ish people and the food is just THAT good.

Toki is an unassuming, second-floor eatery complete with Japanime art, skateboard footrests and red paper lanterns. The drinks are creative, most featuring various types of sake and the menu is limited and so is the seating. You can choose from five types of dumplings and five types of ramen noodle dishes. Initially, you might feel constrained by the limited menu, but trust me, order some of each and you will understand why Toki helps narrow your choices. They stick to what they do best and boy, do they do it the best!

We chose to dine on four types of dumplings, beef, pork, chicken and seafood, and the Toki Hakata Classic Ramen Noodle Soup. Every dish we got just kept getting better than the one before it. The dumplings were full of juicy flavor and lightly friend to perfection. The ramen soup was one of the best things I’ve ever tasted. The broth is bold, flavored from the pork and boiled egg. If you like your dishes spicy, order a side of kimchee or some of the Toki Endorphin Sauce, their homemade Sriracha sauce.

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One of our many orders of dumplings from Toki.

Of course, if you’re going to dine authentically, you have to drink authentically too. We sampled three or four different sakes. All of which were excellent. The servers and bartenders are extremely knowledgeable, so don’t be afraid to ask them for a recommendation. If you’re in the mood for something light, sip on the Pizzacato Five, a mixture of Shochu (a Japanese clear distilled spirit likened to vodka), grapefruit, ginger, juice and soda water.

We were way too full for dessert, but the dishes were enticing. As we left, there was a line around the block of people waiting to enter to sample some of Toki’s fare. So, when you go, go early and be prepared to wait a bit, just in case.

Here’s what you need to know:

1234 H Street, NE (above The Pug)
Washington, DC 20002 
Click for Google Map

Hours:

S,M,T,W: Food 5p-10p / Bar: 5p-2a
TH,F,S: Food 5p-12a / Bar: 5p-3

 
 

Gold Medal Fashion: Olympic Style

I love the Olympics. I love the Olympics more than most people I know although I am proud to call some of my close friends members of the obsessive Olympic contingent. On the excitement meter, the Olympics are right up there with Chanel purses, Ryan Gosling and, dare I say, Christmas.

During the games, there are usually a fair amount of parties held to cheer on and admire the athleticism of Team USA, usually through the consumption of beer or any other alcoholic beverage of choice. Hey, we all have our strengths! With the mention of any party, my mind immediately drifts to…”gosh, what am I going to wear?”

So, I thought I’d throw together an imaginary outfit to rock, if I had unlimited funds of course. Unfortunately, all I want to do is shop for said clothing now – and here’s why:

Gold Medal Fashion: Olympic Style

Just the perfect amount of patriotism without looking like you belong on stage at a Fourth of July event. The J Crew pencil skirt can be worn a million ways for work or play. Pair it with a vintage Olympic or USA tank to support our athletes. Cover it with a white blazer or chambray shirt if you want to make the look work appropriate. Finish the look off with some metallic jewelry, after all, we’re going for the gold here, and some fun, sporty kicks and you are ready to go! Even budding fashion designer Ryan Lochte would be proud. Looking for more inspiration? Check out some more Fourth of July inspired fashion.

And, in case you need an excuse to shop, it is TAX FREE WEEKEND in Virginia. Take advantage!

 
 

Shopping for a Cause: Goodwill Pop-up Shop

I was fortunate enough to attend the launch of the Edited by Goodwill Pop-Up shop at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery on Tuesday night. Pop-up shops are all the rage lately and I think it is quite the novel concept for Goodwill to take advantage and host one of their own right smack, dab in the middle of the city. And boy, did it pay off! Tuesday night was a limited attendance event and the space was filled to the brim with shoppers sipping on cocktails, viewing portrait art, taking advantage of complimentary hair and makeup consultations and scouring rack after rack of bargain buys.

The window display complete with summer’s bright color trend and hanger-art designed by Gensler.
One of the many racks of clothing for shoppers to peruse.
Some of the art and product displays, also by Gensler.

When I say bargain, I mean it. I picked up a pair of gently used Nine West nude pumps for $9.98. YES – less than $10. The best part – the fact that they are used means they are already broken in for me! Say goodbye to blisters! I also found a J Crew olive green corduroy blazer for my brother-in-law. Some other great finds (that I didn’t purchase) included a few J Crew sleeveless blouses, a Monique Lhuillier cocktail dress, Calypso for Target sundress and tons of other brand names.

One of the shoe racks which featured Steve Madden, Nine West, Cocunuts and other top brands.

Here are a few tips for shopping consignment and gently used merchandise:

  • Shoes, accessories and homegoods are some of the best finds
  • Jackets and blazers are good items to search for as they are typically less worn than other types of clothing
  • Make sure to check for stains, loose threads, small tears or any other signs of abuse that will you might not see at first glance
  • Check for brand names – thrift shopping is the quickest way for a girl on a budget to snag a DVF/Monique/Milly/insert=any-other-top-designer-here
  • Trends always come full circle – you could score big on someone’s secondhand 70’s disco dress or 90s denim vest

To take advantage of these tips, shop the Edited Goodwill Pop-Up shop, open through Friday, so hurry up and get over to Chinatown to check it out! If you are going to shop, it might as well be for a good cause! You can even stop off at Rosa Mexicano for a margarita and a quick review of your new purchases.