Why go: A basket of gourmet temptations—artisanal cheese and charcuterie, small-batch wines, imported oils—from the front room of this Del Ray shop can burn a hole in your wallet, but at the cafe and marble bar in back, you can dabble in the same products and stick to a budget.
What to get: Mac ’n’ Cheesetique, an indulgent mess of goat’s-milk Gouda, Pecorino, Asiago, and truffle oil; BLT panino with smoked Gouda and salty basil spread; sourdough oozing a hot mixture of cheddar, blue cheese, and pimientos; chocolate pudding that takes you back to childhood.
Best for: A tutorial in wine and cheese (the staff is knowledgeable and can guide you through a cheese board or wine flight); a lingering date for two who like to share.
Insider tip: On Tuesday, all wine is 20 percent off; on Wednesday, house wine is $5 a glass.
>> See all 2010 Cheap Eats restaurants here
Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
