Normally when you talk about brunch, you start with the food, but at the Riggsby, Michael Schlow’s restaurant in Dupont Circle’s Carlyle Hotel, what I was most thrilled about was the sparkling wine deal: all bottles are half off during brunch. No disgusting mimosas made with Tropicana, no sickening Wycliff sparkling wine. Rather, you can enjoy a bottle of Cava for just $20 or splurge on something fancier. As soon as you hear that first bottle pop open, you know you are in for a fun ride. All about our Riggsby brunch…
The Beginning
Of course, begin the Riggsby brunch by ordering a bottle of sparkling wine. With it, enjoy a sharing plate: deviled eggs, avocado toast, or banana crepes. The deviled eggs are super creamy, with a dollop of hot chilies on top. Avocado toast is always a win, and banana crepes are fantastic with a drizzle of caramel and a banana chip on the side.
The Middle
I always appreciate a place which offers breakfast and lunch fare for brunch. That’s why it’s called brunch right? I tend to prefer lunch fare, so I went for the spaghetti with housemade tomato sauce. It was simple, but delicious. The noodles are chewy and fresh, made in-house, and the tomato sauce is savory and creamy. If you do want a breakfast dish, try the egg white omelet which comes with potatoes and toast.
The End
Dessert is the name of the game at the Riggsby brunch: old-fashioned chocolate cake, chocolate chip cookies and strawberry shortcake are just of a few of the tempting choices. I love classic American desserts, so this dessert menu is really my jam. Whatever you pick, it will pair well with sparkling wine!
The Riggsby Brunch: Verdict
The Riggsby brunch is a great experience with delicious breakfast and lunch options. The atmosphere is fun and lively, and you can’t go wrong with the 50% off bottles of sparkling wine. The menu could do with more vegetarian options, hopefully incoming Chef Jay Caputo will fix that!
The Riggsby at the Carlyle Hotel, 1731 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC, Website
