PLNT Burger’s Save the Bay Fillet

Dare I say it, but Spike Mendelsohn’s PLNT burger has debuted its best veggie burger yet which definitely qualifies as one of this summer’s best vegetarian dishes. The Save the Bay burger is a vegan fish burger that is crunchy, meaty, and features a distinctive seafood flavor profile. Made with Good Catch Food’s crispy fish-free filet, the burger comes on a butter-toasted potato bun with house-made tartar sauce, pickles, and shredded lettuce. It is a satisfying, crispy dream. Be sure to get some onion bloomies or tarragon dusted fries on the side, and a cool strawberry milkshake to wash it all down!

Oyster Oyster’s Corn Soup

This is no ordinary corn soup. The sweetest of baby corn, combined with filet beans and potato, come swimming in a gorgeous chilled peanut broth. It’s cool, it’s refreshing, and it’s brimming with the sweetness of summer. Everything at Oyster Oyster is a dream, whether you are vegetarian or not! It’s definitely one of my favorite vegetarian restaurants in DC. Swing by for a meal that is designed around the season’s best ingredients.

Makan’s Pineapple Curry

Nothing says summer like pineapple, and one of D.C.’s best Malaysian restaurants, Makan, is serving up a savory vegetarian dish where this tropical fruit is the star. You may imagine this dish to be super sweet but in fact, with the addition of warm spices like cloves and cinnamon, and aromatics like ginger and garlic, the dish is heady and savory. Crunchy shallots provide a great texture in contrast to the soft chunks of pineapple, and white rice is served on the side as an accompaniment. Enjoy it with one of Makan’s summery cocktails!

Centrolina’s Ravioli

It is no secret that I love everything Amy Brandwein makes, but her summer dishes are truly my favorite. Her corn and ricotta ravioli, adorned with chanterelle mushrooms and soaked in heady truffle butter, is what heaven tastes like. Centrolina’s menu is full of vegetarian summer dishes, featuring heirloom tomatoes, figs, basil, and other seasonal ingredients.

Karma Modern Indian’s Pesto Paneer

Karma has not one, not two but three paneer dishes on the menu. All three are vegetarian; one is with paneer and saffron, another is with heirloom tomatoes, and the third is with a bold, bright emerald green pesto. I personally love them all but the one with the pesto I order every time. Chewy chunks of paneer come in a doused in the basil pesto, and served in a puddle of sweet and spicy dipping sauce. It’s perfect for sharing, or you can have it all to yourself!

Colada Shop’s Corn Empanada

Sweet and savory at the same time, Colada Shop’s seasonal empanada is a summer corn empanada. This vegetarian dish will keep you happy all summer. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the outside, these empanadas are seriously addictive! Have one with one (or more!) of Colada Shop’s famous pina coladas. Try one at any of Colada Shop’s spots around D.C., Maryland, or Virginia.

The post Vegetarian Dishes You Need to Try This Summer in DC appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

The Scene

The restaurant is small and casual; you order at the counter and grab an indoor or outdoor spot. The food is exciting and new; modern Cuban fare made by Chef Mario who grew up in Miami with his Cuban family. I dove in with enthusiasm and was not disappointed. 

The Food

Empanadas  at Colada Shop are a must-try: the spinach and cheese is made with fresh spinach and melted swiss cheese, all wrapped in a buttery crust. Equally as good is the cauliflower empanada, which is baked instead of fried. Both come with a creamy cilantro sauce (known locally as “crack sauce” because of its addictive quality!). Mushroom croquettes are earthy and savory, with a soft, luscious filling that will melt in your mouth. The veggie Cuban is my new favorite sandwich in town, it features doughy bread made crispy from the being pressed in the panini maker, veggies like mushrooms and cauliflower, and plenty of melted cheese. Wash it down with a mojito, Cuba’s national drink.

Sweet Endings

Next, it’s time for coffee, sweet cream empanadas, and guava pastries. The sweet cream empanadas are stuffed with a sweet cream cheese and the empanadas are sprinkled with sugar. Perfect with a cup of steaming Cuban coffee! The guava pastries have a jam-like guava filling, and the pastry is golden and flaky.

Colada Shop: The Verdict

Colada shop is another great addition to the Shaw neighborhood dining scene. I am hoping to spend this summer on the outdoor patio at this new exciting eatery, drinking mojitos and eating empanadas. Come join me!

Colada Shop, 1405 T Street NW, Washington, DC 2oo17, Website 

The post Dining Out: Colada Shop appeared first on The Dining Traveler.