Philadelphia | Barbuzzo

No doubt one of my favorite restaurants in Philly because they have standout choices in every course (sadly, pastas are slightly weaker). This is my go-to for a good pizza but sometimes I actively resist eating at Barbuzzo because their salted caramel budino is so decadent and it is a sin not to order one at the end. Their bread and sheep's milk ricotta is also quite phenomenal. The thick-crusted country bread is surprisingly versatile in complementing dips.

pumpkin soup was not too creamy but extremely flavorful.

A salad platter: healthy mediterranean blend of farro, beets, grilled peppers and their heavenly grilled bread.

my favorite appetizer - sheep's milk ricotta is not like your usual feta-like, crumbly ricotta but silky smooth and drizzled with balsamic. Their bread is lightly buttered and grilled and goes perfectly with the dip.

Simple grilled branzino with artichoke-mushroom farro and sicilian tomato pesto. Perfectly composed.

Salsiccia pizza

Arugula and prosciutto

The Tiramisu was light and sponge-cake like. 

This has to be one of the most decadent desserts ever made. The Salted Caramel Budino. A coma-inducing parfait of ground chocolate cookie crumbs, rich whole milk egg-yolk budino, drizzled with salted caramel sauce and topped with light whipped cream. I love how they serve it in a mason jar too!

Philadelphia | Kanella

Kanella's a must for anyone who loves Greek.

Authentic atmosphere, very friendly service and home-style Greek food.

Pumpkin-feta, Lentil hummus, Potato and fish dips

The Cyprus Breakfast: eggs fried in olive oil, halloumi, lounza and bread

Pan fried homemade lamb merguez sausage with organic duck egg, pita and spicy yogurt. Was hesitant about ordering this at first because I am not a big fan of lamb nor sausages, but this turned out to be very flavorful and not heavy. It was complemented perfectly by the fried onions and the runny egg.

Shakshouka: two Eggs poached in a cumin scented tomato and pepper stew served with grilled bread. Can't go wrong with tomato stews. This was amazing and we cleaned up the plate with our pita bread.

Washington DC | Brunch at Zaytinya

Wanted to go to Zaytinya for a while now and finally got the chance to visit with my gal pals during Cherry Blossoms weekend. The restaurant's decor is spot on - it features a Santorini Blue and a lot of natural light which reminds me of the good times I had in Greece last November! 

Phenomenal fusion of Mediterranean, Turkish and Lebanese food and definitely one of the best brunches I've had in the States.

Just made me fall in love with the cuisine more and would definitely visit if I'm in DC again...

amazing puffy laffah/pita bread

the hummus - they pureed it so well - simple & smooth just like it should be

Bantijan Bil Laban: Crispy eggplant, roasted garlic-yogurt sauce

Patata Harra: fried egg, loucaniko sausage, potato, cilantro, allepo pepper.

This was one of my favorites. An amazing twist to your normal chorizo, potatoes and egg scramble.

Arayes: Grilled ground lamb and tahini stuffed pita, garlic-yogurt sauce

Sautéed shrimp, dill, shallots, 

mustard, lemon juice

I definitely underestimated how good a Chicken Kebab could be.

Ashta - traditional Lebanese french toast - bananas, orange blossom honey. This was somewhere between a chiffon cake and brioche toast. Caramelised and crunchy on the outside, soaked and soft in what tasted like condensed milk inside - heavenly.

Tiganites: Greek style pancake, Greek Yogurt, berry compote.

These were good but nothing too different from your normal pancakes.