Restaurant Review: The Grill From Ipanema in Washington, DC

I walked into The Grill From Ipanema (TGFI) and was immediately greeted by a friendly Brazilian waiter, who started speaking to me in Portuguese, and when I looked dazed and confused, he said “Oh I thought you were Brazilian!”

This exchange is very typical of the atmosphere at TGFI, a place where everyone seems to know your name.  A family-owned and operated restaurant, The Grill From Ipanema is the only authentic Brazilian restaurant in DC and has been a staple in the Adams Morgan neighborhood for over twenty years.  Because Brazil is a melting pot of cultures, their menu reflects a true diverse, Brazilian experience.  While it was hard to decide, I narrowed down my choices to the Bolinho de Bacalhau (cod fish croquettes), Coxinha de Galinha (croquettes stuffed with chicken and cheese), Frango A Passarinho (crispy fried chicken), and Abacate Maraja (avocado stuffed with shrimp, tomato and seasonings).

Cod Fish Croquettes

The cod and stuffed chicken croquettes were each deliciously fried and savory. They were perfectly sized for the accompanying dip, which is the owner’s family recipe.  At first sight, one may think the chicken wings are normal buffalo wings.  However, the waiter explained that it was a whole chicken cut into pieces and then fried.  The wings were seasoned so well and the avocado salad was different than anything I’ve ever tasted.

Fried Chicken

I sampled three of their most popular cocktails including the classic Caipirinha (one of my favorites!), a Caipiginha, which is similar to a caipirinha only made with gin instead of cachaca (Brazilian rum), and a Maracujinha, which adds passion fruit to the caipirinha.  Each drink was made to perfection!  TGFI has a fully stocked bar, including typical Brazilian beers.

Caipirinha

Caipirinha in front of a Maracujinha

I love that their happy hour menu was so extensive that I didn’t need to order from a full-sized menu in order to leave satisfied.  The restaurant seats over 170 people (with outside seating which is a must in DC), and is available for Sunday brunch and hosting private events.  The restaurant’s ambiance makes you feel like you’re a part of a family.  That, on top of the delicious, authentic Brazilian food?  It doesn’t get much better.  I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and drinks at The Grill From Ipanema and will be returning one day soon.  Next time I’ll be prepared with a little Portuguese!

Thanks to Lisa from Growth Matters for the invite!

Recap: 2014 H Street Festival in Washington, DC

Thousands flocked to Northeast Washington on Saturday for the H Street Festival.  The festival spanned 10 blocks and featured more than 200 businesses, restaurants, community organizations and churches.  Vendors were selling jewelry, clothing, household items and other wares. Businesses such as Zipcar, Isagenix and DC Brau were also represented. With performances by various dance troupes, musical acts, and food and drinks of all kinds, there was something for everyone to enjoy.  

Street Performer

The festival started in 1985 and was attended by only about 500 residents then.  Today with over 125,000 people in attendance, the festival attracts everyone from Capitol Hill staffers and young professionals in the DC area to DC natives of all ages.  Recently, H Street has experienced a revival since being deserted after the 1968 riots.  It’s now home to many bars and restaurants and has become a popular area among DC residents and tourists alike.

After strolling the length of the festival, I spent the remainder of my time at the H Street Country Club and one of my favorite bars, Avery’s Bar and Lounge.  I was able to enjoy H Street Country Club’s $7 margaritas and $3 tacos (the pork belly tacos are delicious), and then headed across the street to enjoy Avery’s rooftop party and $20 fishbowls (yes, you read that right…they offer drinks in fishbowls!).  The festival felt like a big day party that spanned blocks.  Count me in for next year!