Greetings from our nation’s capital! :D
Ben and I grew up less than a mile away from each other, but his parents moved to DC last summer. Today, since the first time they moved here almost a year ago, the whole family convened for a 4-day vacay!
Crazy side story – Sigourney Weaver was on our flight from Des Moines to DC! As we were boarding our plane I was all… “Weird. That woman looks a lot like Sigourney Weaver. Clearly it couldn’t be her though. Why the heck would Sigourney Weaver be in Des Moines?!”
As we were waiting for our gate-checked bags in DC, standing directly across from the look-alike on the jet way, I whispered my suspicions to Ben. “I thought so too!!!” he replied.
She was with a guy who we assumed to be her husband (they were PDA’ing…) so I Google searched an image of “Sigourney Weaver’s husband” on my iPhone, and he popped right up. Sigourney Weaver was standing 2 feet away from me – HA!
According to several helpful sources on Twitter and Facebook, she was in Des Moines to speak at a local women’s talk series. So random that she was on my flight. I should have asked her about Ghostbusters… ;)
Anyways, Ben’s Dad picked us up from the airport and took us on a spin around town to see a few monuments and such before lunch. I am SUCH a history nerd – hello, I work at a museum – so I was geeking out!
When my in-laws moved here last summer, a reader told us to check out Easter Market whenever we made it out to visit. 
It happened to be right by the restaurant we ate lunch at, so we popped inside to take a look!
Kind of a miniature version of the Ferry Building Market Place in San Fran, this indoor market had everything from fresh flowers, fruit & handmade Italian pasta,
to pigs feet, goat meat & enoooourmous fish!
Loved it!
Our stomachs began to growl, so Ben’s Dad took us across the street to a place he had seen on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Tortilla Cafe!
I took one look at the sign outside the door, and I was sold. PUPUSAS!
The inside is no frills, but what kind of frills do you need when Pupusas are on the menu anyways? And for $1.75 no less! :D
A traditional Pork Papusa was exactly what I ordered. It came out hot and was accompanied by spicy, crunchy cabbage slaw.
YES!!!
The outside was crisp, the inside was tender, and it seriously melted in my mouth. The vinegary heat from the slaw was literally. perfection. Loved it!
The Tortilla Factory’s Tamales were also featured on their Triple D episode, so I had to get one too. Fresh cornmeal wrapped around tender, baked chicken then steamed. Incredible.
Couldn’t have said it better myself. ;)
Well the troops have all rallied and we’re back at Ben’s parent’s place now.
Check out this view! :D
Awww, check out THIS view – Ben’s parent’s pup, Emma. Missed this little gal!
Off to go hang with the fam for the evening. We’ve got a full, 4 days of fun planned and we need our rest!
ps I’ll post the winners of the Sabra Hummus VIP Coupon Giveaway tomorrow!
See ya!
~~~~~
Are you into politics?
Eeeek, no. I have zero interest in politics. My Grandmother – who, at 92, is still VERY informed – hates this. ;)
you looks healthy and beautiful~!
I’m a new reader to your blog. I just got through all of your DC recaps. I currently live in DC and am moving back to my beloved midwest in August… and your recaps made me realize that there are so many places I haven’t been to in my two years living here. I better get crackin’!
Also, I’m looking forward to getting some great meal ideas from your blog! I’ve bookmarked a few posts already. :)
I dream of going to D.C… for now I’ll live vicariously through you :)
I’m not really into politics, but I went to a tiny conservative liberal arts school for undergrad and had to take constitution and political econ classes. My constitution professor gave us all pocket sized copies of the Constitution to “reference for everyday debates.” :) Enjoy DC!!
Definitely into politics but It’s hard discussing it with other people. I don’t think it usually gets me anywhere. I’d rather just be informed and talk about it with my bf & immediate family.
Not to be picky but you went to Eastern Market in DC, not Easter Market. I lived there a few years ago and Tortilla Cafe was one of my faves.
I am visiting DC this weekend too! The last two days for lunch we went to “We The Pizza” on Capitol Hill for pizza. AMAZING. Seriously. So awesome on Thursday we had to go back today even with the infinite amount of food choices in this city. If you have time, do it.
Love the indoor market, looks amazing! And Emma is so cute, she looks just like my pup Rocco who I love. Have fun in DC!
LOVE the cute doggie! i do follow politics a little. i’m for smaller goverment, less taxes, more personal resonsibility, but none of that ever seems to happen no matter who i root and vote for so it gets discouraging for me! have fun in DC!
I was sitting next to Clemence Poesy (from Harry Potter & 127 Hours) at LAX a few months ago. I was having an “is it her? is it not her?” moment, when I whipped out my iPhone, googled images, and confirmed my suspicions. I felt so mischievous, and a little bit like a stalker… The view from your room, and those tamales, look amazing! Have fun!
Try the Old Ebbitt Grill. It is great. There are tons of amazing places to eat in DC. YUM!! I wish I lived close by again.
Welcome to DC!!! It should be beautiful here this weekend!!
That’s so great! I love Eastern Market and Tortilla Cafe so much!!! I went there before DDD filmed and I may have had a minor freak-out when I found out they were going to be on. I totally agree with the other commenters here, Founding Farmers and Ted’s Bulletin are amazing (if you do go to FF, you should probably call or go on Tasting Table, they get B-U-S-Y). Have a great time!