Friday Shout Out: Mon Dieu, Mandu

Lunch can be a total crapfest sometimes in my workplace location - Chinatown and Mount Vernon aren't exactly culinary wonderlands. In fact, I was supremely disappointed when I discovered how sad most Asian restaurants are here in D.C.

However, lunch (and dinner) is redeemed: Introducing the Korean delight Mandu.

Credit: clix/SXC

Lightening-fast review of Mandu's new location on K Street, near Busboys and Poets and Taylors:



- Ducks in flight, painted sage green, nailed to the walls. My bird phobia runneth over.
- Quick, pleasant service for lunch.
- Amazing sojutinis (rice vodka drinks). Only $4 at Happy Hour. Yes, more, please.
- Bibim bap: hot stone rice bowl with beef, veggies, sprouts, topped with a fried egg. You will love the crunchy rice on the outside, hot pockets of meat and veg and soft rice inside, and mixing in the runny egg.
-  Half-price ($3) dumplings at Happy Hour. I had steamed beef and pork and an order of fried shrimp dumplings. Both were fresh and hot and savory and everything you want an order of $3 dumplings to be.

Hurray for a place I can go during lunch break that doesn't involve hot dogs, burritos, or expense account meals that totally aren't worth their price.

TGIF, everyone!