Two, Four, Six, "Cafe 8"

C Says...

With this month's selection J and I decided to venture beyond our
usual NW quadrant and head to Eastern Market for some Mediterranean
fare.

Now, I consider myself to be a sucker for hummus, pita and
falafal and Cafe 8 does not disappoint. Walking in, I was a little
concerned considering NO ONE was in the restaurant. However, this
apprehension was quickly alleviated by great service, good ambiance,
and a good menu. The half priced sangria didn't hurt either.

Decorated with a flair for the dramatic (the "door" to the bathroom is
a wall of beads), Cafe 8 trends toward kitsch, but it totally works.
We started (now remember dear reader that I rarely eat appetizers,
however, also note above...sucker for hummus) with the mixed appetizer
plate served with warm pita bread. This appetizer selection was light
and left me wanting more (actually more bread, but that's a different
story).

For my entree, I chose one of Cafe 8's signature pides, a
traditional Turkish style pizza cooked in a wood-burning oven. The
dough is shaped like a canoe and the toppings are spread out inside
the canoe. My canoe, the Cafe 8, consisted of ground lamb, spinach,
feta, tomatoes and pine nuts; I chose to add olives too. This meal
was perfect, and didn't leave me feeling as though I needed to
unbutton my pants at the end of the meal (much to J's chagrin I'm
sure).

Overall, Cafe 8 offers a great alternative for us NW snobs
with an expansive menu of reasonably priced staples, a few surprises,
engaging service, and a terrific, eclectic ambiance.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J Says...

So this was my selection, aided by the recommendations as a "Top Neighborhood" choice on OpenTable.com. I made reservations, which obviously weren't needed on this Monday evening, and arrived early to enjoy a cocktail while I waited for C. Contrary to C's characterization, the restaurant did gain some patrons by the time we were finished our moderately-priced pitcher of sangria.

I have to agree with C's review of the hummus and ambiance...a first for our blog and why my review is so short! For my entree, I enjoyed the adana immensely, and it totally filled me up. I definitely did not leave wanting anything, except to return when the mood hits me to have a truly casual evening with great food and very attentive (and cute) staff.

Quite simply, a new gem to escape to two to three times a year, when you just want to forget you are in Washington...and the Washington Post's food critic, Tom Sietsema, pointed out.


Cafe 8 - 8th and D Streets SE, 202.547.1555, www.cafe8dc.com