Matchbox

Matchbox

Chinatown, Washington, D.C.

Dinner, November 2011

We climbed up to (what I thought was) the fourth story. It was a narrow, welcoming facade at one corner of Chinatown where we entered and began our experience. We found ourselves in a culinary venue that ran deep and tall. The interior was less Chinatown than it was a clean and contemporary interior with a warm color theme of browns (espresso wood), reds, firebrick orange, and black, which complement most of their good beer selections. 

In particular, I remember the Allagash Curieux. Mmmm. It is a tripel ale, best served lightly chilled; lighter-colored than the imperial stouts, which I tend to go with. This was perfect - a good match for both the sweet Beet Salad and the spicy Fire and Smoke pizza, in which the gouda was the bite.

Beet Salad

"Arugula, goat cheese, candied walnuts, and grilled ciabatta."

We devoured this so very quickly! So, yes... it was good.

Fire and Smoke Pizza [$13]

"Fire roasted red peppers, Spanish onions, chipotle pepper, tomato sauce, garlic puree, smoked gouda (whoa!), fresh basil (love)"

Big enough to split between two persons.

The description says, "Very spicy," next to the menu item. Cute that they try to warn us. 

It's not that spicy; it's not hott. I liked this. We finished it all and still lusted for more, so we ordered their famous gelato cookie. I have to say though, the Allagash gave us the spirit to keep going; it complemented everything here. Also, it's lower in alcohol than most red wines, so you maintain a good level of energy and spirit throughout the meal.

Gelato Cookie Sandwich [$8]
"Coffee gelato, chocolate ganache, creme anglaise"

 I did not taste, or sense, any hint of chocolate ganache or creme anglaise in this; though, the creme might have been in the shallow bit surrounding. Still, this cookie doesn't need much of a description. It is delightful and worthy of devouring entirely. The chocolate-chip cookies (sandwich parts) are semi-soft and warm, while the center gelato is chilled. Fantastic.

 You must dig-in with your hands - regarding the outer shell. For goodness' sake - it's a cookie! Bite into it. For the gelato, go ahead and use your spoon. It's delectable and chilled at the edges, though ours is clearly on the verge of melting. The drizzle around the outside is a rich dark chocolate serpentined atop the creme. Do dip the cookie in the creme, please.
Good choice for dessert. Mmm...


*Cheers*