Spork and Knife

Now that the beginning of the year has finally calmed down and I’ve stopped playing catch up (don’t you HATE the after holiday catch up!), I’ve been able to resume my daily routines and start to once again notice my surroundings rather than sprint quickly from one place to the next trying to cover every inch of skin from the bitter cold outside.  (Truth be told…its not that cold here in D.C. Folks need to grow a pair, and I’m including myself in this category.) 

During my morning walk a few days ago I noticed a yellow awning on F Street that I swear was not there in November.  After further inspection, and getting within 50 feet of the store front (My eyes are not the best…ok, that’s an understatement) I discovered a new deli/restaurant/”eatery” had moved into the work ‘hood.

Devon & Blakely Fine Food Eatery

When I returned late in the day for lunch, I concluded it to be a cross between high noon and lawson’s.  It has the eat in, take out, catering theme that both of them tout.  A first glance inside revealed a bakery section of muffins, scones, danishes, bagels, etc with a coffee bar nearby followed by a salad bar of tuna salad, new potato salad, greek salad, etc.  Further down the line were rows and rows of delicious sounding wraps, sandwiches, paninis and quesadillas filled with prosciutto, smoked salmon, brie, cranberry chutney, avocado, bacon, blue cheese…need I go on. 

A star attraction that can quickly add up in price was the tossed salad bar.  Everything looked fresh and there was a large variety of toppings to choose from:  grilled lemon chicken, blackened chicken, tuna, sun dried tomato, mandarin oranges, tofu, cous cous, roasted red peppers, feta, hearts of palm, etc. and 13 different dressing options.  The basic “Large starter salad” (meaning just the lettuce) starts at $3.95 with toppings ranging from 50 cents to 2 dollars each. 

Finally, just down from the salad bar bounty I found the soups.  On a cold winter day these soups looked like they could hit the spot.  I asked for a sample of the turkey bean chili and was able to try one good bite before I spilled the rest on the poor unsuspecting soul standing in front of me.  It was an uber clutzy moment.  My hand slipped and the next thing I knew I was offering up a handful of napkins and payment for the drycleaning bill.  Uggh. 

After my Kramer-like moment I composed myself and ordered the Blackened Chicken Gyro with chopped onions, peppers, lettuce, tomato and creole mayonnaise.  I quickly paid my $7 and scooted out the door in shame.  Back in the safe confines of my office I was able to sample the sweet yet spicy gyro that was packed with just the right amount of toppings and heated to the perfect temperature.  Not a bad lunch, if you don’t count the whole klutz thing.  I will definitely be back to sample more of their goods.   

To try the new NY imported Devon & Blakely head to 1331 F Street NW, just off of the Metro Center stop.  Hopefully you’ll be able to order without any incidents of your own.