A Perfect Day in Washington: Writer-Retailer Amanda McClements' Itinerary

We asked the food writer and Salt & Sundry owner what she loves to do in the city. It's no surprise that shopping and dining rank high on her list. Here she takes us to some of her favorite spots.

Morning: Coffee Time

I’ll order a cappuccino and sit outside at The Coffee Bar. It’s tucked away on a tree-lined street and right around the corner from my house. Then I’ll stroll over to Cork Market for a bacon-cheddar scone.

Mid-morning: Shop Crawl

Next I’ll head to some of my favorite shops on the 14th Street corridor: Redeem/MUTINY for unique finds, GoodWood for home accessories and Federal for great men’s gifts.

Noon: To Market, To Market

Time to go east to Union Market to check on my team at Salt & Sundry and grab lunch at the Rappahannock Oyster Bar—a dozen raw Olde Salt oysters, grown in Virginia, and the hearty “Lambs & Clams” dish.

Afternoon: Grocery Run

For a post-lunch caffeine fix, it’s a cortado at Peregrine Espresso in the market. After picking up supplies for home (milk from Trickling Springs, rustic bread from Lyon Bakery, a gorgeous piece of fish from The District Fishwife), I’ll head back to Logan Circle to get ready for a dinner date.

Dinner: Two’s Company

My husband and I are so drawn to the bright, spicy flavors at Doi Moi. We’ll snag a seat at the bar for a feast of Vietnamese and Thai dishes, then finish the night with brilliant cocktails at 2 Birds 1 Stone, a bar right underneath the restaurant.

Read our Q&A with Amanda.