Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina: Weekly Menu #606 And The Book Of The Week

This week, we’re taking a culinary tour through the heart of the nation’s capital! Washington D.C. is more than politics and monuments—it’s a vibrant melting pot of flavors, thanks to its diverse communities and rich regional traditions. From the iconic half-smoke sausages and mumbo sauce wings of local carryouts to the globally beloved dishes brought by Ethiopian and Vietnamese immigrants, D.C.'s food scene is bold, multicultural, and deeply rooted in history. Get ready to explore the city’s signature bites—no campaign trail required.

This week’s read, The Girls I Was by Jeneve Rose, pairs surprisingly well with our Washington D.C.-inspired menu. Much like the capital city—a place layered with history, reinvention, and second chances—Alexis Spencer is forced to confront her past and reckon with the choices that shaped her present. After losing everything and waking up not just in another city, but in another year, Alexis is thrown into a whirlwind of self-discovery and unexpected change. As she faces the girl she used to be, we’re embracing the spirit of transformation with dishes that reflect D.C.’s blend of tradition, culture, and reinvention. Because sometimes, both in life and in the kitchen, you have to go back to move forward.

So, whether you're reckoning with your past like Alexis or just trying to make it through the week with something satisfying on your plate, this menu has you covered. It’s a flavorful lineup rooted in resilience, reinvention, and a little bit of indulgence—just like our book of the week. Let’s dig into the bold and diverse tastes of Washington D.C.!