At the bustling, rejuvenated Union Market, which made its grand return to northeast Washington, D.C., in 2012 but originally dates back to 1871 as Centre Market, there’s something for everyone. Bring your appetite and plan to spend a few hours sampling food and drink from dozens of different vendors and purveyors, including some of the city’s best, innovative food.
Here’s a quick guide to what you’ll find to eat in Union Market and a few of the places that should be on your radar.
Co Co. Sala
Co Co. Sala, a restaurant and chocolate boutique near Metro Center, is opening a new shop in Union Market, with plans to make its debut in time for Mother’s Day.
“I have very fond childhood memories of visiting the market with my mother,” said Nisha Sidhu, co-owner of Co Co. Sala. “Opening at Union Market around this beautiful time of year, when we pay tribute to the most important women in our lives, would be a blessing.”
The shop will feature boxes of their artisanal chocolates and a variety of their other favorite treats, including hot co co. pops and chocolate-enrobed bacon pieces.
If your sweet tooth is still calling you, then you’ll be pleased to know that Dolcezza Gelato is planning to open a “gelato factory and coffee lab” in a 4,000-square-foot warehouse next door to Union Market. You’ll be able to try their gelato at its freshest from the tasting room, right as it’s produced in house, while also getting a firsthand look at the production process. They also currently have a pop-up location within Union Market that’s open on Sundays.
Rappahannock Oyster Co.
Rappahannock’s oysters are served at hundreds of restaurants, but there’s no better place to get them than from their own oyster bar. Their location in Union Market is only their third restaurant, and you’ll find an intriguing variety of creative small plates, and, oh yes, oysters, oysters, oysters — all native and all aquaculture grown from a company with a true commitment to improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its crucial ecosystem.
Red Apron Butchery
Red Apron Butchery has a huge range of high-quality charcuterie, salumi, and meats, with both American and European favorites. All of their products are sourced from sustainably raised, antibiotic- and hormone-free animals. Red Apron also now serves a collection of delicious sandwiches.
Looking for a rare or specialty cut? They’re a whole-animal butcher, and they’ll have it. If somehow they don’t, or if you’re just in the mood to continue exploring, take a few steps down and visit Harvey’s Market, a full-service butcher with local roots dating back to 1931 and a similar focus on sustainable and natural meats.
Righteous Cheese
Righteous Cheese has more unique and uncommon cheeses than you can handle. At least at once. You can buy by the hunk to take home, or sit down at the bar and order one of their specially selected wine flight and cheese plate pairings. These typically offer three cheeses and wines each and cost about $20 to $25. Don’t be afraid to ask their cheesemongers for recommendations and suggestions.
TaKorean
TaKorean began as a Washington, D.C., food truck and remains one of the premier choices around the District for food on the move, even as dozens of new choices have emerged. Serving Korean BBQ tacos, a fusion of Korean barbecue with Mexican flavors and form, now you can also find them in Union Market. They offer both tacos and bowls, with three core choices: Korean bulgogi steak, tangy chicken, and caramelized tofu, all with a variety of great toppings and sauces.
This article was first published on Yahoo News on April 22, 2013
