Thursday, August 19, 2010

Cashion's - consistently underrated

1819 Columbia Road NW

After a long, hard week filled with emotional turmoil, overwhelming expectations at work, and personal demands I've put upon myself that are impossible to meet - I decided it was time to treat myself to a nice glass of wine and a delicious meal. Over the past few days I felt as my heart had been pulled in a million different directions, shredded to pieces, then sewn back together and the wounds had still not healed. I was exhausted mentally, emotionally and physically - it's amazing how run ragged you can feel based off of emotional experiences only. I don't mind sitting at the bar and eating by myself, I'm there for one purpose only - pure delight. The place I know I can be comforted at a time like this, is consistently Cashion's Eat Place.

What my soul really needed at this time was something that could make me feel like everything was going to be OK. I needed someone or something to communicate to me, "No, really, I mean it - it will all be fine. I promise! Trust me, I will never fail you." And it is so true - there is one thing that will never fail you in life, and that is food - if prepared correctly and presented just right. The one meal that never fails me? Consistently, it is Cashion's Ragout of Wild Mushrooms with Artisanal Polenta, and Tuscan Liver Sauce. This is not just any polenta, it is so rich and delicate at the same time. The liver sauce tastes like pure heaven, strong and robust, and balanced with touches of rosemary. Every single time I have this dish, I feel like I've discovered something no one else knows about.

The bitter sweet thing about this particular dish is that I discovered it with my boyfriend - who currently is one of the reasons why I felt the need to treat myself to an evening such as this. I'm enjoying this dish in solitude as I once enjoyed it with him by my side. But the level of comfort the Tuscan liver sauce and the hearty mushrooms bring me helps to calm my concerns and predictably reminds me, "It's all going to be OK."

The reason why I declare this place as underrated is because I never hear people talk about it anymore. With all of the new exciting restaurants opening up in DC lately, Cashion's gets lost in the shuffle. It really is a shame because it is some of the best food in city. But I suppose that just means there is more for me.