Famous Food

Restaurants are only as good as the glossy celebrity photos that grace their walls. Would the Corned Beef of Carnegie taste so good if Willard Scott wasn’t staring you and your matzoh balls down? Clearly, there is a corolation between framed pseudo-celebrity endorsements and culinary satisfaction.
My first experience of this phenomenon in our nation’s capital took place several weeks ago at Ben’s Chili Bowl , a landmark diner in the U Street district. Cosby’s eyes seemed to follow me like the Mona Lisa’s as I chowed down on a chili dog, some greasy fries, and a sarsaparilla. Afterwards, photos of Denzel Washington and Al Sharpton let me know that I was feasting in a hallowed space, reserved only for the strongest digestive systems. I still haven’t quite recovered. You could make a killing if you figured out a way to sell Tums out of a gumball machine on U Street.
Oriental rugs, velvet pillows, chandeliers, belly dancing…. belly dancing! Marrakesh’s Moroccan flavor makes you feel like royalty. Dining traditionally, we sat through seven courses sans silverware, and picked away at some of the best lamb, eggplant, chicken, olives, and cous-cous (the food so nice, they named it twice). Did I mention the belly dancing? On the way to the restroom, the hallways are crammed floor to ceiling with pictures of DC dignitaries. Pictures of Warren Beaty staring at belly dancers bosoms adorn the walls next to frames of Bob Dole giving the good ole “thumbs up”. You’re in good company at Marrakesh.