Founding Farmer's in D.C.

Urban Farmhouse Dining
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​In July, Don and I had a pretty memorable lunch, a few blocks from the White House.  

Here I am posing with my future daughter-in-law and her mom, under the sign for Founding Farmers. The playful name obviously is a reminder of our Founding Fathers.  But the farmer part is serious. 40,000 farmers own this restaurant!  

​In and Out

The 2-story, corner restaurant looks like a typical city office building on the outside.  But inside, the open space is an entertaining mix of modern design, whimsical accents and recycled materials.

Inside the resturaunt, it was pretty busy, so there were good people watching opportunities.  However, the big windows  offered a good show of the the non-touristy downtown D.C.
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Bar and Booths
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The bar and booths were filled with mostly business diners at 1:30.  There were a few laptops getting some use and a little drinking going on as well. It was loud and festive.
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"Engage, Involve and Interact"

We had a short wait until we were seated, which gave us a chance to browse through books in a cozy nook. A sign with the 3 words above, invited us to take a peek at the books and to learn and share.

This is what I learned:
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I was reminded that many of the Founding Fathers were originally farmers. I learned that the food served at Founding Farmers, comes from hundreds of US farms. 

​Curious Decor

I was totally entertained as we waited. The very odd hanging clouds looked like they might pour down a little rain at any minute. I was delighted by a few pig statues and the modern bird lamps.

​Stylish Stairs

There were some silo inspired shapes here and there.  I loved the stairway going up to the second level, where we dined.

 

I'm guessing the floors may have come from an old barn. The walls had so many interesting textures.

​Seated!
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The upstairs space was brighter and starting to thin out. Our table, right in the middle, gave us a good view all around. 

Serving Up Fun Dishes
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I liked the way some of the food was served.  The skillet cornbread with sea salted honey butter was delivered in a mini iron skillet.  Don's burger came with green beans and a knife that made me think of Daniel Boone!

Comfort Food
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Chali's tomato soup, grilled cheese and fries warmed her up, along with her shawl. (The air-conditioning seemed to be focussed at our table.)  Note the retro milk bottle, that was used like a carafe, for water.

My Dogs!
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I couldn't resist the "Butcher's Hot Dogs and Rolls" that came topped with tomato chow chow... blue cheese, bacon and chili... rich and decadent!  And Pearl Pasta Salad on the side!
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After Meal Fun

After we finished our feast, we had a fun time chatting and making discoveries.

Don and Linda were quite delighted to find out they have something very unique in common.

​Sting Ray
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It's not everyone who has a wallet or purse made of sting ray skin.  What a hoot!

Bathroom Adventure
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​Linda and I found out we have something in common as well. We both have huge appreciation for a fun bathroom.  Luckily the place was empty, when Linda and I explored the entertaining bathroom.  

First we had fun reading the quotes on the black wall.  Then we spent way too much time laughing at the sets of infinity mirrors in each bathroom stall. 

Heading Out
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Before heading off, I took a quick peek at a food prep area, behind the counter.  The glass dome with enclosed farm animals made me laugh.  A cup of candles made me wish for a birthday. The 2 piping hot cornbread skillets made me wish I was hungry all over again.

A fun place... with lots of good food and surprises!