An Unforgettable Washington D.C. Weekend: A Journey Through Iconic Sights and Culinary Delights

As our incredible Washington D.C. adventure draws to a close, this final installment of our weekend series promises a grand finale, encapsulating the vibrant spirit and diverse offerings of the nation’s capital. From historic landmarks and prestigious university campuses to the bustling streets of Georgetown and the unparalleled culinary experience of authentic Neapolitan pizza, our last day in D.C. was nothing short of memorable. Prepare to immerse yourself in the concluding chapter of our exploration, filled with unexpected discoveries and cherished moments.

Our day commenced with a serene visit to the majestic Jefferson Memorial, its classical architecture standing proudly against the backdrop of the Tidal Basin. After soaking in the panoramic views and reflecting on the monument’s historical significance, our itinerary led us to a different kind of grandeur: the bustling campus of George Washington University (GWU). Nestled in the dynamic Foggy Bottom neighborhood, GWU provided a fascinating contrast to the monumental core of D.C. It was striking to realize how little time I had previously spent in this particular area of the city, despite its undeniable convenience. With a metro stop perfectly situated within the neighborhood, accessibility is a dream, and it’s merely a short, pleasant walk of under a mile from the iconic Lincoln Memorial. This strategic location makes Foggy Bottom an ideal base for exploring many of D.C.’s premier attractions.

As we meandered through the academic heart of GWU, we specifically sought out the esteemed law school and the state-of-the-art health sciences building. The energy on campus was palpable, a vibrant mix of intellectual curiosity and youthful enthusiasm. Amidst our exploration, I couldn’t help but notice a charming establishment named “The Pharmacy” – or at least, I believe that was its name. With its inviting facade, it immediately piqued my interest as a potential spot for a future coffee break or a casual bite. It’s these serendipitous discoveries that often add the most unexpected joy to any trip.

Walking among the undergraduate students, observing the lively fraternities and sororities, brought a wave of nostalgia and a touch of disbelief. It felt surreal to think that I had only graduated from my own university a mere May prior. The contrast between GWU’s urban campus and my own undergraduate experience couldn’t have been starker. My university was situated in a quaint town of only 2,000 residents, a tranquil hour’s drive away from anything resembling a city. GWU, on the other hand, pulsed with the rhythm of city life, offering an entirely different collegiate atmosphere. It was an interesting reminder of the diverse educational landscapes across the country.

Following our impromptu self-guided tour of GWU, we took a scenic drive through the historic and picturesque streets of Georgetown. This charming neighborhood, famous for its Federalist architecture, cobblestone streets, and high-end boutiques, also happens to be home to a culinary institution that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of many: Georgetown Cupcakes. We made sure to pass by the original bakery location, and true to its reputation, the line snaked for what felt like at least a hundred feet, extending out the door and around the corner onto the next street. It was a testament to their enduring popularity! While I’ve been fortunate enough to indulge in their delightful cupcakes on numerous occasions, I’ve always opted for the Bethesda location. My insider tip for anyone craving these sweet treats is to head to Bethesda; it’s generally far less busy and offers a much more relaxed experience, saving you from a potentially lengthy wait. Regardless of the location, their cupcakes are an absolute must-try when in the D.C. area.

After immersing ourselves in the Georgetown charm, we retreated to Erin’s apartment, where a much-needed break awaited. We gratefully propped up our tired feet, recounted the day’s adventures, and refueled with some light snacks. This brief respite was essential before embarking on the evening’s main event: dinner at my absolute favorite pizza place in the entire city, Two Amy’s. This establishment isn’t just any pizza joint; it’s a destination for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, revered by locals and visitors alike for its commitment to tradition and quality.

Two Amy’s commitment to Neapolitan pizza is profound, adhering strictly to the time-honored traditions that define this beloved Italian culinary art. To truly understand the integrity of their offerings, it’s worth noting the rigorous standards involved. In 1998, the Italian government formally recognized Neapolitan pizza as a traditional food worthy of preservation, granting it D.O.C. (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) status. This designation meticulously specifies the legally permitted ingredients and methods of preparation necessary to produce truly authentic Neapolitan Pizza. For instance, only soft-grain flour, fresh yeast, water, and sea salt may be used for the dough. The toppings are equally prescriptive: only Italian plum tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala (buffalo mozzarella), extra-virgin olive oil, and fresh basil or dried oregano are permitted. Fresh garlic, a common pizza topping, is exclusively reserved for the Pizza Marinara. Furthermore, a non-negotiable requirement for all Neapolitan pizzas is that they must be cooked in a traditional wood-burning oven. This meticulous approach to every detail, from the dough to the cooking method, ensures an unparalleled pizza experience. You can read more about their dedication on their official website (Source).

It’s clear, if the D.O.C. status didn’t already convey it, that Two Amy’s takes its pizza incredibly seriously. This dedication translates into a menu featuring some truly unique and exquisitely crafted flavors, many of which we eagerly sampled during our much-anticipated dinner. However, dining at Two Amy’s, while utterly rewarding, does come with a caveat: they do not take reservations. This policy often means enduring a wait that can stretch to an hour or even longer, especially for larger parties like ours, which comprised six hungry individuals. It’s a small price to pay for such culinary excellence, but it requires a bit of strategic planning and patience.

With our name added to the waiting list, we decided to make the most of our waiting time. Just two blocks away lay the magnificent National Cathedral, an architectural marvel that commands attention. Although it was already closed for visitors by the time we arrived, its sheer grandeur, especially when beautifully lit up against the night sky, was a sight to behold. Despite having attended high school within walking distance of the Cathedral, taking the time to stroll around its expansive grounds at night offered a fresh and uniquely peaceful perspective. The intricate details of its Gothic architecture seemed even more pronounced under the glow of the evening lights, providing a serene interlude before our culinary feast. The crisp evening air and the majestic presence of the Cathedral created a perfect moment of reflection.

By the time we concluded our wanderings around the National Cathedral, it was precisely time to check back with Two Amy’s. To our pleasant surprise, the wait had been a manageable 40 minutes – certainly not bad for a Saturday night at such a popular spot. And then, the moment we had been eagerly anticipating: we were seated! A collective cheer (mostly internal, of course) filled our little group as we settled into our table, ready to embark on a memorable dining experience.

Once the pizzas started arriving, I confess, I became entirely engrossed in the delightful task of “stuffing my face” and, regrettably, neglected my duties as a photographer. However, I can assure you that the pizzas at Two Amy’s are as visually appealing as they are delicious. The true star, beyond the exceptional toppings, is undeniably the crust. It’s nothing short of divine – thin and perfectly pliable in the center, yet miraculously crispy and soft around the edges. This exquisite balance creates a textural masterpiece that is simply incomparable. Oh, how I wish I could replicate such perfection in my home kitchen! Their secret, no doubt, lies in the use of high-quality, fresh ingredients that sing with authentic Italian flavors.

Between the six of us, our appetites were substantial, and we quickly devoured an impressive array of dishes:

• Two generous plates of mixed greens, lightly dressed with bright lemon, robust red wine vinegar, and fragrant olive oil – a perfect palate cleanser.

And for the main event, five extraordinary pizzas, each a testament to Neapolitan artistry:

• Etna: A symphony of flavors featuring tender eggplant confit, briny olives, capers, fragrant oregano, and a generous dusting of Grana Padano cheese. The eggplant confit sauce on this one was particularly outstanding.
• Vongole: An adventurous and incredibly delicious pizza topped with fresh garlic, capers, parsley, a hint of hot pepper, succulent cockles, and Grana. This was a revelation, marking my first experience with shellfish on pizza, and it was a revelation. The subtle heat from the peppers was perfectly balanced, enhancing the seafood without overpowering it, and the capers added a wonderful tang.
• Norcia: A hearty and flavorful choice with rich tomato sauce, savory salami, sweet grilled peppers, creamy fresh mozzarella, and Grana.
• Margherita Extra: An elevated take on the classic, featuring extra tomato, luscious mozzarella di bufala, and sweet cherry tomatoes, highlighting the purity of simple, high-quality ingredients.
• Two Amy’s: The namesake pizza, boasting a vibrant tomato base, fresh mozzarella, and the delightful addition of fresh pesto as an add-on, providing an herbaceous burst of flavor.

My personal favorites from this incredible spread were hands down the Etna pizza, with its incredibly flavorful eggplant confit sauce, and the Vongole with cockles. The idea of shellfish on pizza might sound unconventional to some, but trust me, it was absolutely delicious. The hot peppers provided a fantastic, subtle spiciness that added depth without being overwhelming, and the capers were a brilliant addition, cutting through the richness. I honestly felt like I could have eaten even more! By the end of our meal, there wasn’t even a crumb left on any of our plates – a clear sign of truly exceptional food. A return visit is definitely in order, and soon!

The remaining portion of our unforgettable weekend was relatively low-key, consisting of a leisurely breakfast and the bittersweet task of driving Giovonne and Josh back to the airport. Reflecting on the entire trip, though undeniably busy, it was an absolute blast. Every moment was filled with laughter, good food, and shared experiences. This weekend served as a powerful reminder, once again, of just how much I truly adore Washington D.C. Its blend of history, culture, vibrant neighborhoods, and culinary delights makes it a city that continually captivates and delights. Until next time, D.C.!