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Eastern Market in Washington, D.C. features an indoor market, a farmers market and a flea market. Destination D.C.

From kite flying to salsa dancing, Washington, D.C., has great entertainment, shopping and activities for everyone.

Food and Drink Essentials: Best Places to...

BUY GROCERIES

• Eastern Market, Seventh Street and North Carolina Avenue SE, Washington, D.C.
  This store is complete with indoor market, farmers market and flea market. Make sure you stop by the great cheese counter for a sample, or try the crab cakes at Market Lunch.

• Grand Mart International Food, 6326 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va.
  It's a Korean supermarket, but it also has foods from all over the world such as Latino and African. It also sells fresh produce.

• Harris Teeter, several locations
  I've heard the social scene at the North Glebe Road location at 600 North Glebe Road, Arlington, Va., is not bad either. Lots of young Arlington singles stroll through the aisles.

• Whole Foods Market, several locations
  The produce selection is often worth the higher prices, but you could go elsewhere for household staples.

GO FOR A POWER LUNCH

• Morton's, 1050 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
  Located near the K Street district, this famous steakhouse caters to lobbyists with powerful appetites.

• The Caucus Room, 401 Ninth St. NW, Washington, D.C.
  Nonpartisan power dining. Like all these establishments, it's best to call a few days ahead for a reservation when Congress is in session.

• The Palm, 1225 19th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
  Classic steak and seafood. Colorful caricatures decorate the walls. Desserts are plenty large to share. Here you'll find more of the political people who help run campaigns than people who make policy.

RUB ELBOWS WITH POLITICIANS
Note: Any place frequented by President Barack Obama will be a hot spot.

• Charlie Palmer Steak, 101 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
  American beef, American wine and American power politicians. Located near the Capitol Hill, the Hall of States, C-Span, the National Governor's Association and many other corporate offices.

• The Capital Grille, 601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
  Happy hour is an especially good time for elbow-rubbing at this centrally located spot, and the food is genuinely good.

• The Monocle, 107 D St. NE, Washington, D.C.
  Lunch is definitely the time to go if you want to dine with members of Congress. While the food is not the main attraction here, it is within walking distance from the Senate office buildings.

• Old Ebbitt Grill, 675 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
  Washington's historic saloon is popular in part because it is one of the few restaurants open late. Its bustling bar is a place to see and be seen. Because of its proximity to the White House, you'll find more administration people here than members of Congress.

TRY ETHNIC CUISINE

• Georgia Brown's, 950 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
  Low-country cuisine. Live jazz accompanies Sunday brunch, a rather generous breakfast buffet followed by a full lunch featuring a selection traditional Southern entr?es. Rest assured, you will NOT leave hungry.

• Dukem, 1118 U St. NW, Washington D.C.
  Live traditional Ethiopian music nightly at this favorite Ethiopian restaurant.

• 2 Amys, 3715 Macomb St. NW, Washington D.C.
  One of only a handful of pizza places in the United States certified by the Verace Pizza Napoletana Association, this is the place to go for an authentic Neapolitan pie.

• Ben's Chili Bowl, 1213 U St. NW, Washington D.C.
  A Washington landmark since the 1950s serving its famous half-smoke topped with chili. Certain fuel to keep the night going.

SIP A LATTE

• Java Shack, 2507 N. Franklin Road, Arlington, Va.
  This eco-conscious, dog-friendly coffeehouse has a nice garden patio in the summer.

• Mayorga Coffee Roasters, 8040 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md.
  Check out Moorenko's Ice Cream Caf? next door after your coffee.

• Patisserie Poupon, 1645 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
  Nothing improves a coffee experience like delicious French pastries to go with it.

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