Each Friday afternoon, this list will track five of the best things Heavy Table’s writers, editors, and photographers have recently bitten or sipped. Have a suggestion for the Hot Five? Email editor@heavytable.com.
Banh Tom Chien from Quang
The Banh Tom Chien from Quang is such a nice piece of comfort food. Sweet yams, chewy shrimp, most unhealthfully fried into something extra tasty and cheer-inspiring.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Contributed by Amy Rea]
Roasted Vegetables at Heyday
The fact that this vegetable dish stands out even in the context of wonderful meat dishes speaks to its excellence. The plate is an unexpected combo of root vegetables, Brussels sprouts, and even a pickle. I’d skip dessert for these vegetables, and that is saying a lot!
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Contributed by Paige Latham]
Blueberry Orange Roll from Mon Petit Chéri Bakery
Packed with a gently sugared citrus kick and tiny little flavorful blueberries, the blueberry orange roll at the newly opened Mon Petit Chéri Bakery is a sweet tooth’s dream. It lacks the gloppy, oversweet frosting that brings down so many of its colleagues and presents a lovely, coffee-pairable first bite of the day.
[Last Week on the Hot Five: #4 | Tweeted by James Norton]
Semlor from Fika
A lenten treat with Scandinavian origins, Fika’s Semlor ($3) are little cardamom-spiced bread-bowls filled with whipped cream. A must have for seekers of seasonal European pastries, Semlor are an excellent accompaniment to coffee. Try it traditional-style, in a bowl of warm milk. They’ll be disappearing April 4.
[Last Week on the Hot Five: #2 | Contributed by Ted Held]
Bison Burger at Buster’s on 28th
If you’ve never quite understood what people mean when they refer to “umami,” the bison burger ($12) at Buster’s on 28th has it in spades. The bison meat is cut with bacon so it manages to be simultaneously lean and rich. It’s beautifully charred and rests atop a coating of pickle mayonnaise. With a toasted bun from A Baker’s Wife next door, this burger is a contender for best in town.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Contributed by Ted Held]