Open Crumb — Restaurant in Washington

It is a small place, many would probably describe it as a hole in the wall, but it didn't have that feel to me. The chef, Peter, (and I am calling him a chef by the way he listened to and took care of us, plus the confidence he put in the food), was very nice and attentive. Everything was made to order. It was a combination of West African cuisine and a small sprinkle of American and soul food dishes.

I had the crab cake sandwich, which used no nasty filler material, but mostly delicious crab meat and herbs, falling apart at every bite. It was definitely worth it, and for a good price. I had mac and cheese which was good, despite not using elbow macaroni (not sure if that's how they regularly make it or not...should have asked). My son had the grilled chicken sandwich which he tore up. The collard greens were flavored heavy with vinegar, so they are an acquired taste for me, but were better when I put lemon pepper and paprika on them at home.

The blackened salmon I brought home for somebody else who told me, I should have tried their's, and that they would go back for more. So clearly that was good. It looked delicious, very soft and tender, not dry and white.

I can't wait to taste the peanut butter soup (my favorite dish since I was a kid). So please support this establishment, I know I will! Easy to get to, since it's a couple of stores up from the Anacostia Arts Center. There are a couple of small 2-chair tables, if you want to sit and eat with your partner or child too.

Pleased to meet you,...

On the outside, Open Crumb is easily missed. With the exception of their simple sign, nothing sticks out. It's a small cafe in historic Anacostia with orange walls and 2-3 small tables. It's sterile. But looks can be deceiving. Their story and food make this place exceptional.

1. The story: It's a family own restaurant where the mom, dad, and adult kids are seen in the kitchen making your food. This family used to own a restaurant for 15 years in Adams Morgan. The son (the chef) moved to southeast DC so they opened this place. They are passionate about cooking and the neighborhood.

2. The food: Every two days, they bake fresh brioche bread for their sandwiches. You'll experience their brioche if you order the fried chicken sandwich. It comes fresh from the fryer after being brined for 36 hours with spices. They add fresh tomato, lettuce, and purple onion crafting one of the best fried chicken sandwiches I've had in the city. My sandwich was just under $8.

Most people order their food to go, but there are tables and a bathroom if you want to stay. Chat up the owners. They are...

I recently had an unfortunate dining experience at this restaurant. I ordered the ginger salmon meal with jollof rice and African stew, and I was deeply disappointed. The food was incredibly bland, with no hint of seasoning or salt. The salmon was overcooked and tough, with a burnt black skin. The rice was overcooked and too soft, lacking any flavor.

The only redeeming part of the meal was the lemonade, which was decent, but it hardly justified the $25 price tag for the meal. Hoping for a better end to the meal, I ordered the brown butter toffee cookies, which surprisingly were delicious.

Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this place. Save your money and dine elsewhere.

Lemonade: 3/5 Ginger Salmon: 0/5 Brown Butter...