Market Lunch at Eastern Market

I have had Market Lunch and their blueberry buckwheat pancakes on my "Must Eat" list for over a year. Market Lunch is part of Capitol Hill's Eastern Market food complex. Much of historic Eastern Market was burned in a fire in May 2007 and the food vendors are now located across the street in a temporary space while the market is rebuilt.

B and I have walked through the outdoor farmers market and flea market several times but have never stopped to eat. I have a feeling we won't be passing up Market Lunch in the future. We walked about 2.5 miles from our house to Capitol Hill to train for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and had a tasty breakfast.

Despite the name, Market Lunch is really known for its breakfast. The "blue bucks" (blueberry buckwheat pancakes) are the star of the menu. When we arrived at 8:30am there was a line of people waiting to order at the counter. The owner/order taker knew many of the people in line as Market Lunch is the kind of place that has very devoted followers. You order at the counter and take a seat at a single long table.

I had the aforementioned blue bucks which were two very fluffy and very large buckwheat pancakes filled with fresh blueberries. The cakes were served with a dollop of butter, and a self-serve warming pot of syrup is located nearby. The blue bucks lived up to their reputation and were just the right balance of fluffy batter and juicy berries.

B had french toast topped with chopped pecans. The toast was made with french bread and B said it was perfectly cooked with just the right amount of crunch on the outside and doughy goodness in the middle. He called it simple and perfect.

I can't wait to return to try the crabcakes for lunch which the guy next to us called "the best crabcakes in D.C." For this crabcake-crazy town, that is saying something.

Second Thoughts from B

Having just come off Restaurant Week, my taste buds (not to mention my wallet) were happy to enjoy a more simple meal. But in the case of Market Lunch, simple does not mean boring or any less enjoyable than some of DC's fanciest restaurants. It is a perfect example of using a few basic elements and preparing them perfectly. In a town that seems to be in the business of constantly trying to impress or one-up each other, less can certainly be more.