Where to eat in the DMV: Brunching at Moon Rabbit, A Flavorful Viet-fusion Adventure
If you're looking for a brunch spot with a unique twist, Moon Rabbit on the Wharf in DC should definitely be on your list. Having tried it for Restaurant Week last year and enjoyed the experience, I decided to return last weekend to explore the menu further.
To start off, I ordered the Ca Chien Ca Ri, a crispy fried fish cooked Nashville-style. The fish was perfectly crispy yet tender, balanced by the buttery toast and pickles.
For mains, we tried the Com Thit Nuong, which consisted of tender grilled pork served over a bed of fragrant jasmine rice. The pork was cooked to perfection and had a great smoky peanutty flavor that paired well with the rice.
The Gumbo Ramen was my favorite dish of the day. A unique fusion of two classic dishes, it featured ramen noodles in a spicy gumbo broth with sausage, bean sprouts, seaweed and surprise, potato salad. The flavors were bold and well-balanced, making it a must-try for any foodie.
To finish off the meal, I indulged in a beignet served with a Vietnamese coffee. The beignets was light and airy, dusted with powdered sugar, while the coffee had a rich and bold flavor that perfectly complemented the sweetness of the beignets.
But there's more to the menu at Moon Rabbit than just these dishes. Some additional recommendations to try include:
Banh Mi: a baguette filled with your choice of protein (pork belly, grilled chicken, or tofu) and pickled vegetables, served with a side of house-made potato chips.
Shrimp and Grits: plump and juicy shrimp served over a bed of creamy grits, with a spicy and savory sauce.
Kimchi Fried Rice: fried rice mixed with Korean-style kimchi and served with a sunny-side-up egg on top.
Vietnamese Coffee Bread Pudding: brioche bread, condensed milk, and Vietnamese coffee, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Moon Rabbit is co-owned by Chef Kevin Tien, who has received numerous accolades for his culinary skills. In 2019, he was named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, and in 2020 he was named Chef of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. Tien's innovative fusion cuisine blends Vietnamese flavors with Southern and Cajun influences, resulting in dishes that are both creative and flavorful.
Overall, my experience at Moon Rabbit was outstanding. The food was flavorful and unique, and the atmosphere was lively and energetic. I highly recommend giving it a try for brunch or dinner.