A colleague took us out to lunch at the World Bank, and after a 15-minute underground security procedure, we emerged into a self-contained environment with its own cafes and fountains and art galleries, and even its own bank; really, its own economy. The cafeteria had several international food stands, but notably quite a few American stations as well, like pizza slices and burgers and a whole counter full of tiramisu and apple tarts and banana cakes for dessert. I tried some chickpeas that tasted similar to what’s customary at Indian restaurants, but less spicy, and they were at the same counter as the South African lamb stew so I’m not sure about the place of origin. It was the first day after the weeks of rain had stopped, and tourists were feeling their way through Lafayette Park in the unfamiliar light.
(Photo: Gallatin statue at the Treasury Department, D.C.)
365 Days of Food 