The US Capitol has a new food option, but it's not quite what anyone expected. Dubbed "The Hideaway," this mysterious spot recently opened its doors (or should we say, peephole?) to House members and staffers.
The intrigue started with a cryptic email announcing the arrival of a new eatery "166 years in the making" – complete with a key image. Food critic Victoria Knight, known for her scoops on Capitol Hill cuisine, envisioned a speakeasy-style watering hole. Turns out, the reality is a bit more...beige.
Located next to the historic Members' Dining Room (founded in 1858!), The Hideaway occupies a former storage space. While the location might not be glamorous, it aims to provide a quick lunch option. The menu features whimsical names like "Point of Order Pasta" (penne with olive oil), "Quorum Wraps" (roasted turkey and Sriracha cream cheese), and "Pro Tem Tots" (tater tots...with questionable ketchup availability?). They even have a House Bean Soup vying for the title of Capitol Hill's best.
So, is The Hideaway a legislative lunch gamechanger? Not quite. Knight, our intrepid food critic, had a less than stellar experience. The pasta was "actively bad," the soup lacked substance, and the prices were surprisingly high (those tater tots will set you back a whopping $7!).
Despite the lackluster debut, there's a glimmer of hope. The Hideaway seems like a direct response to staffer requests for quick and fresh lunch options. Plus, the "secret recipe" House Bean Soup might hold some hidden potential.
The speakeasy dream might be on hold for now, but Knight believes there's an "untapped market" for a congressional watering hole. Maybe the online buzz will convince them to reconsider!
Whether The Hideaway will become a Capitol Hill favorite or a footnote in foodie history remains to be seen. One thing's for sure, it's definitely the most interesting lunch option on the Hill (even if the food itself isn't).