Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.-Doug Larson

Ariake

My favorite sushi spot in the East Coast. It's just as good as Sushi O Sushi, but it a totally different way. Sushi O Sushi has those delicious and original rolls with all the extras but Ariake's fish is just to die for. The fish is so clean, meaty and fresh tasting, you'd think there were an ocean behind the restaurant. I could eat at Ariake at least once a week.

Fish, to taste right, must swim three times - in water, in butter, and in wine.-Polish Proverb

Breakfast of Champions!

I could eat all that everyday for breakfast. Plain oatmeal made with skim milk. Oatmeal is so delicious because it can be a blank canvas and you can put nearly anything it. I prefer Bear Naked Granola (today it's fruit & nut), blueberries, and strawberries. Occasionally I'll sprinkle Cinnamon. Whole grain English muffins with margarine, coffee with skim milk, and a banana. I didn't get my glass of water in the picture to begin hydrating in the morning. Delicious and so filling. Sometimes I'll replace the banana with a Greek yogurt with granola. I would choose this over pancakes and bacon any day. I ate this at 845-900 am and wasn't hungry again until 2 pm. This is such a great meal to eat if you're working all day and you probably won't get many chances to eat until later. Fairly healthy and delicious fuel for your day.

Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all-Harriet van Horne

This year I've become more of a foodie and I turned 21; an amazing combination. A bit expensive, but worth it. Living with foodie parents, the desire to eat delicious food both at home and out will make this a fat summer. On top of that, Top Chef: DC starts in two weeks and a desire to explore DC's culinary scene will probably grow as the show goes on.

Before even seeing Top Chef: DC and seeing new places I want to try, here is a preliminary list of DC area food establishments I'd like to sink my teeth into with friends or parents. Some are tried and true favorites, some newbies, some classier than others.

Oyamel Cocina Mexicana

One of two Jose Andres DC restaurants I haven't eaten at. This tapas joint is Mexican themed.

Cheesecake Factory

I never want to look at the nutritional information for this family favorite. I eat based on taste, which is probably bad.

Volt

Top Chef alum Brian Voltaggio's restaurant in Frederick, MD.

Westend Bistro

Eric Ripert's DC restaurant.

Breakfast at the Willard

One of DC's classiest hotels, it's kind of essential I eat a meal here at some point. So I choose breakfast.

Jaleo

Duh.

Good Stuff Eatery

Top Chef alum Spike Mendelsohn's burger joint. Delicious milkshakes and burgers.

We the Pizza

Mendelsohn's new pizza place, opening right next door to Good Stuff.

Ariake

Double duh.

That's it for now. Watch this list grow by the week as summer goes on.