"Since opening Mélange in fall 2020, D.C. chef Elias Taddesse has wowed Mt. Vernon Triangle with his fast-food mashup menu centered around French techniques and Ethiopian flavors. His standout cheeseburger constructed with freshly ground Maryland beef patties and brown butter aioli is just an entry point to Mélange. Ethiopian spices stored in translucent containers inside the ordering counter clue customers into more inventive options that mix up Taddesse’s East African heritage, Michelin-starred background, and nostalgia for American drive-thrus. Do not miss the National, a berbere-marinated and dry-spiced fried chicken sandwich reminiscent of doro wat stew. Takeout pints of ice cream and hand-spun milkshakes in simple flavors like milk or toast are also spectacular splurges." - Tierney Plumb