Lollipops: Vapiano

Of all the restaurants in DC's Chinatown, I chose to go Italian and eat at Vapiano. This restaurant, with 30 locations worldwide (including one in Dallas), serves up quick and delicious custom made Italian fare.

Vapiano may confuse a first time visitor, because when entering each person is handed a plastic card similar to a credit card. There are dozens of tables and a long food bar with fresh ingredients behind it.

The flow goes like this: look over the menu of pizzas, salads, and pastas, and head to the counter that specializes in what you want. Then, tell the chef what you want special on your order. The chef instructs you to place your card in front of the card reader, which totals up the cost of your order. This card is yours to add on to with desserts, drinks, and more are your meal continues. After the card is registered, the chef makes your order immediatley.

This simple and speedy process allows for a wonderful dining experience. It is the classiest fast-food like experience I have ever had.