This past weekend, my husband and I decided to try something new. We went on a culinary adventure at a restaurant that’s been a staple in Washington, DC, since 2015: Purple Patch. While it was new to us, I was surprised to learn it’s one of the first Filipino restaurants in the city—especially given DC's diverse cultures.
Walking in on a Friday night, we were seated right away. The atmosphere was like a family. There's something special about independently owned restaurants; they tend to offer a level of authenticity and warmth that chain restaurants often lack. I was eager to dive into Filipino cuisine, a first for me, and excited to embrace this new experience.
We started our meal with a trio of appetizers: lumpia, fried calamansi wings, and savory ribeye skewers. The lumpia, similar to spring rolls, were delicate and filled with flavor—though just five on the plate left us wanting more.
The fried calamansi chicken wings, however, were a mixed bag. My husband, a self-proclaimed wing connoisseur, found the combination of savory and sweet not-so-great. I thought they were good, but I could see how the unique flavor profile might not be for everyone. We opted to switch them out for the spicy adobo wings, a decision I was glad we made. The ribeye skewers, on the other hand, were the star of the show. They were tender and bursting with flavor. Very savory.
For our entrées, we decided to take our server’s recommendations: chicken adobo and pork sisig. Both dishes were new to us, and I found the chicken adobo different to say the least. Served with garlic fried rice, the dish had a robust broth that reminded me a bit of Pho, but with a strong soy sauce presence. The saltiness was intense, making the rice a necessary companion to balance the flavors. While it was a unique experience, I’d rate it a solid 3 out of 5 stars.
Now, let’s talk about the drinks. The cocktail menu was visually appealing. The presentation was beautiful and creative, but I felt a bit out of my depth with the trendy ingredients. Having bartended in the past, I was curious yet hesitant to experiment. Instead, I went for a hot honey tea that was simply delicious—comforting and sweet, it’s a taste I can still savor.
Before we left, I couldn’t help but notice the brunch offerings on Yelp, with their stunning purple pancakes and unique desserts. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time for dessert this visit, but it’s definitely on my radar for next time.
Overall, our experience at Purple Patch was a lovely introduction to Filipino cuisine. While some dishes resonated more than others, the warm atmosphere and familial service made it a memorable outing. I can’t wait to return and explore the brunch menu, as well as the purple dessert!
Have you tried Filipino food? What was your experience like? I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations!